1964 Holden EH 'Race Car' Sedan

Description

The EH was released in August 1963 replacing the Holden EJ series and was the first Holden to incorporate the new "Red" motor. This new motor was stronger smoother, more economical and more powerful. Using an oversquare design with a seven bearing crankshaft, these were the first Holden motors to use hydraulic valve lifters, and they featured the use of an external oil pump and filter that made servicing a dream. There was the 149ci at 95bhp and the 179ci at 115bhp, which was initially only available with the automatic transmission. This showed an increase in power of over 50% in the 179ci motor over the old "Grey", the 179 manual option was not available until April 1964. The exhaustive testing that was carried out on these models at Holden's Lang Lang test ground covered more than a million miles. This paid off, as the Holden was coming to be known as a very reliable, yet easy to repair should the need be. Based on the EJ the EH had a much more powerful engine and clever styling changes. There was a wave of public interest before the release of this new model, which also contributed to its success. The vast majority of EH Holden's built were 'Specials' however a standard model was available for the fleet and taxi markets. "Standard" models were basic with no real badging and were mostly fitted with 149ci engines, rubber floors, no radio and generally one-tone acrylic paint jobs. "Special" models came equipped with chrome strips all round, carpet was an option, a console radio, special badges and two-tone paint jobs still in acrylic paint. "Premier" was the top of the range model with all the trimmings; metallic enamel paint, a centre console heater, upgraded leather interior and deep dish rims. Good examples of the Premier model these days are increasingly harder to find, it is without doubt one of the most sought after and collectable Holdens.