When the Holden HX and Statesman were released – Australia in 1976

H Series Home

HX Holden

Cost of a new HX

• HX Holden sedan: approximately $6,200–$6,400
• HX Statesman luxury model: approximately $7,800–$8,000
• The HX featured subtle styling updates, improved interiors, refined suspension, and minor mechanical upgrades
• The HX Statesman offered luxury trims, automatic transmission, and enhanced comfort, appealing to executives and professionals
• Both models were popular for families and those seeking reliability, comfort, and modern design
• The HX Holden was the first of the ‘post pollution’ Holdens that was introduced to comply with changing emission control laws.
• The HX Holden is quite visually similar to the HJ Holden which came before it and the HZ Holden which came after it.

Average wage

• Average weekly wage: about $115–$120
• Average annual wage: roughly $5,980–$6,240

Average house price

• Around $22,000–$23,000

Price of petrol

• About 18 cents per litre

Prime Minister

• Malcolm Fraser (Liberal Party, caretaker from November 1975)

Population of Australia

• About 13.9 million people

Top-grossing movie

• Rocky, Taxi Driver

Top song

• December, 1963 (Oh, What a Night) by The Four Seasons topped Australian charts

Significant world event

• Aftermath of the 1973 oil crisis; rising fuel prices affecting global and domestic economies
• Social and cultural shifts influenced media, consumer behaviour, and automotive design

Popular TV / radio in Australia

• Number 96, Homicide, The Don Lane Show, and Skippy the Bush Kangaroo
• FM radio and pop/rock music were increasingly shaping youth culture

Significant Australian news story

• Post-election industrial and economic policies under Whitlam and Fraser dominated headlines
• Rising car ownership and suburban expansion reflected Australia’s increasing reliance on personal vehicles
• The HX Holden and HX Statesman exemplified mid-1970s Australian automotive trends: comfort, style, and gradual luxury integration

Interesting comparisons

• The HX Holden cost roughly 1.1 years’ average wages, while the HX Statesman cost 1.3–1.35 years’ wages
• The average house cost about 3.8–4 years’ wages
• Filling a ~50L tank cost roughly $9
• A week’s wages could buy roughly 640–660 litres of petrol