From the Datsun 180B, to the Valiant Charger, and iconic Holden Commodore, everyone has a memory of the cars that have made their way into the hearts of millions of Aussies. 

In the eight-part podcast series, Cars That Made Australia, which launches today, comedian Tim “Rosso” Ross takes listeners on a ride down memory lane, exploring our long-standing love affair with the humble automobile. 

Whether it was the car your parents brought you home from the hospital in (potentially without being secured properly), or the one you crammed into on those hot summer road trips; the model you saved up for when you were a teenager, or the car your mate had that represented freedom on four wheels… this is the story of the people who drove them and the people that rode in them; the story of the Cars That Made Australia.

Through a mix of personal anecdotes and in-depth interviews with passionate owners, sentimental back seat drivers, auto experts and industry insiders, the podcast explores the significant role that cars have played in shaping Australia’s culture and society over the decades… and let us let out our inner bogan.

“Cars are our first big purchase and when our mum or dad or our grandparents got a new car it was the biggest thing going round”, said Ross.

“Telling our stories, big and small is important to me and I know that people are so nostalgic about the cars that have moved us around this fantastic country. I can’t wait to bring these stories to life in this new podcast series with Nine.”

Over the series, Tim Ross chats with the likes of Merrick Watts on his adventures in the infamous Leyland P76; acclaimed Australian director Fred Schepisi about being at the helm of the legendary ‘Hey Charger’ ad campaign; and Alex Kyriakopoulos, who worked on the production line at Holden for 14 years and was there as the very final vehicle rolled off the line. 

Whether you’re a passionate car lover or just a nostalgic Aussie who grew up in the golden age of family sedans and affordable hatchbacks, Cars That Made Australia offers an entertaining reflection on the unique mark cars have made on our social history.

Episode one of Cars That Made Australia is available from Thursday 20 April and will be dropping every week. 

Listen here and wherever you get your podcasts. 

For further information and interview requests, please contact:
Caitlin Lynch
Senior Communications Manager, Nine
clynch@nine.com.au

Thursday, April 20, 2023