TheHolden HGis anautomobilewhich was produced byHoldeninAustraliabetween 1970 and 1971. It was marketed underBelmont,Kingswood,Premier,BroughamandMonaromodel names.

Holden HG
Holden Kingswood Sedan
Overview
ManufacturerHolden(General Motors)
Also calledHolden Belmont
Holden Kingswood
Holden Premier
Holden Brougham
Holden Monaro
ProductionJuly 1970 – July 1971
DesignerJoe Schemansky
Body and chassis
ClassMid-size
Body style4-doorsedan
5-doorstation wagon
2-doorcoupé
2-doorcoupé utility
2-doorpanel van
LayoutFR layout
Powertrain
Engine3.2L 'Chevrolet 130'I6(export only)
2.6LGMH '161'I6
3.0LGMH '186'I6
4.1LGMH '253'V8
5.0LGMH '308'V8
5.7L'Chevrolet 350'V8
Transmission3spd manual
4spd manual
2spd "Powerglide" automatic
3spd "Tri-Matic"automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase111.0 inches (2819 mm)
Length184.8 inches (4694 mm) (sedans)
Width71.8 inches (1824 mm) (Belmont)
Height55.6 inches (1412 mm) (sedans)
Curb weight2814 lb (1276 kg) (Belmont)
Chronology
PredecessorHolden HT
SuccessorHolden HQ

Introduction

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The Holden HG range was introduced on 26 July 1970,[1]replacing theHolden HTseries which had been in production since May 1969.[2]Changes from the previous model included new grilles and body decorations as well as new safety features, colours and trim designs.[3]AllV8-enginedmodels were now fitted with improved disc brakes and the suspension system of theMonaro GTSwas modified for greater comfort.[3]

Model range

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The mainstream HG series was offered in four-doorsedanand five-doorstation wagonbody styles in three trim levels.

  • Belmont sedan[1]
  • Belmont station wagon[1]
  • Kingswood sedan[1]
  • Kingswood station wagon[1]
  • Premier sedan[1]
  • Premier station wagon[1]

The Brougham, which used a body with an extended boot, was available in one model only.

  • Brougham sedan[1]

The Monaro was offered in three two-doorcoupemodels

  • Monaro coupe[1]
  • Monaro GTS coupe[1]
  • Monaro GTS 350 coupe[1]

Commercial vehicle derivatives were available in two-doorcoupe utilityand two-doorpanel vanbody styles.

  • Belmont utility[1]
  • Belmont panel van[1]
  • Kingswood utility[1]

Engines and transmissions

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The 161 cu in (2.6 L) and 186 cu in (3.0 L) inline six-cylinder engines were carried over from the HT range, as were the 253 cu in (4.1 L), 308 cu in (5.0 L) and 350 cu in (5.7 L)V8 engines.A new three-speed "Tri-Matic"automatic transmissionwas offered for the first time on the full-size Holden range.[3]The "Tri-Matic" was standard on Premier and Brougham models, and offered as an option on all other models excepting the Monaro GTS 350.[3]

Production

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The HG range was replaced by theHolden HQseries in July 1971,[4]production having totaled 155,787 units.[1]In total, 6,147 Monaros were produced.[5]

Export

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The HG was also sold in South Africa, as the Chevrolet Kommando,Constantia,or El Camino bakkie (pickup). The El Camino sold very well, leaving GM South Africa with no more trucks but a surplus of passenger car parts in early 1972, when the succeeding HQ series was already on its way. The solution was to use up material for 3400 Constantias and Kommandos to build El Camino pickup trucks. These hybrids had considerably better equipment than the regular utility, and proved very popular with consumers, allowing GMSA to make a small profit on the entire deal.[6]

References

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  1. ^abcdefghijklmnoHolden HG Technical SpecificationRetrieved from uniquecarsandparts.au 18 January 2011
  2. ^Holden HT Technical SpecificationsRetrieved from uniquecarsandparts.au on 18 January 2011
  3. ^abcdHolden HGRetrieved from uniquecarsandparts.au on 18 January 2011
  4. ^Holden HQ Technical SpecificationRetrieved from uniquecarsandparts.au 18 January 2011
  5. ^Holden HG MonaroRetrieved from monarotraders on 18 January 2011
  6. ^Cotter (November 1972). Wright, Cedric (ed.). "by the way".CAR (South Africa).Vol. 16, no. 10. Cape Town, South Africa: Ramsay, Son & Parker (Pty) Ltd. p. 3.