10 facts you may not have known
HD & HR Holden Buyers Guide: What to Look for When Buying
When the Holden HD was released – Australia in 1965
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| Years | 1974 |
|---|---|
| Body | Panel Van |
| Doors | 2 |
| Seats | 2 |
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The HD Holden debuted to the Australian buying public in February 1965, to replace the EH Holden.
The HD featured a completely new body, which was wider and longer than the previous model EH and offered significant increases in interior space, and equipment levels.
The Automatic Transmission also received an upgraded in the HD. The Hydramatic three–speed Automatic Transmission featured in the EH had been dropped from the line up. Taking its place would be to be a Powerglide two– speed automatic transmission.
It became the first Holden offered with a factory performance engine option, called the “X2”. A noteworthy milestone for Holden indeed. Although no V8 option was available with the HD, this move would be a sign of things to come as for the future direction of Holden and Australian motoring in general.
3 different ‘red engine’ variations were available to buyers:
The 100bhp 149 cu in (2.4 L) six was standard in all models except the Premiers
A 115bhp 179 cubic inch (2.9 L) six was standard on Premiers and optional on all other models.
A 140bhp “X2” version of the “179” was also available as an option on all models. The “X2” featured twin carburetors, a high-lift camshaft, new inlet and exhaust manifolds and a low-restriction exhaust system.
For transmissions, A three speed manual transmission was standard on all models with a two speed “Powerglide” automatic available as an option for all models
HD production reached 178,927 units. Quite significant considering its relatively short time on the production line.
The HD was a major facelift of EH, it looked very different to the previous model EH but still maintained a very ‘American’ look according to consumers.
Many buyers at the time stated the HD did not handle as well as the EH. It was a bigger, heavier car but didn’t have any more power, with the exception of the ‘X2’ engine. The HD faced heavy criticism by many as being unsafe, mainly due to its lack of safety equipment and inadequate braking power.
10 facts you may not have known
HD & HR Holden Buyers Guide: What to Look for When Buying
When the Holden HD was released – Australia in 1965