Holden HD
| Company type | Vehicle model series |
|---|---|
| Industry | Automotive |
| Predecessor | Holden EH |
| Founded | 15 February 1965 |
| Defunct | April 1966 |
| Successor | Holden HR |
Area served | Australia, South Africa |
| Products | Automobiles (sedans, station wagons, coupe utility, panel van) |
The Holden HD lineup comprises a series of vehicles manufactured by Holden in Australia between 1965 and 1966.
Overview
Introduced on 15 February 1965, the Holden HD range initially included sedans and station wagons, with coupe utility and panel van models added in July of the same year. This series succeeded the Holden EH and featured an entirely redesigned body that was both wider and longer, enhancing interior space for passengers and cargo as well as upgrading standard equipment. The styling bore a strong resemblance to Vauxhall's FC Victor, notably with its unique concave rear window design.
A key advancement with the HD was the introduction of disc brakes—the first for a Holden—available starting June 1965. Additionally, the previous Hydramatic automatic transmission from the EH was replaced by a two-speed Powerglide unit. The HD also marked Holden’s debut of a factory performance engine option, known as the "X2," which incorporated twin downdraft Stromberg carburetors and exhaust headers.
The HD can be identified apart from its successor, the HR, by its front indicators positioned beneath the bumper and wrap-around tail lights. In contrast, the HR featured round indicators integrated into the grille and slimmer rear lights that extended upward along the fins.
Model range
The passenger vehicle selection within the Holden HD series consisted of 4-door sedans and 5-door station wagons offered in three trim grades:
- Holden Standard Sedan
- Holden Standard Station Sedan
- Holden Special Sedan
- Holden Special Station Sedan
- Holden Premier Sedan
- Holden Premier Station Sedan
For commercial purposes, the HD lineup included 2-door coupe utility and 2-door panel van models marketed as:
- Holden Utility
- Holden Panel Van
Engines and transmissions
The range was powered by three versions of the inline six-cylinder Holden Red motor. The base engine delivered 100 bhp and was standard on all models except Premiers, which came equipped with a more powerful 115 bhp six-cylinder; this upgraded engine was optional on other trims. Across the range, a high-performance "X2" variant producing 140 bhp was offered, featuring twin carburetors, a high-lift camshaft, redesigned manifolds, and a low-restriction exhaust system. The "X2" version was distinguished by unique instrumentation and external badges. A three-speed manual transmission was standard on all vehicles, with an optional two-speed "Powerglide" automatic available.
For vehicles destined for South Africa, a Chevrolet six-cylinder engine was installed instead.
Production and replacement
By April 1966, production totaled 178,927 units before the HD series was replaced by the Holden HR lineup.
References