Fangs at Lang Lang

The Lang Lang proving ground has played an instrumental role in Holden’s long-term success. In the first of a three-part series focusing on Australia’s automotive test tracks, AMC examines Lang Lang’s intriguing history, which includes developing Holden’s performance vehicles and race cars.

Story: Luke West

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In 1956 General Motors-Holden purchased 877 hectares of land at Lang Lang, a farming community 95km south-east of Melbourne. What they would be doing there was initially a closely guarded secret. One of their first steps was to surround the area with two-metre high security fencing. In early photos the scooters that were used to patrol these fences can be seen.

One of the guard houses at the entry to the Proving Ground

The first security guards wore uniforms similar to those worn by police. The employees wore spotless white Yakka overalls.

This new complex had the spooky atmosphere of other research establishments like the Woomera rocket range. Unless you had a legitimate reason for being here, you weren’t allowed in. A sign on the entrance gates suggests that cars entering the facility may be searched.