The Dawn of a New Era
The HG Holden represented the refined late-1960s Holden with updated styling, improved suspension, and V8 performance in Monaro variants. By 1971, Holden introduced the HQ Holden, marking a major transformation for the brand with an all-new body, updated chassis, and significantly modernized styling.
The HQ Holden was a leap forward in design, comfort, and performance, signaling the start of Holden’s dominance in the early 1970s with more contemporary styling, stronger engines, and improved drivability.
Design and Styling Comparison
Exterior Design
HG Holden:
- Late-1960s styling with refined front grille, squared tail lights
- Sedan, wagon, panel van, and utility variants
- Chrome trim functional; Deluxe and Special trims offered extra detailing
- Bold stance and muscular look
HQ Holden:
- Completely new body design, longer, wider, and lower than HG
- Modern, squared lines with flatter panels and larger windows
- Redesigned grille, bumpers, and tail lights for contemporary appearance
- Sedan, wagon, panel van, and utility variants continued
- Chrome trim subtle but stylish; Deluxe and Special trims upgraded
The HQ represented a major styling overhaul, looking far more modern and substantial than the HG.
Interior Design
HG Holden:
- Dashboard with improved ergonomics and clear instrumentation
- Bench seating for six
- Modest interior materials, Deluxe and Special trims upgraded
HQ Holden:
- Completely redesigned interior with modern dashboard layout
- Better instrumentation and ergonomics
- Seats more supportive, especially in Deluxe and Special trims
- Cabin more spacious and comfortable with improved visibility
- Interior trim higher quality, giving a more premium feel
The HQ interior felt like a step into the 1970s, with modern styling and improved comfort over the HG.
Platform and Engineering Changes
Chassis and Suspension:
- HG: Ladder-frame monocoque chassis with refined suspension
- HQ: New fully boxed perimeter frame for increased rigidity
- Independent front suspension with coil springs, leaf-spring rear
- Improved handling, smoother ride, and better road stability
Brakes and Safety:
- Drum brakes standard front and rear; optional front disc brakes
- Safety improvements including seatbelt mounting and better ergonomics
The HQ offered a more solid, stable, and comfortable ride than the HG, reflecting modern engineering standards.
Engine and Drivetrain Comparison
HG Holden Engines:
- 149 cu in, 179 cu in, 186 cu in “Red” six-cylinder engines
- 253 cu in and 308 cu in V8 engines for Monaro and Special variants
- Rear-wheel drive, three-speed manual or optional column/floor shift
HQ Holden Engines:
- Continuation of “Red” six-cylinder engines with minor refinements
- V8 engines now included 253, 308, and introduction of 350 cu in (small block) in Monaro GTS 350
- Improved gearbox options, including four-speed manual
- Rear-wheel drive retained with upgraded differential options
Performance Comparison:
- HG: Reliable, smooth, and powerful for its time
- HQ: More powerful, refined, and modern; V8 models offered significantly improved performance
- HQ provided a more capable and enjoyable driving experience, particularly on highways
Model Range Comparison
HG Holden:
- 2-door and 4-door sedans, wagon, panel van, utility
- Deluxe, Special, and Monaro trims
HQ Holden:
- 2-door and 4-door sedans, wagon, panel van, utility
- Deluxe, Special, Monaro, and high-performance GTS variants
- Major mechanical and chassis upgrades enhanced comfort and handling
The HQ maintained the versatility of the HG but added more modern and powerful options, appealing to a broader audience.
Technology and Features
HG:
- Functional dashboard, optional heater and radio
- Focused on practicality and reliability
HQ:
- Modern dashboard design with improved ergonomics and instrumentation
- Optional heater, radio, air conditioning, and upgraded trim
- Improved seat comfort and cabin space
- Enhanced mechanical reliability and smoother operation
The HQ offered significantly improved comfort, convenience, and modern features compared to the HG.
Driving Experience
HG Holden:
- Smooth and reliable, suitable for everyday driving
- Comfortable for families, with strong V8 options for sporty models
HQ Holden:
- More stable, solid ride due to new chassis and suspension
- Improved steering and handling
- Powerful engines, including V8s, made it enjoyable for spirited driving
- Cabin more comfortable and quieter
The HQ felt far more modern and capable, providing a polished early-1970s driving experience.
Reliability and Common Problems
HG:
- Reliable “Red” six-cylinder and V8 engines
- Minor wear in suspension or trim
- Easy to maintain
HQ:
- Reliable engines and improved mechanicals
- New chassis and suspension enhanced durability
- Slightly more complex mechanics on V8 models but improved performance
- Interior trim more robust
Both models are dependable, but HQ offered improved longevity and refinement.
Ownership Costs Today
Purchase Price:
- HG: Collectible late-1960s Holden
- HQ: Highly desirable early-1970s Holden with modern styling and improved performance
Parts Availability:
- Limited for both; HQ parts easier to source due to longer production and Monaro GTS popularity
Running Costs:
- Both economical, with HQ offering smoother operation and better driving dynamics
- V8 models higher maintenance but significantly more powerful
Collector and Enthusiast Value
HG Holden:
- Appreciated for late-1960s styling and V8 Monaro performance
- Transitional classic between the 1960s and 1970s
HQ Holden:
- Highly collectible early-1970s Holden
- Modern styling, V8 performance, and GTS variants make it extremely sought after
- Deluxe, Special, and Monaro trims particularly desirable
Choose HG if:
- You want a bold late-1960s Holden with classic styling and V8 performance
- You value historical significance
Choose HQ if:
- You want a modern early-1970s Holden with refined styling, comfort, and performance
- You value upgraded mechanicals and collectible GTS variants
Verdict – Which Is Better? The HG Holden offered bold late-1960s styling, comfort, and V8 performance. The HQ Holden was a major evolution with modernized body, chassis, and interior, plus more powerful engine options. For collectors, HG is valued for its late-1960s charm, while HQ is prized for modern styling, comfort, and early-1970s performance, particularly in GTS variants.