the holden kingswood is a full-sized australian classic car, which was manufactured by general...

The Holden Kingswood is a full-sized Australian classic car, which was manufactured by General Motors-Holden.

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Introduction HK HT HG HQ HJ HX HZ WB WA Discontinuation

IntroductionThe Holden Kingswood is a full-sized car, built by General Motors-Holden. It was the middle model, sitting above the entry level ‘Belmont’, while below

the top level ‘Premier’. It was a bit of luxury, at a more affordable price.

The Kingswood journey began in 1968, with the HK, a re-design of the HR. It was both bigger and heavier than it’s precursors. There was a sedan, a station

wagon, and a ute. Along the way, a panel-van was also introduced, the “Sandman”, most commonly known as the Shaggin’-Wagon or Sinbin.

At the time, it also competed with Holden’s other lines. A two-door coupe, the Monaro, and an extended-length car, the Brougham. The Brougham was

later replaced by the Statesman.

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HKHome

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HKEngine

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2.65 161 "Low Compression"

Engine

2.65 161 "High Compression"

Engine

3.05 "186" Engine

3.05 "186S" Engine

307 V8 Engine

327 V8 Engine

Capacity: 2638cc 161 cubic inches (2.640 litres) Type: Conventional, watercooled four stroke, reciprocating piston type with 6 cylindersConfiguration: Front mounted, longitudinal, inlineHead: Pushrod and rocker actuated ohv with two valves per cylinderFuel System: Bendix-Stromberg single barrel downdraft type carburettorBore and Stroke: 3.375 x 3.00 inches (85.7 x 76.2mm)Power: 108bhp (81kw) at 4400rpmTorque: 146lb-ft (198Nm) at 2000rpmCompression Ratio: 8.2:1



Capacity: 3048cc 186 cubic inches (3.048 litres) Type: Conventional, watercooled four stroke, reciprocating piston type with 6 cylindersConfiguration: Front mounted, longitudinal, inlineHead: Pushrod and rocker actuated ohv with two valves per cylinderFuel System: Bendix-Stromberg twin barrel single downdraft type carburettorBore and Stroke: 3.625 x 3.00 inches (92.1 x 76.2mm)Power: 145bhp (108kw) at 4600rpmTorque: 184lb-ft (249Nm) at 2200rpmCompression Ratio: 9.2:1

Capacity: 307 cubic inches (5.035 litres) Type: Conventional, watercooled four stroke, reciprocating piston type with 8 cylindersConfiguration: Front mounted, longitudinal, Vee configurationHead: Pushrod and rocker actuated ohv with two valves per cylinderFuel System: Two barrel Rochester downdraft type carburettorBore and Stroke: 3.875 x 3.25 inches (98.4 x 82.6mm)Power: 210bhp (157kw) at 4600rpmTorque: 300lb-ft (407Nm) at 2400rpmCompression Ratio: 8.75:1

Capacity: 327 cubic inches (5.363 litres) Type: Conventional, watercooled four stroke, reciprocating piston type with 8 cylindersConfiguration: Front mounted, longitudinal, Vee configurationHead: Pushrod and rocker actuated ohv with two valves per cylinderFuel System: Four barrel Rochester downdraft type carburettorBore and Stroke: 4.00 x 3.25 inches (101.6 x 82.6mm)Power: 250bhp (186kw) at 4800rpmTorque: 325lb-ft (441Nm) at 3200rpmCompression Ratio: 8.75:1

Manual Transmission (3 speed Holden standard): 1st: 2.99:12nd: 1.59:13rd: 1.00:1Reverse: 2.99:1

Manual Transmission (3 speed M15 L-6): 1st: 3.07:1 2nd: 1.68:1 3rd: 1.00:1

Reverse: 3.59:1Manual Transmission (3 speed M15 V8): 1st: 2.48:12nd: 1.36:13rd: 1.00:1Reverse: 2.90:1

Manual Transmission (4 speed Opel): 1st: 3.43:1 2nd: 2.16:1 3rd: 1.37:1 4th: 1.000:1 Reverse: 3.32:1

Manual Transmission (4 speed Chev M21): 1st: 2.54:12nd: 1.80:13rd: 1.44:14th: 1.00:1Reverse: 2.54:1

Manual Transmission (4 speed Chev M22): 1st: 2.85:1 2nd: 2.02:1 3rd: 1.35:1 4th: 1.000:1 Reverse: 2.85:1

Powerglide Automatic Transmission (2 speed): 1st: 1.82:12nd: 1.0:1Reverse: 1.82:1

Transmissions

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HKBody

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Identifiable features: •All new body with pronounced flaring above wheel arches•HR style grille without inset turn signal indicators•"HOLDEN" emblem located at lower right of front grille•Wrap-around front indicators mounted under the front bumper•Slim-line rear wrap-around tail lights

The HK Kingswood is a very rectangular car, with slightly rounded corners. It features the same grille as the earlier HR Holden, meaning it has a metal cross

right through the middle extending all the way to square framed headlights. From the back, the boot features a slight slope downwards with only a small rear end height-wise. With HOLDEN spelt out across the back, evenly spaced towards the

slim, rectangular wrap-around tail-lights and indicators.

Pictures of HKs

HKChanges

This car was all new, the beginning of the Kingswood name. The only thing which related it

to the HR Holden was really the grille. It was bigger and heavier than the previous model HR. Also, this car was the first Holden with a choice

of a V8 engine, the 307-cubic-inch Chevrolet small-block.

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INSERT PICTURES OF HR AND HK COMPARING THE TWO HERE.

HKOptional Features

• Suspension: – Optional heavy duty front and rear springs– Optional "Superlift" rear shocks available that allow adjustment of

vehicle when under load• Steering:

– Optional fast ratio gearing 16.7:1 available to all models, however power assistance mandatory if fitted to V8

– Optional Power Assisted steering available for fast ratio• Tyres:

– Optional tyres include whitewalls and redwalls, radial and nylon cord type six-ply

• Available with optional instrument cluster incorporating oil pressure, ammeter and water

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HKDescription

• Exterior Dimensions: • Total Length:

– Sedans: 184.8 inches (4694mm)

• Total Width: – 71.4 inches (1814mm)

• Total Height at kerb weight: – Sedans: 55.6 inches

(1412mm)– Station Wagons: 56.5 inches

(1435mm)• Wheelbase:

– 111.0 inches (2819mm)• Front Track:

– 57.12 inches (1451mm)• Rear Track:

– 57.12 inches (1451mm)

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•Kerb Weight: – Roughly 1400kg

• Turning Circle: – 36.5ft (11.1 metres)

• Fuel Tank Capacity: – 16.5 gallons (75.1 litres)

• Instruments: – Speedometer– Petrol gauge– Water Temperature warning

lamp– Oil pressure warning lamp– Generator charge warning

lamp– Turn Signal lamps– High Beam warning lamp

• Suspension: – Front: Short and long arm

independent type with coil springs. Stabiliser bar. Direct acting tubular telescopic shocks

– Rear: Semi-elliptic springs, five leaves on Sedan, six leaves on Station Wagons. Direct acting tubular telescopic shocks.

• Steering:– Energy absorbing steering

column and shaft– Recirculating ball type, ratio

20:1– Steering "Life Lubricated"

• Brakes: – Front: Hydraulic 10.0 inch

(254mm) drums, 10.7 inch (271.78mm) power assisted Disc brakes optional

– Rear: Hydraulic 10.0 inch (254mm) drums

• Wheels: Short spoke disc type, size 14 x 5.00J

• Tyres: – Tubeless 6.95x14 four-ply

low profile tyres– Double sided safety rims

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HTEngine

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2.65 161 Engine

3.05 "186" Engine

3.05 "186S" Engine

307 V8 Engine

308 V8 Engine



Capacity: 253 cubic inches (4.149 litres) Type: Conventional, watercooled four stroke, reciprocating piston type with 8 cylindersConfiguration: Front mounted, longitudinal, Vee configurationHead: Pushrod and rocker actuated ohv with two valves per cylinderFuel System: Twin barrel Bendix-Stromberg carburettorBore and Stroke: 3.625 x 3.062 inches (92.1 x 77.8mm)Power: 185bhp (138kw) at 4400rpmTorque: 262lb-ft (355Nm) at 2400rpmCompression Ratio: 8.75:1

Capacity: 307 cubic inches (5.035 litres) Type: Conventional, watercooled four stroke, reciprocating piston type with 8 cylindersConfiguration: Front mounted, longitudinal, Vee configurationHead: Pushrod and rocker actuated ohv with two valves per cylinderFuel System: Two barrel Rochester downdraft type carburettorBore and Stroke: 3.875 x 3.25 inches (98.4 x 82.6mm)Power: 210bhp (157kw) at 4600rpmTorque: 300lb-ft (407Nm) at 2400rpmCompression Ratio: 8.75:1

Capacity: 308 cubic inches (5.035 litres) Type: Conventional, watercooled four stroke, reciprocating piston type with 8 cylindersConfiguration: Front mounted, longitudinal, Vee configurationHead: Pushrod and rocker actuated ohv with two valves per cylinderFuel System: Four barrel Rochester Quadrajet type carburettorBore and Stroke: 4.00 x 3.00 inches (101.6 x 77.8mm)Power: 240bhp (179kw) at 4000rpmTorque: 315lb-ft (427Nm) at 3000rpmCompression Ratio: 9.0:1


Manual Transmission (3 speed): 1st: 2.48:12nd: 1.36:13rd: 1.00:1Reverse: n/a

Manual Transmission (4 speed Opel): 1st: 3.43:1 2nd: 2.16:1 3rd: 1.37:1

4th: 1.000:1 Reverse: 3.32:1

Manual Transmission (4 speed Chev M21): 1st: 2.54:12nd: 1.80:13rd: 1.44:14th: 1.00:1Reverse: 2.54:1

Manual Transmission (4 speed Chev M22): 1st: 2.85:1 2nd: 2.02:1 3rd: 1.35:1 4th: 1.000:1 Reverse: 2.85:1

Powerglide Automatic Transmission (2 speed 6 cylinder): 1st: 1.76:12nd: 1.0:1Reverse: 1.76:1 Powerglide Automatic Transmission (2 speed V8): 1st: 1.82:1

2nd: 1.0:1 Reverse: 1.82:1

Transmissions253 V8 Engine

350 V8 Engine

HTBody

Identifiable features: Body similar to HK, but with smoothed rear guards/rear roof pillar junction and a wider rear window, plus horizontally slatted grille with gaps and raised centre featuring lion-and-stone badge

The HT Kinswood’s body, is extremely similar to the HK. Featuring near identical sides, the main differences are in the back and front. The HT grille is slatted with gaps,

and a rise in the centre which the badge is on. From the back, the differences are the corners are a lot smoother meaning the indentation is lost on the boot lid, the

rear taillights don’t extend inwards as far and the rear window is wider.

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Pictures comparing HT and HK

HTChanges

• New locally manufactured Holden 253-cubic-inch (4.1 L) and 308-cubic-inch (5.0 L) V8 engines were released

• The range of three six-cylinder engines carried over to the HT series.• The transmission options for the V8 engines were many and varied as

initially, the 253 V8 only came with either three-speed column- or four-speed floor-mounted manual transmissions.

• The 307 V8 was only made available with two-speed Powerglide automatic transmission. This continued until the 307 stocks were finished, after that time the 253 and 308 locally built V8 engines could then be ordered with any manual or automatic transmission across the range.

• A new locally manufactured three-speed automatic transmission, the ‘Tri-Matic’, was introduced late in the life of the HT range.

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HTOptional Features

• Suspension: – Optional heavy duty front and rear springs– Optional "Superlift" rear shocks available that allow adjustment of vehicle when under load

• Steering: – Optional power assisted gearing 16.7:1 available to all models

• Brakes: – Front: 10.7 inch (271.78mm) power assisted Disc brakes optional

• Wheels:– Optional 6.00JJ rally wheels available fitted with either radial or D70 tyres

• Available with optional instrument cluster incorporating oil pressure, ammeter and water temperature gauge

• Transmission Combinations: • Manual:

– 3 speed column change standard– Three speed synchromesh optional– Four speed all-syncromesh floor mounted optional

• Automatic: – 2 speed Powerglide optional, but mandatory on V8

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HTDescription

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•Exterior Dimensions: • Total Length:

– Sedans: 184.8 inches (4694mm)

•Total Width: – 71.8 inches (1824mm)

•Total Height at kerb weight: – Sedans: 55.6 inches

(1412mm)– Station Wagons: 56.5 inches

(1435mm)•Wheelbase:

– 111.0 inches (2819mm)•Front Track:

– 58.1 inches (1476mm)•Rear Track:

– 58.1 inches (1476mm)•Top Speed in Gears: •253 HT Kingswood 3 speed manual:

– 1st: 52 mph (84 km/h)– 2nd: 81 mph (120 km/h)– 3rd: 108 mph (174 km/h)– 0-60 mph (0-97 km/h): 10.0

seconds• Standing Quarter Mile (400 metres): 17.3 secondsKerb Weight: • 1286kg• For V8 engine optioned cars,

add 43kg • Turning Circle:

– 36.5ft (11.1 metres)• Fuel Tank Capacity:

– 16.5 gallons (75.1 litres)

• Instruments: – Speedometer– Petrol gauge– Water Temperature warning

lamp– Oil pressure warning lamp– Generator charge warning

lamp– Turn Signal lamps– High Beam warning lamp

• Suspension: – Front: Short and long arm

independent type with rubber bushed inner pivots, coil springs, stabiliser bar and direct acting tubular telescopic shocks.

– Rear: Semi-elliptic springs, three leaves on Sedan, six leaves on Station Wagons. Direct acting tubular telescopic shocks.

• Steering: – Energy absorbing steering

column and shaft– Recirculating ball type, ratio

20:1 on Sedans– Recirculating ball type, ratio

16.7:1 on Station Wagons• Brakes:

– Front: Hydraulic 10.0 inch (254mm) drums

– Rear: Hydraulic 10.0 inch (254mm) drums

• Wheels: – Short spoke disc type, size 14

x 5.00JJ– Double sided safety rims

• Tyres: – Tubeless 6.95x14 four-ply

low profile tyres for six cylinder sedans and wagons, and V8 sedans

– Tubeless 7.35 L 14 4 P/R on V8 Station Wagons

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HGEngine

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2.65 161 LC Engine:

2.65 161 Engine

3.05 186 Engine

3.05 186S Engine

253 V8 Engine

308 V8 Engine




Transmissions

Pictures of engines around

350 V8 Engine


Capacity: 253 cubic inches (4.146 litres)Type: Conventional, watercooled four stroke, reciprocating piston type with 8 cylindersConfiguration: Front mounted, longitudinal, Vee configurationHead: Pushrod and rocker actuated ohv with two valves per cylinderFuel System: Twin barrel Bendix-Stromberg carburettorBore and Stroke: 3.625 x 3.062 inches (92.1 x 77.8mm)Power: 185bhp (138kw) at 4400rpmTorque: 262lb-ft (355Nm) at 2400rpmCompression Ratio: 9.0:1


Capacity: 350 cubic inches (5.740 litres) Type: Conventional, watercooled four stroke, reciprocating piston type with 8 cylindersConfiguration: Front mounted, longitudinal, Vee configurationHead: Pushrod and rocker actuated ohv with two valves per cylinderFuel System: Four barrel Rochester Quadrajet type carburettorBore and Stroke: 4.00 x 3.48 inches (101.6 x 88.39mm)Power Output manual: 300bhp (224kw) at 4800rpmPower Output automatic: 275bhp (205kw) at 4800rpmTorque manual: 380lb-ft (515Nm) at 3200rpmTorque automatic: 365lb-ft (495Nm) at 3200rpmCompression Ratio: 10.25:1

Manual Transmission (3 speed): 1st: 2.48:1 2nd: 1.36:1 3rd: 1.00:1 Reverse: n/a

Manual Transmission (4 speed Opel): 1st: 3.43:12nd: 2.16:13rd: 1.37:14th: 1.000:1Reverse: 3.32:1

Manual Transmission (4 speed Chev): 1st: 2.54:1 2nd: 1.80:1 3rd: 1.44:1 4th: 1.00:1 Reverse: 2.54:1

Powerglide Automatic Transmission (2 speed): 1st: 1.76:12nd: 1.0:1Reverse: 1.76:1

Tri-Matic Automatic Transmission (3 speed): 1st: 2.40:1 2nd: 1.48:1 3rd: 1.00:1 Reverse: 1.92:1

HGBody

Identifiable features: Familiar HT body, but with egg-crate grille divided by vertical bar bearing Holden badge

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HGChanges

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HGOptional Features

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HGDescription

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HQHome

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HJHome

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HZHome

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WBHome

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WBEngine

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WBBody

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WA (proposed)Home

Discontinuation After the development of the HQ series, Holden intended to replace the

second generations cars with a heavily revised WA series. The WA series was in development, but the 1973 fuel crisis along with a worsening financial situation at Holden meant that the project for a new generation Kingswood was eventually abandoned.

GM instead utilised the then forthcoming 1977 Opel Rekord, which was significantly re-engineered and released as the Commodore in 1978 with Holden's own powertrains.

1978 saw the introduction of the first ever Commodore.The last Sandman panel van was produced in October 1979 as it had lost its

place in contemporary Australian youth culture. Consequently, the fall of the Kingswood’s reign came in 1980.Several design sketches for new Kingswoods in various forms have surfaced

since the early-1990s, including a liftback body style.

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References

• http://www.uniquecarsandparts.com.au/ - A HUGE! thanks to these guys, without them most of this site couldn’t have been pulled

together!

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http://www.uniquecarsandparts.com.au/

About Us

This is pretty much just a site I made for a class. My name is Jacob Yordonopulo and I enjoy Kingswoods as they’re an Aussie classic, and really defined what Australian cars are today.

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Try and get a Kingswood forum set up, if not, scrap the idea

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the holden kingswood is a full-sized australian classic car, which was manufactured by general...

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