The HD of February 1965 is a bigger new body — its styling and “kidney-crusher” front guards were widely panned — with the red motor in 149 and 179ci form and, for the first time, the X2: a twin-Stromberg 179 with a hotter cam, Holden’s first performance engine. Two-speed Powerglide replaced Hydra-Matic. Brakes are 9in drums, with front discs optional from 1 June 1965 — the first on a Holden. Early HDs kept the EH-style king-pin front end; sources disagree on exactly when ball joints arrived. 178,927 were built to April 1966.
The HR of April 1966 changed almost every outer panel: trimmed front guards, new rear guards, a reworked roof and a wider rear window, a grille with round indicators, vertical tail lights, three-piece bumpers and a lowered boot sill — so check HD and HR body seals before you order. The engines went to 161 and 186ci; the 186 X2 gave way to the 186S in June 1967, when an Opel floor-change four-speed also arrived. The front track is 1in wider, and seat belts, washers and reversing lights came in. 252,352 were built to January 1968. The HR is recorded as the first Holden built at GM’s new Trentham plant, in 1967.
Holden HD & HR — specification & changes within the model
- HD — 1965 to 1966
- New body. 149 and 179ci red motor; X2 twin-Stromberg 179. Powerglide replaces Hydra-Matic. Front indicators under the bumper, wraparound tail lights.
- HR — 1966 to 1968
-
New outer panels, wider rear window, round grille indicators, vertical tail lights, lower boot sill. 161 and 186ci; 186S from June 1967.
- Brakes
- 9in drums. Front discs optional from 1 June 1965 (HD) and on the HR.
- Front suspension
- Early HDs: king pins. Ball joints later in the HD or on the HR — sources disagree. Check before ordering.
- Gearboxes
- Three-speed column; Powerglide; Opel four-speed floor change from June 1967 (HR).
- HD or HR?
- Almost every outer panel changed, and the boot sill is lower on the HR — check boot and body seals against your car.
- Earth polarity
-
We cannot tell you for certain, and we will not guess. We could not find more than one source on the earth polarity for the HD or HR. Check the car before you order a coil, a regulator or a radio.
