Classic Holden Cars

A most ambitious ‘new generation’ series. Built on a longer wheelbase, it was bigger, lower, roomier and more rounded in appearance, with more models and new mechanical features, including an imported V8 – and a huge choice of factory options. Air conditioning and power windows were offered for the first time. The Kingswood replaced the Special and the pillarless Monaro sports coupe made its popular debut (in a choice of three versions including a ‘Bathurst bred’ GTS 327). An extended luxury version, the Brougham, was also introduced. Safety firsts were an energy-absorbing steering column and a dual circuit braking system. The V8 engine was available on all models.

1968 HK MONARO launched

1968 HK Kingswood

1968 HK Holden

1968 HK Ute

Engine / Transmissions:

161 Belmont, Kingswood
186 Premier, optional on Belmont and Kingswood
186S optional on Belmont, Kingswood and Premier
LSD Mandatory on V8, optional on Belmont, Kingswood and Premier

Manual:

3 speed column change standard
Three speed synchromesh optional on Belmont, Kingswood and Premier
Four speed all-syncromesh floor mounted optional on Belmont, Kingswood and Premier

Automatic:

2 speed Powerglide optional on Belmont, Kingswood and Premier, but mandatory on V8
Four speed high-performance all-syncromesh floor mounted gearbox standard on Monaro GTS ‘327’

Four speed all-syncromesh floor mounted gearbox standard on Monaro GTS 186S, LSD and “high performance” 4 speed manual optional

Base price when new: $2,215

Total built: 199,039

(included two millionth Holden).