This model was arguably a high
point of GMH styling, and an Australian classic.
They still proliferate the Australian
landscape (an icon of cars that were
"built to last") in their various
configurations of body styles and engine
combinations.
Even in the seventies, a
new Holden was a major Aussie event, that
drew a lot of excitement. The HQ series
represented the most significant redesign
of the Holden since the forties.
Many newspapers ran entire supplements on
the HQ. Modern Motor magazine included a
free long-playing record detailing the
new range!
New features at the time
included flow-through ventilation, front
sub-frame, coil-suspension all round on
the non-commercial vehicles, four-link
rear end on passenger models, newer
safety equipment and standards, such as
slim windscreen pillars; designed to meet
projected safety legislation which didn't
eventuate.
Several "specials" and model variations
were put out to continue the interest in
the HQ range, such as; "Vacationer", the
"SS", "GTS", "LS", even a 1973 special
silver Premier for the 25th anniversary
of the Holden car.
The HQ was introduced
with all the fan-fare, and it deserved it
as it was to turn out to be the most
popular Holden ever. In fact, 1973
remains the record year for GMH exports
to this day!
There would hardly be a household in
Australasia that has not had a HQ parked
in the drive at some stage. In fact, 1973
remains the record year for GMH exports
to this day, with a total of 41,181 cars
shipped!
The huge model range included: Belmont
Sedan, Belmont Station Wagon, Belmont
Panel Van, Belmont Utility, Kingswood
Sedan, Kingswood Station Wagon, Kingswood
Utility, SS Sedan, Premier Sedan, Premier
Station Wagon, Holden Chassis and Cab,
Monaro Coupe, Monaro GTS Coupe, Monaro
GTS 350 Coupe, Monaro LS ('Luxury
Sports') Coupe, Monaro GTS Sedan,
Statesman Sedan and Statesman De-Ville
Sedan.
