1978 Holden HZ GTS 253 V8 Sedan

Description

Holden’s final traditional full-size car prior the launch of the downsized Commodore, the HZ range announced in October 1977 was the fourth revision of the original HQ series.  Minor changes to the body included a new grille, badges and hubcaps but more importantly Holden adopted the Radial Tuned Suspension already seen on the Torana range.  With reworked suspension, anti-roll bars front and rear and changes to the power steering, the big Holden’s handling was markedly improved, while rear disc brakes were now optional (and standard on both the GTS and Statesman) for the first time. Although the Monaro name had survived into 1977 as the HX Monaro GTS sedan, Holden decided to delete the Monaro name altogether from the new Holden HZ range. With the development of Radial Tuned Suspension, Holden transformed the bland characteristics of their full-size sedans and introduced a sporting variant called simply Holden GTS. Released on 5 October 1977, this HZ variant featured a four-headlight grille, front and rear air dams, four-wheel disc brakes, sports wheels and a 4.2-litre V8 engine as standard equipment. The optional 5.0-litre V8 became standard in June 1978. Production of the GTS ceased in December 1978, an estimated 1438 having been built.