The JB Camira was the first of 3 Holden Camiras sold in Australia between 1982 and 1989.
There was only 1 engine option available with the JB Camira, it was a 1.6L inline 4 cylinder Camtech engine. It was available with 3 transmission options, a 4 speed manual, a 5 speed manual and a 3 speed automatic.
The Camira was brought in to replace the Torana, targeting the family market. It was classed as a mid size car, the same class that the early model Commodores (VB – VL) were sold it. Initially it sold well and was a popular car. It reportedly used less fuel than the Commodore it was sold along side.
The JB Camira was also lauded by the motoring press, naming it wheels car of the year for 1982. Noteworthy is the fact that the VH Commodore and the XE Falcon were released in 1982.
The JB Camira had started out as a great success, a year later in 1983 a wagon was released and added to the lineup. No utility variants were offered.
Although popular in its day, the Camira did have a number of teething issues as most new models do. Many JB Camira issues related to overall build quality, over heating, engine leaks and premature rust, especially prevalent in the bottom corners of most panels. Many who stepped out of a traditional Australian car of the time to drive a Camira commented on how hard the engine had to work to reach its power. The revs required to build speed was thought to have lead to many engine leaks and overheating issues. It also lead to higher than expected fuel consumption for a 1.6L 4 cylinder car.
The JB Camira was eventually replaced by the JD Camira in 1984, after a production run of 85 725 cars.