1978 Holden HZ Premier 308 Sedan

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. Better equipment levels across the model range from May 1978 saw an electric clock, remote side rear-view mirror, and tinted laminated windscreen added to the Kingswood SL’s specification sheet. Further up the model range, the Premier was distinguished by quad headlamps, sill mouldings, badging plus unique wheel trims, a Rosewood woodgrain dash (with GTS instruments optional) and tinted side glass. All Premiers were fitted with the Tri-Matic automatic transmission as standard, while under the bonnet there was a choice of 3.3 litre six, 4.2 V8 or 5.0 High Performance V8 engines, the latter sold with the beefed-up Turbo-Hydramatic transmission or four-speed manual. For many GM-H fans the Commodore never quite captured the magic of the old full-size Holdens, something borne out by Ford’s dominance of the marketplace in the 1980s, and a good example still makes for a reliable, comfortable and relaxing daily driver today.