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Australian Car Spotters Guide - 1967 |
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Also see: Bolwell Car Reviews |
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The Bolwell MK VII marked the start of something big.
It was a sleek, fastback coupe that maintained the Holden
components theme with more than a hint of Ferrari styling.
Like the Lotus Elan, it had a backbone chassis, formed
by folded sheet metal. The rear axle was held in place by trailing arms and radius
rods, with coil springs and telescopic dampers. The top
speed broke the 200 kmh (125mph) limit and was an exciting
car to drive. During a six year period (1967-1972), 400 units received
registration plates, making Bolwell Australia's fifth
largest vehicle manufacturer.
It was still predominantly manufactured in kit form, but
a number of complete cars were also built by the factory. |
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Also see: Chrysler Valiant Car Reviews and VE Valiant Specifications |
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The VE was largest of all Valiant’s to date; the wheelbase was increased by 50mm to 2740mm (108 inches), it offered a wider track and the overall length was increased by 140mm (5 inches). The longer wheelbase and wider track afforded the car much improved ride and handling characteristics, not that any previous Valiant was particularly criticized in this area.
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Also see: Ford Falcon XK to XC Car Reviews and XR Falcon Specifications |
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For the Falcon XR Range the Futura models were replaced by the 500 designation, it fitting neatly between the standard Falcon and upmarket Fairmont. Seatbelts were fitted as standard equipment for the front occupants, however as a lap type only (although again for a price you could option the far safer lap-sash type). |
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Also see: Ford Fairlane Car Reviews and ZA Fairlane Specifications |
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Through the years, the various models of Fairlane followed the Falcon onto the market, changing when the Falcon did, and using their own unique two letter code to distinguish the cars. The ZA closely followed the XR Falcon onto the market, and used many of the smaller car’s components, not just drivetrain and suspension, but even the doors were the same. At introduction there were two models available, the Fairlane Custom and Fairlane 500. The standard Fairlane was fitted with a 6 cyl. "Pursuit" motor, while the more expensive Fairlane 500 borrowed the 289ci V8 from the American Mustang.
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Also see: Holden Torana Car Reviews and HB Torana Specifications |
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GM-H realised it needed to move away from building only
large cars - and their answer came in the HB Vauxhall Viva. The Viva's were first introduced in April 1964, then as the HA Viva model, which possesed a boxy look,
lots of sharp edges in its styling - and a reputation
for being tinny and troublesome. In fact the first Viva's virtues were a little difficult to find. The performance was so-so at best, it being able to reach 50 mph in just under 14 seconds. It was, however, cheap to run, and the floor mounted gearbox was well above class standards of the day for its "slick" action.
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Also see: Holden 48/215 to HR Car Reviews and HR Holden Specifications |
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The 'HR' was also afforded a longer production run than the HD, being manufactured between 1966 and 1968, and was the first to offer capacity enlargement in standard engines since the introduction of the red motor in the EH. The 179 became the 186, and the 149 was increased to 161 cubic inches. The factory performance option, the 'X2', was continued with the HR, now pushing 145 HP thanks to the increase in cubic inches. As with the HD, the X2 was optional on all models, and vehicles fitted with this motor also received a special instrument cluster with proper gauges for monitoring engine temp, oil pressure, amps and volts instead of the usual tell tale lights.
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