“Sherman’s Back” Holden

One of the largest and most popular items in the Lightning Ridge Historical Society’s collection, in pride of place under the skillion roof alongside the Heritage Cottage is the “Sherman’s Back” Holden. This car was used to advertise Sherman Opals from 1983 onwards, and would be parked in the Main Street of Lightning Ridge to direct opal sellers to the “Corner House” to sell their opal. 

The car is a 1959 Holden FC Special, two-tone in white and tan. It was bought by Peter and Warwick Sherman along with the Corner House in 1983 from famous Lightning Ridge opal buyer and author Les Taylor, who had bought the vehicle from Leon and Betty LeCuddenec.

In 1996 the Holden was presented to the Lightning Ridge Historical Society in celebration of a century of Sherman Opals, with Ernie Sherman having opened his opal buying business in Australia in 1896.

Over the years, many offers have been made by enthusiasts for the car, as it’s a very desirable historic vehicle. Its importance to the legacy of our opal mining community ensures it will remain preserved with the Society and on display for generations to come.

Article: Research by Russell Gawthorpe and Leisa Carney, edited by Russell Gawthorpe. LRHS research compiled by Len Cram and Barbara Moritz. Sources: Discover Opals: Before and Beyond 2000 with Surface Indications, Stephen Aracic, 1996, p. 118; Lightning Flash Newspaper, 21 July 1983, 25 January 1996.