Carsguide continues its historic series on the Red Lion with a look at the Holden HK.

THE Holden HK (1968-69) was the most ambitious series to date, bringing a large array of additional models and new mechanical features, including the iconic Monaro nameplate and an imported V8 engine.

The HK also introduced the now-famous Kingswood name for the volume-selling model.

The HK was bigger, lower, heavier and more rounded in appearance. The two major model additions were the Brougham luxury variant and the Monaro sports coupe.

The V8 engine was available on all models and proved a massive success.

The base model HK was called Belmont and the model formerly called Special became the much-loved Kingswood.

The upmarket Premier was retained and, in July 1968, an extended version of the HK sedan, the Brougham, was released.

It was more than 20cm longer than the Premier and had a Chrevrolet 307 V8 engine, automatic transmission, power steering and the most plush Holden interior yet.

The Monaro arrived in July 1968 and won a legion of fans with its pillarless coupe styling and performance credentials.

Based on the HK sedan, it was the first local vehicle of its type.

Three models were offered, including the potent “Bathurst-bred” GTS 327, fitted with a US-built, 5.3-litre V8 engine.

With the HK, Holden offered a larger choice of models, engines, transmissions and options than had previously been seen in a mass-produced Australian car.

Safety features fitted to all models included an energy-absorbing steering column (another local first) and a dual circuit braking system.

HK base price at introduction: (incl sales tax) $2215 ( Belmont six-cylinder sedan), $3021 (Premier six-cylinder wagon), $2575 (base Monaro six-cylinder), $3790 (Monaro V8 GTS 327)

Total number built: 199,039

Models: Belmont sedan, Kingswood sedan, Premier sedan, Brougham sedan, Monaro Coupe, Monaro GTS coupe, Monaro GTS 327 coupe, Belmont station wagon, Kingswood station wagon, Premier station wagon, Belmont panel van, Belmont utility and Kingswood utility.

Engine: 2.65 litre six-cylinder “161”, 3.05 litre six-cylinder “186”, 3.05-litre six-cylinder “186S”, 5.0-litre V8 “307” and 5.3-litre V8 “327”

Dimensions (basic sedan): Length: 4686mm, Wheelbase: 2819mm, Width: 1816mm.

Transmission: Three-speed manual, four-speed manual and two-speed Powerglide automatic transmission.

Also in 1968-69:  Torana bodies were made in Australia for the first time and work progressed on a V8 engine plant at Fishermans Bend.

Bruce McPhee and Barry Mulholland, driving a Monaro GTS 327 V8, won the Hardie-Ferodo 500, giving Holden its first victory in the annual Bathurst production car endurance race.

 A new Safety Design Centre opened at Holden’s Proving Ground in Lang Lang, Victoria, with an impact sled and a 10-tonne concrete barrier for crash testing.

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