When I was a teenager learning to drive in the mid-80's, this series of Holden was the car that many of us owned as our first vehicle as they were very affordable and available on the used market in large numbers. They were also built like tanks and had sturdy suspension & underbody components, thick-gauge steel in the panels and big chrome bumpers so they could soak-up all the bumps, scrapes and unintended off-road excursions that new drivers would inevitably subject them to. And when they did break down they were very easy to fix yourself and get back on the road quickly with nothing more than a rudimentary mechanical knowledge and a very basic set of tools as the brakes, suspension, drivetrain and electrical systems were very simple and basic in design. For example, the fuse box under the dash contained literally 5 or 6 fuses and a relay for the headlights from memory, and the engine had literally 4 or 5 wires attached to it (coil, starter, generator, temp & oil sender) so troubleshooting electrical faults was extremely simple; you could literally re-wire the entire car from nose to tail in a couple of hours with nothing more than a few reels of cheap general-purpose cable from Tandy and a screwdriver. The local wrecker's would also always have an abundance of cheap spare parts, panels and interior components for them readily available, with many mechanical parts from the earlier HD-HR and later HQ-HZ series vehicles completely interchangeable with them too. My dad used to quip that I spent more time working under my old clapped-out Holdens then actually driving them, however I learnt invaluable lifelong mechanical skills and work-arounds keeping these "old girls" (they were only like 15-odd years old at the time, like the VE Commodores of today) on the road. One Achille's heel that they did have though (like most other vehicles of that period) was a tendency to rust-out prematurely, which saw many of them (particularly in coastal areas) end up at the wrecker's well before their time was up.
Ten years ago a guy who works in the corporate world took me for a spin in his immaculate original white HK sedan with the 186 and powerglide transmission. I was struck by the sight of it as I hadn’t seen one in years and was curious what this 2 speed was like. What I didn’t expect was it to change into second so quickly after starting off. It just went oooooh and then aaaah and that was it cruising in top gear by about 30km/h LOL loved it and what a super Aussie looking icon on wheels!
As a 20-year-old guy that's really into old classics I hold a personal grudge against the new designer vehicles there's nothing to them no personality no quirks, it's a real disappointment sing all new cars look the same
I'm so jealous. What a beautiful car. I grew up with these old holdens and the memories come flooding back. You be a good girl Claire and wear your age with pride. Thanks guys for making me smile 😃
Great vid mate , nearly brought a tear to my eye, mum and dad in the front the cat on the rear parcel shelf. Home made trailer on the back, driving to the beach house on a Friday night in the Hg kingsey . Thanks again.
MY dad had a HT Kingwood with 3 On the tree. I learnt how to drive in that car. Had a 161 6 cylinder which was bullet proof. Bought it new in 1969 had it up to 2008. Wish he still had it.
Being told the old, and well presented and kept HG was a classic before you were born and you are 27 and I well remember these when they were first released confirms I'm old...oh well. I wouldn't change places. The 60's through to the 80's were a very good time to be alive. By the way, I own a 1970 Chrysler Valiant Pacer here to keep me rooted to the past.
Beautiful car. My parents changed up to a one year old ex-traveler’s Belmont station wagon in 1970? It only had the 161 red motor BUT it was still quicker than most other cars on the road here in NZ. The relatively light weight probably contributed to its relative quickness.
My HG did not have the 186, but ran really well. It spent some time in Qld with my bros father in law while I was unlicensed but I brought it back to Vic and it never missed a beat. Until I loaned it to a mate who unfortunately hit a horde that had escaped onto the highway. Eventually sold for scrap, but still remember my drive back from Qld.
The only brand new car I ever bought, a HG Kingswood V8, loved it to death. Just a couple of little things, HG hubcaps centres are red, wheels silver, but that's a truly nice car.
They put HT hubcaps on it to match the rims & the roof. As a side point you could order through the dealer to have the rims painted in the body colour.
Love this episode. I remember as an 11 yo the HG being released. I had a cousin bought a brand new HG Kingswood wagon with the 253 V8 4 speed manual. I also love that you, as a 27 yo has such respect for these early original Aussie cars.
Thank you for the kind words George. I’ll be honest, I’m lucky enough to drive a lot of cars but this one is one of the ones I’ve personally wanted to own the most
Brings back memories mid 80s had a HG Kingswood wagon with a 253 V 8 trimatic cascade green with a white roof auto 278 diff yes rare tall ratio diff made for a relaxed hwy cruiser
Nice to see this video come up. There used to be quite a lot of HG's in that colour. I had 2 of them in the 1970's. The majority in this colour had white roofs, from what I saw. Could be wrong but I think it was mainly a 1971 colour rather than from the introduction of the HG approximately mid 1970. I can tell that yours is a 1971 build because the brake proportioning valve under the master cylinder has a tan wire connected to it going to the brake light in the dashboard cluster. Your car would have seatbelts for all seating positions, too. Both the brake light and all seatbelts were required to be installed when the car was built. Same for heater demisters with fans. This started in January 1971. Your car has drum brakes all around and the power boosted option wasn't altogether common with 4 drums. When you turn the radio on a little red light comes on in the centre of the dial. I am curious to know whether the red light shows the number 11 or 13. My HG brougham had the 13 and it was the only one I ever saw with the 13 and I believe that the 13 transistor radio was introduced with the HG so not available on earlier models. The speedometer and likely the entire cluster in your car was built in Victoria by Flexdrive. In most or all cars built interstate, the numbers on the odometer were a little bit separate from each other, they were VDO clusters. An exclusion to this was all GTS and Brougham which all had VDO clusters. The body number on the firewall likely has an M at the end of it. - My first blue HG had a 186 Trimatic and it was first registered in May 1971, might have been 4th of May. Rego number was KWM 330 and the engine number was 186P456999. That had unboosted drum brakes and a fair amount of foot pressure was required. Second one I had was a 253 with a column shift manual. I didn't have that for very long as it had a lot wrong with it so I got rid of it. see for different odometer. www.ebay.com.au/itm/156590198348?_skw=Holden+HT+HG+MONARO+GTS+140mph+Speedo+Tacho+Dash+Instrument+Cluster&itmmeta=01JH6QPRJ771MK1H1H2WT2MCJW&hash=item247580ce4c:g:H4YAAOSwkSlnY6h1
My Mate Dave had a Green HK Kingwood in 89.Almost bran new.He put electric windows in it & a stock 350 Chev ,& 10 bolt diff.We both loved it.With a door wide open you could slowly push the door a few inches & it would shut perfect the rest of the way.With the 186 it got 23mpg at 100kph and 28mpg at 80kph open road use.When dave went to buy one a Woman was selling for $500 she told dave the gear box was broken so he would need a trailer.Dave paid the cash then got under & found it was stuck in 2 gears at once.In a few seconds he had fixed it and drove away leaving the Woman stunned.
Those glass things are quarter vents! My first car in 77 was a HT kingswood, 186 and column manual. One owner 36000 miles for $1870. I added a HK GTS monaro a couple of years later ($2000), of course, I wish I still had them, but I do love my VR Clubsport wagon.
Nice survivor. That turquoise blue colour scheme was pure 1970s, I had an XB Falcon with the same colour & white vinyl roof, brown upholstery & carpets.
I had one of these; light green with a white roof, 186 manual. They're more than 52yo. More like 54/55. Mine had the standard wheels with hubcaps. HG's had red centres in the hubcaps. These hubcaps are off the previous HT model, being white centred. In the 80's, you could snag one of these for a case of beer or a favour. Try doing that now! You're best bet is to visit country towns. There's always some dude on the edge of town with an old classic sitting in a paddock doing nothing. Make him an offer in the hope he's unaware as to current values. Stick it on a trailer and off you go.
I seem to recall the centre colour on the hubcaps. HK was black, I thought HT was white and HG was red. Happy to be corrected. That said it is very tidy.
Beautiful car an video. May you please try do a video on a HR White ( red interior - be awesome) video. An Premier would be great. However just an good preservered HR would be awesome . Once again - TOP VIDEO👍
My 66 Holden HR prem sedan three on tree in original condition is nearly as good as your hg but not as immaculate you got yourself one gem of a motor vehicle magnificent colour whatever you do keep it in the family and safe driving with it go Holden same for ford Mopar and other classics
Give me this car to drive, rather than all the garbage shit boxes, they've been importing and tricking us on how good these Hyundai's and kia's are.This beautiful old girl has class.👍🇦🇺👍🇦🇺🍺🍺🍺
It's likely a colour-coded factory option chosen by the original owner. Seems they ordered the full colour coordinated look with the interior, roof, seatbelts, wheels & dash.
Originality is tops. Great presentation.
Had exact same hg same colour but a station wagon
Drove it across the Nullarbor from Perth to Sydney
Had it for years
Best wagon ever
beautiful car love that radio and love that colour too
Great car our family had from new a HT 308v8 Premier great car definitely brings back great memories.
When I was a teenager learning to drive in the mid-80's, this series of Holden was the car that many of us owned as our first vehicle as they were very affordable and available on the used market in large numbers. They were also built like tanks and had sturdy suspension & underbody components, thick-gauge steel in the panels and big chrome bumpers so they could soak-up all the bumps, scrapes and unintended off-road excursions that new drivers would inevitably subject them to.
And when they did break down they were very easy to fix yourself and get back on the road quickly with nothing more than a rudimentary mechanical knowledge and a very basic set of tools as the brakes, suspension, drivetrain and electrical systems were very simple and basic in design. For example, the fuse box under the dash contained literally 5 or 6 fuses and a relay for the headlights from memory, and the engine had literally 4 or 5 wires attached to it (coil, starter, generator, temp & oil sender) so troubleshooting electrical faults was extremely simple; you could literally re-wire the entire car from nose to tail in a couple of hours with nothing more than a few reels of cheap general-purpose cable from Tandy and a screwdriver.
The local wrecker's would also always have an abundance of cheap spare parts, panels and interior components for them readily available, with many mechanical parts from the earlier HD-HR and later HQ-HZ series vehicles completely interchangeable with them too. My dad used to quip that I spent more time working under my old clapped-out Holdens then actually driving them, however I learnt invaluable lifelong mechanical skills and work-arounds keeping these "old girls" (they were only like 15-odd years old at the time, like the VE Commodores of today) on the road.
One Achille's heel that they did have though (like most other vehicles of that period) was a tendency to rust-out prematurely, which saw many of them (particularly in coastal areas) end up at the wrecker's well before their time was up.
Bloody beautiful 👍 I've got an HG KINGSWOOD UTE AND A 2 DOOR MONARO
Ten years ago a guy who works in the corporate world took me for a spin in his immaculate original white HK sedan with the 186 and powerglide transmission. I was struck by the sight of it as I hadn’t seen one in years and was curious what this 2 speed was like.
What I didn’t expect was it to change into second so quickly after starting off. It just went oooooh and then aaaah and that was it cruising in top gear by about 30km/h LOL loved it and what a super Aussie looking icon on wheels!
That was my car in 1980 mine was the brown body white roof 186 motor gold interior three on the tree absolutely love that car cheers
An era when car design captured the imagination of every school boy. Thanks for valuing our automotive history.
As a 20-year-old guy that's really into old classics I hold a personal grudge against the new designer vehicles there's nothing to them no personality no quirks, it's a real disappointment sing all new cars look the same
I'm so jealous. What a beautiful car. I grew up with these old holdens and the memories come flooding back. You be a good girl Claire and wear your age with pride. Thanks guys for making me smile 😃
Great vid mate , nearly brought a tear to my eye, mum and dad in the front the cat on the rear parcel shelf. Home made trailer on the back, driving to the beach house on a Friday night in the Hg kingsey . Thanks again.
The memory of putting a towel over the back bench seat to save the seat from the sun, just don't see that anymore
I remember these cars from my childhood in NZ in the 70's. They were a common family car at that time.
MY dad had a HT Kingwood with 3 On the tree. I learnt how to drive in that car. Had a 161 6 cylinder which was bullet proof. Bought it new in 1969 had it up to 2008. Wish he still had it.
Great video mate
My boy and I are getting a HG Brougham back up and going
I love seeing cars like this that are stock standard & unrestored. Not everyone lusts after V8's & modified cars. Keep those videos coming.👍
Being told the old, and well presented and kept HG was a classic before you were born and you are 27 and I well remember these when they were first released confirms I'm old...oh well. I wouldn't change places. The 60's through to the 80's were a very good time to be alive. By the way, I own a 1970 Chrysler Valiant Pacer here to keep me rooted to the past.
She wears her imperfections beautifully
Beautiful car. My parents changed up to a one year old ex-traveler’s Belmont station wagon in 1970? It only had the 161 red motor BUT it was still quicker than most other cars on the road here in NZ. The relatively light weight probably contributed to its relative quickness.
My HG did not have the 186, but ran really well. It spent some time in Qld with my bros father in law while I was unlicensed but I brought it back to Vic and it never missed a beat. Until I loaned it to a mate who unfortunately hit a horde that had escaped onto the highway. Eventually sold for scrap, but still remember my drive back from Qld.
The only brand new car I ever bought, a HG Kingswood V8, loved it to death.
Just a couple of little things, HG hubcaps centres are red, wheels silver, but that's a truly nice car.
They put HT hubcaps on it to match the rims & the roof. As a side point you could order through the dealer to have the rims painted in the body colour.
Learnt to drive in a hg Holden im glad to of grown up in that era
Very nice survived 🤙
Love this episode. I remember as an 11 yo the HG being released. I had a cousin bought a brand new HG Kingswood wagon with the 253 V8 4 speed manual. I also love that you, as a 27 yo has such respect for these early original Aussie cars.
Thank you for the kind words George. I’ll be honest, I’m lucky enough to drive a lot of cars but this one is one of the ones I’ve personally wanted to own the most
Kingswood/Premier/Monaro/Statesman are the REAL Holdens 💪
Great old cruiser.
Brings back memories mid 80s had a HG Kingswood wagon with a 253 V 8 trimatic cascade green with a white roof auto 278 diff yes rare tall ratio diff made for a relaxed hwy cruiser
Keep these cool vids going, And the no bloody annoying back ground music makes this even better, Cheers..
Thank you Robbi! I also like no music haha that won’t be changing
Nice to see this video come up. There used to be quite a lot of HG's in that colour. I had 2 of them in the 1970's. The majority in this colour had white roofs, from what I saw. Could be wrong but I think it was mainly a 1971 colour rather than from the introduction of the HG approximately mid 1970. I can tell that yours is a 1971 build because the brake proportioning valve under the master cylinder has a tan wire connected to it going to the brake light in the dashboard cluster. Your car would have seatbelts for all seating positions, too. Both the brake light and all seatbelts were required to be installed when the car was built. Same for heater demisters with fans. This started in January 1971. Your car has drum brakes all around and the power boosted option wasn't altogether common with 4 drums. When you turn the radio on a little red light comes on in the centre of the dial. I am curious to know whether the red light shows the number 11 or 13. My HG brougham had the 13 and it was the only one I ever saw with the 13 and I believe that the 13 transistor radio was introduced with the HG so not available on earlier models. The speedometer and likely the entire cluster in your car was built in Victoria by Flexdrive. In most or all cars built interstate, the numbers on the odometer were a little bit separate from each other, they were VDO clusters. An exclusion to this was all GTS and Brougham which all had VDO clusters. The body number on the firewall likely has an M at the end of it. - My first blue HG had a 186 Trimatic and it was first registered in May 1971, might have been 4th of May. Rego number was KWM 330 and the engine number was 186P456999. That had unboosted drum brakes and a fair amount of foot pressure was required. Second one I had was a 253 with a column shift manual. I didn't have that for very long as it had a lot wrong with it so I got rid of it. see for different odometer. www.ebay.com.au/itm/156590198348?_skw=Holden+HT+HG+MONARO+GTS+140mph+Speedo+Tacho+Dash+Instrument+Cluster&itmmeta=01JH6QPRJ771MK1H1H2WT2MCJW&hash=item247580ce4c:g:H4YAAOSwkSlnY6h1
My Mate Dave had a Green HK Kingwood in 89.Almost bran new.He put electric windows in it & a stock 350 Chev ,& 10 bolt diff.We both loved it.With a door wide open you could slowly push the door a few inches & it would shut perfect the rest of the way.With the 186 it got 23mpg at 100kph and 28mpg at 80kph open road use.When dave went to buy one a Woman was selling for $500 she told dave the gear box was broken so he would need a trailer.Dave paid the cash then got under & found it was stuck in 2 gears at once.In a few seconds he had fixed it and drove away leaving the Woman stunned.
Those glass things are quarter vents! My first car in 77 was a HT kingswood, 186 and column manual. One owner 36000 miles for $1870. I added a HK GTS monaro a couple of years later ($2000), of course, I wish I still had them, but I do love my VR Clubsport wagon.
Videos like this make me miss both my HGs.
Nice survivor. That turquoise blue colour scheme was pure 1970s, I had an XB Falcon with the same colour & white vinyl roof, brown upholstery & carpets.
I really miss my HQ One toner.
They whistle when on the move you could tell it was a kingswood from half a mile off ..childhood memory
Claire is utterly beautiful ❤😊
I had a hk Ute 186 same colour in 1976 my first car
I had one of these; light green with a white roof, 186 manual. They're more than 52yo. More like 54/55.
Mine had the standard wheels with hubcaps. HG's had red centres in the hubcaps. These hubcaps are off the previous HT model, being white centred. In the 80's, you could snag one of these for a case of beer or a favour. Try doing that now! You're best bet is to visit country towns. There's always some dude on the edge of town with an old classic sitting in a paddock doing nothing. Make him an offer in the hope he's unaware as to current values. Stick it on a trailer and off you go.
I seem to recall the centre colour on the hubcaps. HK was black, I thought HT was white and HG was red. Happy to be corrected. That said it is very tidy.
That's correct. Featured car has previous HT caps fitted.
I had a hk Ute in 1976 186 my first car
Beautiful car an video. May you please try do a video on a HR White ( red interior - be awesome) video. An Premier would be great.
However just an good preservered HR would be awesome .
Once again - TOP VIDEO👍
my parents had one of these when I was a kid.
There was plenty of room in the old Holden's. Me and my siblings threw some good punches.
My 66 Holden HR prem sedan three on tree in original condition is nearly as good as your hg but not as immaculate you got yourself one gem of a motor vehicle magnificent colour whatever you do keep it in the family and safe driving with it go Holden same for ford Mopar and other classics
Give me this car to drive, rather than all the garbage shit boxes, they've been importing and tricking us on how good these Hyundai's and kia's are.This beautiful old girl has class.👍🇦🇺👍🇦🇺🍺🍺🍺
It's still a lot younger than me!
Very beautiful car, but 52 ? I think you got the maths wrong, the HG was 70-71 so it would 55, right ? 52 is 1973 which was the HQ kingswood era.
I’m 71 and I’m dam sure the original owner would have been clean shaven and a proper neat tidy haircut 💁
Unbelievable. A credit to its previous owners, they meticulously looked after it. Ted bullshit would be proud. 👍
Melbourne built HG.
Eric Bana still looks like he is about 20!
I have my HT....will NEVER sell it :)
D❤idnt they originally have silver painted wheels ?
It's likely a colour-coded factory option chosen by the original owner. Seems they ordered the full colour coordinated look with the interior, roof, seatbelts, wheels & dash.
Sorry it's definitely been restored in some touches, panel gaps don't ad up
These were bullet proof
HT colour,HT hub cap's, but a HG ? Bit of a mix up somewhere.!
They put ht hubcaps on it to match the rims & the roof.
you should review some other aussie cars too, not just Holdens. Would be nice.
XB Couple will be soon!
Looks like an ex SA cop car. Nice.
Aussie built with plenty of metal, not plastic.
You can work on the engine without removing a million parts