The Walkinshaw Andretti United duo finished Sunday's race in third position after slowing clawing their way up the standings from a starting position of 18^th.

Their breakthrough moment came just after the 100 lap mark when Todd Hazlewood's crash brought the Holden team up the standings during the ensuing round of pit stops.

From there Courtney guided the car safely home, seeing off a last lap challenge from Jamie Whincup, to complete the big journey to the podium.

Courtney said from the outset of the final lap his focus had to turn defensive.

"I just watched [second placed van Gisbergen] drive off, unfortunately," he said.

"I cleared turn one and saw Jamie have a bit of a slide and there was a gap opening up. I just hoped that these guys [Scott McLaughlin and van Gisbergen] would run into each other but they kept it together.

"It was a long day for us and to come away with third we're happy. To do it with this bloke beside me, with his family history here, it's really special for me."

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Perkins, the son of six-time Bathurst 1000 winner Larry, was happy to land his first podium at the track.

"I've been trying to get on the podium for a bloody long time. I think dad's had about 15 so to get one of them is pretty cool," he said.

"I've been close over the years. I've driven well but driven bad at times too. I'm proud of James and the team to give us a car that was good enough to get on the podium."

Sunday was Courtney's last Bathurst 1000 with the Walkinshaw Andretti United team.

Courtney will make the move in 2020 to the new Sydney-based outfit being run by TEKNO Autosports.

It ends a nine-year stint for Courtney at the Walkinshaw Andretti United garage.

The team are yet to confirm their second driver alongside Courtney.