Random # 111: HR Holden Ute

- April 04, 2017

In a previous post, UMPH identified the 1963 - 64 EH Holden as an iconic model for General Motors Australia. The same could be said of 1966 - 68's HR series Holden.

Like the EH, the HR was an aesthetic improvement over the model it replaced, the HD (1965 - 66), although the differences were less pronounced on these two later cars than with the EJ and EH. Both the HD and the HR continued with the beloved 'red motor' that was first introduced in the EH.

The ute shown here is an HR, as illustrated by the addition of the two circular white indicators built into the grille. However, like so many other Holdens, the HR ute and panel van variants retained the rear-end treatment of the model it replaced, meaning that HR and HD utes and vans are virtually indistinguishable from each other when viewed from behind.

In sedan and station wagon guise, the differences between the rear-end treatment seen on HDs and HRs is quite marked, with all versions of the HD featuring the same square taillight / indicator assemblies fitted to the ute shown here. However, HR sedans and wagons' taillights were more vertical in form, as depicted below.

Internet image.

This particular example, photographed in Cooma, New South Wales, was in very fine condition. The only ostensible departures from totally stock-standard were the slightly wider chrome wheels shown below, a sports steering wheel and a pair of cloth-covered bucket seats with headrests.