Random # 114: HZ Holden Station Wagon

- April 14, 2017

HZ Holdens, like the one pictured here, were the last of the passenger vehicle line that began with 1971's HQ. The HQ - many of which are featured elsewhere on this 'blog - was replaced by the HJ in 1974, the HX in 1976 and then, finally, the HZ in 1978.

Each subsequent model was an evolution of the previous one, featuring cosmetic and engineering changes. However, the differences were most notable between the HQ and the three models that followed it; the HJ, HX and HZ were stylistically quite similar, with only slight differences evident in the grille, lights and minor trim items - although the HZ sedan's boot lid was unique to that model.

Holden continued the HZ until 1980, after which the VC Commodore took over as Holden's only large family car offering. According to Wikipedia, the previous Commodore, the VB, was produced from 1978 until the VC's introduction and therefore ran in parallel to the HZ for two years (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holden_Commodore_(VB)).

The basic structure and styling of the HQ - HZ series did live on, however, in the guise of the WB series of utes and vans, as well as in the De Ville and Caprice variants of the longer wheelbase Statesman luxury line-up up until 1985. After that, Commodore-based commercial vehicles and Statesmans were introduced.

This particular car, a Kingswood SL, was fitted with a 4.2 litre (253 ci) V8 and a three speed T-bar automatic transmission. It also featured velour-trimmed seats, a centre-console and a chrome hearse-styled roof rack.

It was in very good condition, with what appeared to be original paint, chrome and accessories. The SI-rego plates suggest that the car's owner knows s/he's got something a little bit special and that it's more of a weekend ride than a daily driver.