Lieschke Motors - Walla Walla & Holbrook: Classic Restos - Series 47

Fletch travels down the Hume Highway to Walla Walla, north of Albury, to the birthplace of D E Lieschke Motors in 1923. Starting as a motor garage, then adding a dealership for Willys-Overland Whippet in 1926, and later for Essex and a sub-agent for the Model T Ford before becoming a fully-fledged GM dealership in 1948.
There have been four generations of the Lieschke family over the journey. The business still resides in the same building, with some modifications to conform with GMH Dealer guidelines. Retired Dealer Principal Cecil Lieschke reflects on some of the most exciting times; the standout was the release of the first Holden in October 1948. Cecil recalls, "Interest was so strong that there was a 2-year waiting list, you didn't have to sell cars". The strength of the Holden brand resonated for years, and the theme ' kangaroos, meat pies and Holden cars' still recalled today. The workshop was the hub of the dealership, with seven mechanics on duty; they had a policy of always having two apprentices to maintain the region's mechanical skills. Something that has lasted the journey is a model of a policeman that first adorned the top of the building's front verandah in 1923; the same model sits proudly on the front of Lieschke Motors today. Its reference is to Walla Walla being a one policeman town.
The Lieschke Holden Dealerships in Walla Walla and its sister town of Holbrook are today very active motor workshops, servicing everything Holden. The former car showrooms proudly display several iconic models that graced their showrooms in the past, including a 1927 Whippet originally sold in Walla Walla and repurchased after a life as a chicken coup before being restored in Geelong. A VH Group 2 SS Commodore and a VL Group A SS Commodore, both traded in and retained by the dealership, together with a 1956 FJ Holden. They also have several iconic Holdens at Holbrook, including a one-owner HK Monaro 'Bathurst Edition' with a 253 V8 4-speed gearbox with only 17,000 miles on the clock and in original condition, except for the wheels.
Whether in Walla Walla or Holbrook, the Lieschke name means a lifetime of automotive sales and service delivered by four generations of the Lieschke family.

[@nowukkas2472]

Both dealerships have a lot more cars than they showed in that segment. Still probably a lot less than they had in the 80s and 90s - literally paddocks full of them!

[@ronwyatt8635]

Love it. What a great episode. Great family, great passion for the brand and community. Keep up the great work Fletch.

[@rbshed2208]

Amazing family. I worked at davids Holbrook dealership for 3 years. Ironically I lived in Walla Walla lol. At the time we were leading rural sales for 5years.... David never stops amazing video thanks Fletch.

[@GeeenJ]

fletch that suit goes well with the vintage orange toilet

[@pangaute]

Gold! Love these stories, more thanks

[@andrew_koala2974]

The lone "The former car showrooms proudly display several iconic models that grazed their showrooms" contains an incorrect word. Cars are not 'GRAZING' livestock. The line should read : The former car showrooms proudly display several iconic models that graced their showrooms' ...

[@ShannonsInsurance]

Thanks for picking that up Andrew_koala, we have corrected this now.

[@andrewruss2764]

My first car a 1983 VH Commodore was sold new at the Walla Dealership in mid 1983. Hume Shire Council were the first owners. It was originally fitted with a 173 engine and 5 speed gearbox along with aftermarket air-conditioning. Other than that it was def poverty spec

[@richardtravers2436]

Loved the video well done to everyone involved. 👍

[@allyboy8]

Very nice Fletch. 👍

[@alfredandersonanderson7647]

Once again Fletch you have brought the Aussie car heritage into my living room in the USA . Love your passion for all brands and got to admire a guy who could pull off wearing that sports coat. Best to you and thanks for another entertaining show Love to meet u when u come back to the USA some day Bill in Fort Wayne Indiana

[@davidbarnsley8486]

What a fantastic family and such great history I think we need a country tour of old Holden dealerships 😍😍👍👍

[@noelgibson5956]

Those brand new HK's.............wow! I'll take the Monaro please!!😍👍

[@jb7591]

Another great episode. I loved to see the passion for Holden's. The brand lives!!!!

[@TheTruckdriver999]

Been going past Holbrook dealer for years always stopped and looked in when I had the chance

[@markritchie9112]

Enjoyed this episode. The best I've seen yet on this channel! More about the people than the cars themselves.

[@steveskrobot9496]

The Policeman sign gives a whole new meaning to ' Silent Cop'

[@jimclarke1108]

Just gets better, walla walla

[@jamesrebbechi4471]

What a great thing Fletch well done.

[@peterbarber7613]

Pitty they are now closed

[@allantaylor3288]

Excellent video Fletch 👍

[@georgep9059]

Nice episode