1971 Holden HQ Sedan (Race Car) - Charity Lot - Proceeds Donated to the Good Friday Appeal

Description

One of Australia’s all-time favourite cars, Holden’s HQ has enjoyed its own grassroots motorsport category since the late 1980s, providing owners with affordable, action-packed racing at some of the best racing circuits in the country. With active branches in all states, HQ racing is still going strong more than 25 years after the concept was first promoted in Tasmania, thanks to the plentiful supply of cars and parts. Announced in July 1971, the HQ was a landmark in the history of General Motors Holden, representing a major departure from the outgoing HG model range. Built around a perimeter chassis – the first seen on a big Australian car – the HQ featured modern styling, new suspension (with coil springs all round to improve the ride and handling) and improved safety courtesy of the stronger body shell and more interior padding. The engines, transmissions and steering were also new and buyers could specify ventilated front disc brakes for the first time. Both sixes (173/202-cid) and V8s (253/308/350-cid) were available, with a choice of transmissions ranging from a 3-speed column shift manual, 4-speed console-mounted manual, 3-speed Trimatic or Turbo Hydramatic 400 automatic. Three distinct models were offered, the Belmont, Kingswood and upmarket Premier - the latter offering “compact luxury” according to Holden’s marketing gurus - while the Monaro continued in both two and four-door guises. The HQ Kingswood remains one of the best-loved Australian cars of all time and the backbone of the HQ racing series; by restricting cars to 3.3-litre six-cylinder engines and three-speed manual transmissions, the rules ensure costs are kept to a minimum, the emphasis on preparation and driver skill.