1977 Holden HZ Premier 5.0 Sedan

Holden's last full-size car before the launch of the European derived Commodores, was the HZ range announced in October 1977, the fourth revision of the original HQ series. Minor changes to the body included the new grille, badges and hubcaps but more significantly, Holden adopted the Radial Tuned Suspension already in use on the Torana range. With reworked suspension, anti-roll bars front and rear and changes to the power steering, the Holden now had vastly improved handling while rear disc brakes were optional for the first time on certain models and standard on the GTS or Statesman. Further changes saw an electric clock, remote side rear-view mirror and tinted laminated windscreen all fitted as standard to the Kingswood SL. Further up the model range was the Premier, with Tri-Matic automatic, tinted side windows and four-headlamp grille as standard. Under the bonnet there was a choice of the 3.3-litre six, 4.2 and 5.0 High Performance V8s, the latter sold with the beefier Turbo-Hydramatic transmission or four-speed manual. For many, the Commodores could never quite recapture the magic of the old ful-size Holdens (this was reflected in the way Ford's Falcon dominated the market place for much of the Eighties) and a good example still makes for a reliable, comfortable and relaxing daily driver today.