The ** Holden HG** is an automobile which was produced by Holden in Australia between 1970 and 1971. It was marketed under Belmont, Kingswood, Premier, Brougham and Monaro model names.

Introduction

The Holden HG range was introduced on 26 July 1970, replacing the Holden HT series which had been in production since May 1969. Changes from the previous model included new grilles and body decorations as well as new safety features, colours and trim designs. All V8-engined models were now fitted with improved disc brakes and the suspension system of the Monaro GTS was modified for greater comfort.

Model range

The mainstream HG series was offered in four-door sedan and five-door station wagon body styles in three trim levels. The Brougham, which used a body with an extended boot, was available in one model only. The Monaro was offered in three two-door coupe models Commercial vehicle derivatives were available in two-door coupe utility and two-door panel van body styles.

Engines and transmissions

The 161 cuin and 186 cuin inline six-cylinder engines were carried over from the HT range, as were the 253 cuin, 308 cuin and 350 cuin V8 engines. A new three-speed "Tri-Matic" automatic transmission was offered for the first time on the full-size Holden range. The "Tri-Matic" was standard on Premier and Brougham models, and offered as an option on all other models excepting the Monaro GTS 350.

Production

The HG range was replaced by the Holden HQ series in July 1971, production having totaled 155,787 units. In total, 6,147 Monaros were produced.

Export

The HG was also sold in South Africa, as the Chevrolet Kommando, Constantia, or El Camino bakkie (pickup). The El Camino sold very well, leaving GM South Africa with no more trucks but a surplus of passenger car parts in early 1972, when the succeeding HQ series was already on its way. The solution was to use up material for 3400 Constantias and Kommandos to build El Camino pickup trucks. These hybrids had considerably better equipment than the regular utility, and proved very popular with consumers, allowing GMSA to make a small profit on the entire deal.