Arguably
the high point of GMH styling, the HQ is and will remain an Australian
classic. During the 1960's and 1970's the release of a new Ford or Holden
was a major event, and none was more anticipated than the release
of the HQ.
It featured a host of new features, and most interestingly was the
first Australian built car to incorporate face level front ventilation
(until now drivers being dependant on door quarter vent windows).
The initial marketing campaign was huge, for the time perhaps only
rivalled by the "It's Time" campaign used by Gough Whitlam
and the Labour party. Many still remember the vehicles being transported
over the hills by large hellicopter transports. (See:
Holden
Car Commercials)
Undoubtedly the most collectable are the
HQ Monaro 2 Door and
HQ Monaro 4 Door models, with V8's
naturally attracting higher premiums than their 6 cylinder counterparts,
however the model selection was huge and these days some of the
lesser regarded models, such as the LS Monaro, are becoming highly
sought after.
In fact, our collectability ranking at left can be misguiding, with
Monaro's, Sandman Panel Vans and Statesmans deserving a considerably
higher ranking, while the humble Belmont deserves a lower ranking!
Best of all, parts are still plentiful and cheap, and the design as eye catching
today as it was 30 years ago. If you don't agree, why not check out some of the
HQ Brochures from the era.
