1972 Holden HQ Statesman DeVille Sedan

Announced in July 1971, Holden's HQ represented a radical departure from the outgoing model range and was entirely new in almost ever y way. Built around a perimeter chassis - the first seen on a big Australian car - the HQ featured modern styling, new suspension with coil springs all round to improve the ride and handling, better passive safety through the use of padding inside and stronger panels outside. The engines, transmissions and steering were also new and buyers could specify ventilated front disc brakes. Both sixes (173/202-cid) and V8s (253/308/350-cid) were available, with a choice of transmissions ranging from a 3-speed column shift manual, 4-speed console-mounted manual, 3-speed Trimatic or Turbo Hydramatic 400 automatic. Three basic models were offered, the Belmont, Kingswood and luxury Premier along with the Monaro two-door coupe. Holden also introduced a new luxury model to replace the Brougham, badged as the Statesman, itself available in two versions, the Custom and more upmarket DeVille. Built on a longer wheelbase, the Statesman came with a 308-cid V8 and automatic transmission as standard, along with power disc brake and variable ratio power steering. Inside, the Statesman boasted full carpeting, cloth or vinyl upholstery and full instrumentation. Unique front and rear styling also set the big Holden apart from lesser siblings and it quickly became the symbol for the successful businessman in the early Seventies who wanted to buy Australian. With a list price of $4,660, the Statesman DeVille was the most expensive car in the Holden range and twice the price of a the basic Belmont.