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By
DAVID PIKE
Released in February 1965, the HD Holden achieved several firsts
for the marque. It was not only the first Holden to use curved glass for
both the rear window and the front windscreen but it was also the first
car in Australia to achieve monthly sales of more than 19,000 units -
over the 31 days of May 1965, just two months after its release.
Surprisingly this sales record was achieved even though the styling of
the HD was quite controversial and the subject of some strong criticisms
in the motoring press at the time.
It had sharp edged front mudguards which protruded forward of
the headlights, something that stylists praised but the safety
conscious members of the population saw as being dangerous to
pedestrians. This curvaceous styling was continued through to the
rear with the taillights protruding as a match to the front end.
Also the wheels were positioned well inside the mudguards
following a style trend popular at the time with several marques
intended to make the car look like it was floating like a cloud
rather than running on wheels.
The HD Holden was both longer and wider than the EH model which
it superseded. The increased length meant that the engine could be
repositioned further forward thus allowing the transmission hump
to be lowered and the floor flattened. This achieved a more
comfortable ride for a centre-front occupant of the bench seat.
The wider wheelbase also allowed for repositioning of the rear
wheel arches which gave the rear seat passengers more room. The
net effect of these increases meant the HD was a true six-seater
with a bigger boot than any previous Holden model.
The HD used the same standard red engines introduced in the EH
model which it replaced. These came in two sizes: 149 cubic inches
(equivalent to 2.442 litres) producing 75kW and 179 cubic inches
(equivalent to 2.934 litres) producing 86kW. The latter engine
came as standard on the Premier model but all other vehicles in
the range could be ordered with either engine. An interesting
addition to the engine range was a ‘souped-up’ version of the
179 designated X2 which developed 104kW. At that time this was the
most powerful engine that Holden had used and could be specified
on any model mated to either a manual or automatic transmission.
Cars equipped with this engine wore an X2 badge on their boot lid.
To achieve the extra power the X2 motor had twin Bendix-Stromberg
carburettors, used a modified camshaft, new inlet and exhaust
manifolds and a low restriction exhaust. Additionally the main
bearing and connecting rod bearings were all made from a special
aluminium alloy.
With the introduction of the HD, Holden also introduced a new
automatic transmission - the two-speed Powerglide. Previous Holden
models came with the Hydra-matic automatic which had three speeds.
Holden also promoted the safety features of the new HD range.
These included safety wheel rims and belt anchor plates, a padded
instrument panel and dished steering wheel as well as safety-type
and childproof door locks and lift-up interior door handles.
The HD model range comprised Standard, Special and Premier
sedans as well as station wagons in the three specification
levels. The range also included a panel van and utility which were
both released four months after the sedans and station wagons in
June 1965. There were 178,927 HD Holdens produced in the 14 months
up to April 1966 when the HR Holden was released.
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