The Holden Grey Motor is one of the most iconic engines in Australian motoring history. Introduced in the original 48-215 Holden in 1948 and remaining in production until the arrival of the Red Motor in 1963, the humble Grey Motor powered everything from family sedans and panel vans through to taxis, race cars and speedway […]
How to Inspect an Early Holden Before Buying Whether you’re chasing a 48-215, FJ, FE, FC, FB, EK, EJ, EH, HD, HR, HK, HT or HG, there’s something special about owning a piece of Australian motoring history. Unfortunately, excitement can sometimes cloud judgement. Many buyers focus on shiny paint, chrome trim and a healthy-sounding engine […]
If there’s one thing every early Holden enthusiast eventually encounters, it’s rust. Whether you’re looking at a 48-215, FJ, FE, FC, FB, EK, EJ, EH, HD, HR or even a later HK-HG Holden, corrosion is often the single biggest factor determining whether a car becomes a straightforward restoration or an expensive money pit. The reality […]
The air conditioning compressor is the heart of the VE and VF Commodore climate control system. Its job is to compress and circulate refrigerant throughout the air conditioning system, allowing the cabin to be cooled efficiently. When the compressor fails, air conditioning performance drops significantly or stops altogether. Compressor failure is one of the most […]
Few engines are more iconic in Australian motoring history than the Holden 253 and 308 V8. Introduced during the late 1960s, these engines powered some of Holden’s most memorable vehicles, including the HK Monaro, Kingswood, Premier, Statesman, Sandman, Torana and later Commodore models. The 253 cubic-inch (4.2-litre) and 308 cubic-inch (5.0-litre) V8s quickly earned a […]
The VB, VC and VH Commodore helped establish Holden’s new generation of family cars during the late 1970s and early 1980s. Available with six-cylinder and V8 engines, these early Commodores were offered with a range of manual and automatic transmissions designed to suit everything from economical daily driving to V8-powered touring. Today, surviving examples are […]
The VB, VC and VH Commodore were praised for their handling when they first appeared in Australian showrooms. Compared with the larger Kingswoods they replaced, these early Commodores offered more precise steering, improved ride quality and significantly better road holding. More than 40 years later, however, suspension wear has become one of the most common […]
The radiator is one of the most important components in any VB, VC, VH or VK Commodore. Its job is to remove heat from the engine and maintain stable operating temperatures, helping prevent overheating, engine damage and reduced performance. After more than four decades on Australian roads, many original Commodore radiators are reaching the end […]
The VB, VC, VH and VK Commodore are among Australia’s most popular classic Holden models. Whether powered by a 2.85-litre six, 3.3-litre red/ blue motor, 4.2-litre V8 or 5.0-litre V8, these early Commodores were designed to provide reliable performance in Australian conditions. However, after more than 40 years on the road, cooling system problems have […]
The VB, VC and VH Commodore represent an important chapter in Australian motoring history. Introduced in 1978, the VB Commodore marked Holden’s transition from the large Kingswood platform to a more modern, European-inspired design based on the Opel Rekord and Senator. The VC followed in 1980, while the VH arrived in 1981 and became one […]