1980 Holden HZ Kingswood SL 4.2 V8 Sedan

Capturing the heart of a nation during Seventies, the Kingswood became an Aussie icon and even had a TV show named in its honour.  Holden's fourth - and as it turned out final - revision of the original HQ series Kingswood was the facelifted HZ range announced in October 1977.  Changes to the body included a new grille, badges and hubcaps but more significant improvements lay under the skin, particularly Holden's new Radial Tuned Suspension.  The HZ was easily the best handling, riding and safest full-size Holden yet thanks to the reworked suspension, with front and rear anti-roll bars, changes to the power steering and rear disc brakes optional for the first time on certain models and standard on the GTS or Statesman.  The basic Kingswood sedan and station wagon were sold alongside the better-equipped SL model, the latter featuring a radio, an electric clock, remote driver's side rear-view mirror and tinted laminated windscreen fitted as standard.  The SL was distinguished externally by the addition of a chrome protective side moulding, while under the Kingswood’s bonnet Holden continued to employ its trusty 3.3 six, although V8 power (in either 4.2 or 5.0 versions) remained an option, along with a wide selection of transmission types and final drive ratios.  For those with a family the Kingswood Station Wagon was a popular choice, perfect for hauling the kids and plenty of space for luggage in the back.  For many, pundits the Commodore could never quite recapture the magic of the old Kingswoods (something reflected by Ford’s dominance thanks to its larger XD/XF Falcons) and good examples still make for a reliable daily driver with a big dose of classic style.