1977 Holden TC Gemini SL Sedan

Description

Holden Gemini’s was produced by General Motors’ Australian offshoot at its Acacia Ridge (Brisbane, Queensland) plant from 1975 to 1986. It was a local version of the Japanese Isuzu Gemini, one of many models based on the GM T-car platform. Introduced in February 1975, the original TX model Holden Gemini was available as a four-door sedan in S and SL specification levels, and as a two-door SL coupe. All TX models shared the same 1.6-litre SOHC alloy head Isuzu engine (coded the G161Z) with a two-barrel "Nikki" Stromberg carburettor. Early TX models used a cast-iron, free-flow exhaust manifold with two outlets into a "Y" pipe, however from November 1976 this was changed to a single-outlet exhaust header. Early models had the MSE-type four-speed manual transmission, but this was quickly replaced by the MSG-type four-speed. Brakes were disc/drum and wheels were 13in x 4.5in. The Gemini TX SL sedan was voted Wheels magazine Car of the Year for 1975 and was for a time the most popular four-cylinder car on the Australian market. The TC Gemini arrived in March 1977 and was sold until April 1978. The TC was a minor facelift with a bolder vertical front grille, and a silver garnish rear panel (as opposed to the TX's black). A new Smiths-brand heater, defogger, and ventilation system was used, while the two small dash vents were removed, except on cars fitted with air conditioning. Side-impact door beams were also introduced to improve safety, and SL coupes had a heated rear windscreen. Gemini TC production totaled 17,257 units.