1969 Holden HT Kingswood Sedan

Description

Launched in May 1969, the HT series Holden facelifted the successful ‘new generation’ HK model, featuring a revised front grille and different rear sheet metal, together with a more squared-off appearance and stacked tail lights.  New seats and door trims were fitted, along with a more conventional round speedo and instrument layout.  The powertrain options were essentially carried over from the HK range, consisting of the 161, 186 and 186S six-cylinders plus the new Aussie-made 253 and 308 V8s, while the imported 350 V8 was again available to special order.  There was also a small-capacity 130-cid six used on some export models and all manual transmissions were now full-synchromesh units.  One notable improvement was the adoption of neoprene rubber front suspension bushes replacing the old steel bushings on the HK, resulting in a much more comfortable, quieter ride.  Offered in both sedan and wagon versions, the HT model range consisted of the entry-level Belmont, mid-range Kingswood and upmarket Premier, along with the luxury Brougham and sporting Monaro coupe.  The most popular family car in Australia of the era, the legendary Kingswood featured special moulding around the wheel arches and in standard trim featured the dependable 161-cid six and a fully synchromesh column shift manual gearbox.  The colour-keyed interior was upholstered in embossed leather grain vinyl, with high backed seats (buckets were optional), an oval-shaped steering wheel and plenty of safety padding.  Holden was all about personalising your new car, allowing the customer to select everything from colours to a long list of NASCO accessories.