1980 Holden HZ Kingswood 4.2 V8 Wagon

Description

The Kingswood captured the heart of a nation during Seventies, becoming an Aussie icon and even had a TV show named in its honour. Holden's fourth - and as it turned out final - revision of the original HQ series Kingswood was the facelifted HZ range announced in October 1977. Changes to the body included a new grille, badges and hubcaps but more significant improvements lay under the skin, particularly Holden's new Radial Tuned Suspension. The HZ was easily the best handling, riding and safest big Holden yet thanks to the reworked suspension, with front and rear anti-roll bars, changes to the power steering and rear disc brakes optional for the first time on certain models and standard on the GTS or Statesman. The basic Kingswood sedan and station wagon were sold alongside the better-equipped SL model, the latter featuring a radio, an electric clock, remote driver's side rear-view mirror and tinted laminated windscreen fitted as standard. The SL could be distinguished externally by the addition of a chrome protective side moulding while under the bonnet the Kingswood continued to use Holden's trusty 3.3 six, although V8 power (either 4.2 or 5.0 versions) remained an option, along with a wide selection of transmission types and final drive ratios. For those with a family the Kingswood Station Wagon was a popular choice, perfect for hauling the kids and plenty of space for luggage in the back. For many, the Commodore could never quite capture the magic of the original Kingswood and these classic Aussie family cars still make fantastic daily drivers today.