Holden EH
| Industry | Automotive |
|---|---|
| Founded | January 1, 1856 |
| Headquarters | Australia |
| Products | Automobiles |
The Holden EH is a vehicle manufactured by Holden in Australia between 1963 and 1965. Launched in August 1963, it succeeded the Holden EJ series and marked the debut of the new Red engine, distinguished by its seven main bearing crankshaft, an upgrade from the previous four-bearing design. This Red engine was available in two displacements: a 149 CID producing 100 horsepower and a 179 CID generating 115 horsepower. Across most variants, excluding the Premiers, the standard powertrain was the 149 CID engine paired with either a manual or Hydramatic transmission. Additionally, a lower compression version of the 149 CID delivering 95 horsepower was offered as an option, except on Premier models.
Premier variants were exclusively equipped with the larger 179 CID engine, initially offered only with the Hydramatic transmission—a four-stage automatic with a column-mounted shifter that effectively operated as a three-speed except during full-throttle acceleration. The manual gearbox was a three-speed column shift featuring non-synchromesh on first gear and synchromesh on the second and third gears.
The first EH model to combine the 179 CID engine with a manual transmission was designated "EH-S4" (officially EH225M-S4). This variant included an upgraded manual gearbox with reinforced gears, along with improved clutch and brake components and other minor refinements. From 10 February 1964 onwards, the availability of the 179 CID engine paired with the three-speed manual transmission was extended to all EH models.
Production of the EH totaled 256,959 units from its introduction until it was replaced by the Holden HD series in 1965.
Range
The Holden EH lineup comprised these models:
- Standard Sedan
- Standard Station Sedan
- Special Sedan
- Special Station Sedan
- S4 Special Sedan
- Premier Sedan
- Premier Station Sedan
- Utility
- Panel Van
All station wagon variants were identified by the "Station Sedan" label.
"Standard" versions were entry-level, primarily equipped with 149-cubic-inch engines, rubber floor mats, single-tone acrylic paint, and no side badging. "Special" models enhanced these features by adding stainless steel moulding strips, distinctive badges, and optional two-tone acrylic paint schemes. Positioned as the premium offering, the "Premier" model came fitted with a 179-cubic-inch engine and Hydramatic transmission; it also featured leather upholstery, bucket seats, rear fold-down armrests, carpeting, metallic paint finishes, a heater/demister console, handbrake warning light, boot illumination (sedans only), and chrome wheel trims. Notably absent as standard equipment on the Premier was a car radio. The Standard EH retained the predecessor EJ’s price point at £1051.
Introduced in September 1963 for racing homologation purposes, the S4 Special required production of at least 100 units. It incorporated a 179 CID engine paired with a manual transmission featuring hardened gears, an enlarged 12-imperial-gallon fuel tank compared to the standard 9 gallons, an upgraded tool kit, metal-lined brake shoes, and a larger tailshaft. Manufacturing took place at Holden’s Dandenong plant (6 units) and Pagewood facility (120 units).