The Holden HD and HR are two midsize cars manufactured by Australian carmaker Holden. The HD was the first to get on the market from 1965 to 1966. The Holden HR soon replaced it in 1966, staying there until 1968.
The Holden HD (1965-1966)
Holden first produced the HD as a 4-door sedan and 3-door station wagon in 1965. Later in the year, the company also released the 2-door coupe utility and 2-door panel van body types. All in all, Holden produced almost 179,000 units of the HD.
Compared to its predecessor Holden EH, the Holden HD had an updated body with more space inside for passengers. One notable feature is the car's concave rear window which many found to be quite unusual. Additionally, the Holden HD was quite recognizable, courtesy of the unique under-the-bumper mounting of the indicators at the front plus the wrap-around taillights in the rear.
It was available in three trim levels, namely, Standard, Special, and Premier. The Standard model was the base version and had a single-colour paint job. One level up was the the 'Special' trim which had fancy patterned vinyl interiors with more colour choices and an optional white roof. Finally, the top-of-the-range Premier also included a storage compartment with a lift-up lid. For its exterior, customers could choose from metallic paint and a vinyl roof in either black or white.
The Holden HD had the following drivetrain options:
- 2.4-litre 149 inline 6-cylinder petrol engine with a maximum output of 75 kW of power and 196 Nm of torque
- 2.9-litre 179 inline 6-cylinder petrol engine with a maximum output of 86 kW of power and 236 Nm of torque
These drive trains are paired with transmissions of either 3-speed manual gearbox or General Motor's 2-speed Power glide automatic transmission.
The Holden HR (1966-1968)
When the Holden HD was discontinued in 1966, it was replaced with the Holden HR. This time around the car came with a revised grille and new rear lights for its sedans and wagons. Panels on the entire exterior of the vehicle were also updated for this new model.
The changes weren't just superficial, either. The Holden HR had an updated ball joint front suspension and a much wider track.
For the interior, the car now had a much more comfortable trim. The Premier models even had a wood grain interior finish.
After the first six months of being on the market, Holden HR received a big safety update. Additional front safety belts were added, as well as windscreen washers, reversing lights, padded sun visors, and an interior review mirror that was shatterproof.
The drivetrain options for Holden HR were:
- 2.6-litre 161 inline 6-cylinder petrol engine with a maximum output of 86 kW of power and 212 Nm of torque
- 3.0-litre 186 inline 6-cylinder petrol engine with a maximum output of 109 kW of power and 248 Nm of torque
These drivetrains were paired with 3- or 4-speed manual gearboxes or a 2-speed Powerglide automatic.
All in all, Holden produced about 252,000 units of Holden HR. The larger and heavier HK models then replaced this car after January of 1968.
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