Holden HX

Send This Page To A Friend
Holden

Holden HX

1976 - 1977
Country:
Australia
Engine:
6 cyl. & V8
Capacity:
173/202 6 cyl; 253/308 V8
Power:
82kW 202 and 180kW 308
Transmission:
3/4 spd man; 3 spd Trimatic & Turbohydramatic 400
Top Speed:
142 kmh (202 motor)
Number Built:
110,669
Collectability:
2 star
The HX represented only minor cosmetic changes over the HJ, so much so that the HJ and HX are arguably the hardest pre-Commodore Holden models to tell apart.

In fact, the major reason for the release of the HX was so that Holden could comply with the new Australian Design Rule 27a, a rule designed to lower exhaust emissions.

Ford had, wisely, set about meeting the new design rule by performing some major surgery to their engines, most specifically in the re-engineering of the cylinder heads, a modification that made the engine both faster and cleaner.

But the General choose to hastily add some emission control equipment (or extra plumbing) without any re-design of the basic engine - a strategy that would see significant reductions in both fuel efficiency and power output.

But that wasn't the only bad news for Holden fans, in September 1976 the beautiful Monaro Coupe's would be phased out, the remaining body shells being used to create the Holden "LE" (or Limited Edition).

The "LE" was, strangely, never referred to by Holden as a Monaro, but most people presumed they were, and we make reference to them throughout this site as the Monaro "LE" for that very reason.

Available only in metallic maroon with gold honeycomb-pattern trims on steel wheels, the "LE" certainly looked very impressive, Holden marketing the car as a "Luxury Sports Coupe".

The "LE" featured a vast array of standard equipment, such as the 5.0 liter V8, air-conditioning, eight-track cartridge player, power windows and power steering.

Perhaps the best news was for connisuers of the biggest of the Holden's, the Statesman Caprice and DeVille.

Both cars were given a much better grille treatment than had been afforded them on the HJ (in the previous model, when viewing a Statesman from front-on it was very difficult to tell it apart from the Premier). The horizontal pattern of the new grille made the Statesman's look wider than their lesser brethren, and equipment levels were substantially raised.

Standard equipement now included power radio aerials, and on the Caprice extra guages for battery charge and oil pressure, intermittent wipers, revised door-trims finished in Rosewood, and beautiful crushed velour upholstery was an option. While power central locking was (for the very first time) an option across the Holden range, it was clearly targeted at the Statesman buyers.

But perhaps the most little know feature of the HX was the somewhat primitive anti-lock braking system introduced. The system only operated on the rear wheels, which naturally dimished most of the potential safety benefits such a system would bring.

Visitor Rating:

Also see:


Holden HX Specifications
Holden HX Brochure
Holden Red Motor
Holden History
Holden Car Commercials
Nasco Holden Accessories Commercials
back
Unique Cars and Parts USA - The Ultimate Classic Car Resource
next