1965 Holden HD Premier Sedan

Description

Holden replaced the ageing EH with a stylish new family car in February 1965 featuring so-called “Space-Curve” bodywork clearly influenced by Opel in Germany. Taking on Ford’s latest XP Falcon, the HD was both wider and longer than its predecessor, with an extended range of engines and the new Powerglide automatic transmission with torque converter. Other improvements included better brakes (front discs were optional from May 1965) with an auto-adjustment, while the electrics were also revised, with an alternator replacing the generator found on earlier models. Holden’s engineers also revamped the suspension, dubbed the “Improved Red-Carpet Ride” by the marketing department. The base 149ci and mid-level 179ci engines were joined by the more powerful X2 motor, developing 140 bhp thanks to twin carburettors, and a revised camshaft, manifolds, and exhaust system. Trim levels ranged from the basic Standard to the mid-level Special and top-of-the-line Premier. The HD was available as a sedan and station wagon, while the commercial line-up consisting of a panel van and ute arrived in July 1965. The wagon, known as the Station Sedan in period parlance, featured a new wind-up tail-gate window (a power window was optional) and increased load space thanks to the HD’s longer 106-inch wheelbase, the load floor protected by skid strips. Production of the HD ultimately reached 178,927 units before it was phased out in April 1966. The HD remains one of the classic ‘60s Holdens.