Holden HK
| Industry | Automotive |
|---|---|
| Predecessor | Holden HR series |
| Founded | January 1968 |
| Defunct | May 1969 |
| Successor | Holden HT series |
Area served | Australia, South Africa |
| Products | Automobiles (sedans, station wagons, utilities, panel vans) |
The Holden HK series was manufactured by Holden in Australia between 1968 and 1969. Introduced in January 1968, this series succeeded the Holden HR lineup, presenting larger and heavier vehicles along with a broadened selection of thirteen models, up from the eight offered in the HR range. The HK was available under the Belmont, Kingswood, Premier, Brougham, and Monaro nameplates.
Model range
At launch, the HK series comprised three trim levels—Belmont, Kingswood, and Premier—each offered as four-door sedans and five-door station wagons. The Belmont and Kingswood replaced the former Standard and Special badges that had been in use since 1953. Positioned as the premium offering, the Premier featured distinctive four-headlight styling and a unique roof design. Engine choices carried over from the HR included 2.6L (161 cu in) and 3.0L (186 cu in) inline six-cylinder units, with a newly introduced option of a 5.0L (307 cu in) Chevrolet V8—the first V8 engine available from Holden.
In March 1968, the lineup grew to incorporate two coupe utilities and a panel van, which replaced earlier commercial vehicle variants:
- Belmont utility
- Belmont panel van
- Kingswood utility
Before the HK series, commercial models were simply branded as Holden utility and panel vans.
By July 1968, further additions were made to the range:
- Brougham
- Monaro
- Monaro GTS
- Monaro GTS 327
The Brougham represented an upscale step beyond the Premier, featuring a body extended by 200 mm while maintaining the 111-inch wheelbase and equipped standard with the 307 V8 engine. The Monaro range marked Holden’s entry into two-door coupes; notably, the Monaro GTS 327 was powered by a 327 cu in Chevrolet V8 engine unique to this model within Holden’s portfolio but shared with GMH-assembled Chevrolet Impala and Pontiac Parisienne vehicles.
Production and replacement
The HK series was replaced by the Holden HT lineup in May 1969, with overall production totaling 199,039 units.
South Africa
In the South African market, the Holden HK sedan and wagon were sold as the Chevrolet Kommando, while the HK utility was marketed as the Chevrolet El Camino. Released in May 1969 after two years of development, these models rapidly became General Motors' top-selling vehicles in that region, alongside the related Chevrolet Constantia. The LS automatic sedan emerged as the best-selling variant.