1984 Holden WB Statesman De Ville Sedan

Description

Despite the introduction of the Commodore in the late 1970s, demand for a traditional full-size Holden from the Australian car buying public was strong enough to ensure the Statesman continued in production and in April 1980 the final - and for many best - incarnation, the WB, was announced. Although based on the original HQ Statesman of 1971, designer Leo Pruneau managed to create a modern looking luxury car on the existing platform through clever re-working of the sheetmetal. With a distinctive five-window side treatment, the Statesman DeVille and Caprice models were also given a new grille, headlamps and rear quarters and the result was a harmonious, attractive design. Holden also produced a range of commercials on the WB base, with their own styling and cheaper interiors. Inside, the Statesman was brand new, with revamped dash fascia, instruments and redesigned seats covered in soft cord upholstery (with vinyl optional). The more luxurious Caprice came with a new digital radio/cassette, electric mirrors, optional leather upholstery and a dash-mounted trip computer. Under the bonnet, Holden's 5.0-litre V8 engine was mated to a T-bar automatic transmission (the Trimatic three-speed was used from 1981 onwards), disc brakes were employed all round, alloy wheels were standard and the steering had power assistance. From August 1983 the Series II model came with better equipment levels, new soft tweed cloth trim on the DeVille and a satin silver finished instrument fascia. Proving a worthy competitor for Ford's Fairlane/LTD at last, the final WB Statesman rolled off the production line in 1985, marking the end of an era and in total some 60,231 were built. Today, the WB Statesmen enjoys a loyal following amongst Holden enthusiasts and good examples continue to be sought after.