Final revision of the HQ series and the last traditionally-sized Holden until the VN, the HZ range offered RTS and four-wheel disc brakes. RTS made dramatic improvements to handling safety, and combined with other suspension modifications gave the HZ a more sporty, European feel. Four-wheel disc brakes were standard fitment on Statesman and GTS, optional on sedans and wagons Minor styling changes included a revised grille, higher bootlid, upgraded interior trim and improved instrumentation.

1977 HZ Kingswood SL

HZ Holden SANDMAN Ute

GM-H got it right with this model Holden. Motorists in Australia had become used to fighting understeer on every country road, but the Radial Tuned Suspension system eased the hastle for the bigger Aussie sedan, giving it predictable handling.

The exterior, gave little to identify the HZ over the HJ/HX models.

The “Belmont” name was dropped but the “Kingswood” name lived on in the HZ, but the and The “Kingswood SL” was introduced as an upmarket version and offered a much higher luxury level. Added to the “Premier” was standard Tri-Matic auto, tinted side glass, pinstriping and the now familiar quad-headlight configuration.

The HZ Monaro GTS was standardised with the 308 5 litre V8, dual exhaust, four-speed manual transmission, tinted glass, full instrumentation, front and rear spoilers and four-wheel disc brakes.

This was the end of the “HQ” series run as GM-H was about to radically change car manufacturing in Australia

HZ Holden Panel Van

Holden HZ

1977 – 1978

Engine: 6 cyl. & V8

Capacity: 202 6 cyl; 253/308 V8

Power: 81kW 202 & 161kW 308

Transmission: 3/4 spd man; 3 spd Tri-Matic & TurboHydramatic 350:

Base price when new: $6,377.

Total built: 154,155.

Australia’s first fully manufactured car model, the FX Holden, soon became a favourite for most Australian car buyers. Toted as Australia’s car for Australian conditions, the FX laid the foundation stone for Australia’s most successful car manufacturer GM-H. At first, considering only manufacturing a sedan body, Holden found a need and a demand to quickly develop a utility for the man on the land. The “utility” was born and affectionately became known as the “ute”.

Todays  Holden ute is built for speed, comfort and great design. Options are unlimited with high performance six cylinder and thundering 6 speed v8’s, common place on Australian roads. Tradesmen now dominate the purchasing of these Australian developed concept utilities while the man on the land still uses his ute to do the weekly grocery shopping in a lot more comfort and style than before.

1948 FX Ute

1953 FJ Ute

1956 FE Ute

1958 FC Ute

1959 FB Ute

1961 EK Ute

1962 EJ Ute

1963 EH Ute

1965 HD Ute

1966 HR Ute

1968 HK Ute

1969 HT Ute

1970 HG Ute

1971 HQ Ute

1974 HJ Ute

1976 HX Ute

1977 HZ Ute

1991 VP Commodore Ute

1993 VR Commodore Ute

VU Commodore 'SS' Ute

Holden Utester Concept Ute