Holden began in 1856 as a saddlery in South Australia and transitioned to car manufacturing in the 20th century. Acquired by General Motors in 1931, Holden became a national icon, producing Australian-made vehicles like the Commodore. Despite decades of success, Holden ceased manufacturing in 2017 and was retired entirely in 2020.
Browse the model landing pages below (linked where available), each page features the original brochure photos, specs and detailed information for that year.
The Holden Commodore, produced from 1978 to 2020, was Australia’s iconic large car, evolving across generations from rear-wheel drive sedans to modern global platforms.
1st Generation (VB–VL): 1978–1988. 2nd Generation (VN–VS): 1988–1997. 3rd Generation (VT–VZ): 1997–2006. 4th Generation (VE): 2006–2013. 5th Generation (VF): 2013–2017. 6th Generation (ZB): 2018–2020.
The Holden FB, produced from 1960 to 1961, featured 1950s American-inspired styling with rear fins and was the first Holden model engineered for left-hand drive export.
The FB series was a major stylistic overhaul of the previous FC, though it retained the "Grey Motor" and manual transmission before the EK update introduced automatics. FB Series (Single Generation): 1960–1961. Standard and Special Sedan: January 1960 – May 1961. Standard and Special Station Wagon: January 1960 – May 1961. Utility and Panel Van: January 1960 – May 1961. Note: Commercial models (Ute/Van) featured the new FB front-end styling but retained the rear tail-light assemblies of the preceding FC series. Global Export and Assembly: New Zealand: 1960–1961 (Assembled from CKD kits at the Petone plant). South Africa: 1960–1961 (Exported as CBU and CKD kits). South East Asia: 1960–1961 (Exported to Thailand, Malaya, and North Borneo). Left-Hand Drive Markets: 1960–1961 (First exports to Hawaii, followed by Africa and the Middle East).
The Holden EK, produced from 1961 to 1962, was a refined version of the FB series, most notably introducing the first automatic transmission option for Holden.
The EK was part of Holden’s "Third Generation" body style (alongside the FB), serving as a stop-gap model that modernized the brand's features before the arrival of the EJ. EK Series (Single Generation): 1961–1962. Sedan and Station Wagon: May 1961 – July 1962. Utility and Panel Van: May 1961 – July 1962. Key Variants: Standard, Special. Technical Milestone: Introduced the 3-speed "Hydramatic" automatic transmission, imported from the United States. Feature Update: Replaced the old vacuum-operated wipers with more reliable electric windscreen wipers. Global Export: The EK was exported to numerous markets in both Left-Hand Drive (LHD) and Right-Hand Drive (RHD) configurations, including South East Asia, the Pacific Islands, and parts of Africa.
The Holden EJ is a classic Australian car produced from 1962 to 1963, introducing the luxury Premier trim and the final use of the "Grey Motor."
The Holden EJ was a single-series model produced during a specific transitional period for General Motors-Holden in Australia. EJ Series (Single Generation): 1962–1963. Sedan and Station Sedan: July 1962 – August 1963. Utility and Panel Van: January 1963 – August 1963. Key Variants: Standard, Special, and the inaugural luxury "Premier" trim. Milestone: The 1,000,000th Holden produced was an EJ Premier (October 26, 1962).
The Holden EH is an iconic Australian car produced from 1963 to 1965, famous for introducing the powerful Red Motor and becoming a record-selling success.
The Holden EH was a single-series model that represented a massive leap in performance and popularity for General Motors-Holden. EH Series (Single Generation): 1963–1965. Sedan and Station Sedan: August 1963 – February 1965. Utility and Panel Van: August 1963 – February 1965. Key Variants: Standard, Special, Premier, and the S4 (Special Performance). Milestone: The EH became the fastest-selling Holden to that date, with 256,959 units produced in just 18 months.
The Holden HD replaced the EH in 1965, featuring a larger, modern "space curve" body and the landmark introduction of optional front disc brakes for Holden.
The Holden HD was a single-series model that introduced a completely new body design to the Australian market. HD Series (Single Generation): 1965–1966. Sedan and Station Wagon: February 1965 – April 1966. Utility and Panel Van: July 1965 – April 1966. Key Variants: Standard, Special, Premier, and the high-performance X2.. Milestone: Despite its controversial "pointed" front fenders, it initially set a monthly sales record of 19,000 units in May 1965.
The Holden HR, produced from 1966 to 1968, was a highly successful update of the HD series, introducing cleaner styling and the powerful 186S engine.
The Holden HR was a single-series model that refined the "space curve" styling of its predecessor and introduced landmark safety features to the Australian market. HR Series (Single Generation): 1966–1968. Sedan and Station Wagon: April 1966 – January 1968. Utility and Panel Van: April 1966 – January 1968. Key Variants: Standard, Special, Premier, and the 186S (introduced June 1967). Major Update: Models built from late 1966 were the first Holdens to include standard front seat belts, reversing lights, and padded sun visors.
The Holden HK, produced from 1968 to 1969, was a transformative series introducing the iconic Monaro coupe and the first V8 engines to the Holden range.
The HK series represented a significant redesign, replacing the HR with a larger body and new model nomenclature that lasted for over a decade. HK Series (Single Generation): 1968–1969. Belmont, Kingswood, and Premier: January 1968 – May 1969 (Sedan and Station Sedan). Commercials (Utility and Panel Van): March 1968 – May 1969. Monaro and Brougham: July 1968 – May 1969 (First Holden Coupe and luxury long-body sedan). Global Rebranding (South Africa): Chevrolet Kommando: 1969–1971 (HK-based Sedan and Wagon). Chevrolet El Camino: 1969–1971 (HK-based Utility).
The Holden HT, made from 1969 to 1970, refined the HK series and debuted the first Australian-designed Holden V8 engines, including the iconic 308 V8.
The HT series was a mechanical evolution of the HK, replacing imported engines with locally manufactured units and updating the styling with a new plastic grille. HT Series (Single Generation): 1969–1970. Belmont, Kingswood, and Premier: May 1969 – July 1970 (Sedan and Station Sedan). Commercials (Utility and Panel Van): May 1969 – July 1970. Monaro and Brougham: June 1969 – July 1970 (Monaro GTS and the ultra-luxury Brougham). Global Rebranding (South Africa): Chevrolet Constantia: 1969–1971 (Premium sedan based on the HT Brougham). Chevrolet Kommando: 1969–1971 (Mainstream models based on the HT Kingswood/Belmont).
The Holden HG, produced from 1970 to 1971, was the final HK/HT refinement, introducing the Australian-made Trimatic transmission and subtle styling updates across all models.
The HG series was the final iteration of the "new generation" body style introduced with the HK, featuring a new plastic egg-crate grille and improved safety features. HG Series (Single Generation): 1970–1971. Belmont, Kingswood, and Premier: July 1970 – July 1971 (Sedan and Station Wagon). Monaro and Brougham: July 1970 – July 1971 (Coupe and Luxury Sedan). Commercials (Utility and Panel Van): July 1970 – July 1971 (Some production overlapped with the HQ series). Global Rebranding (South Africa): Chevrolet Kommando: 1970–1971 (Based on Kingswood/Belmont). Chevrolet Constantia: 1970–1971 (Based on Brougham). Chevrolet El Camino: 1970–1971 (Based on HG Utility)
Produced from 1971 to 1974, the Holden HQ was a ground-up redesign and remains the most successful, best-selling model in the brand's long history.
The HQ series was a complete departure from previous models, introducing a perimeter frame and coil-spring rear suspension across the entire passenger car range. HQ Series (Single Generation): 1971–1974. Belmont, Kingswood, and Premier: July 1971 – October 1974 (Sedan and Station Wagon). Monaro: July 1971 – October 1974 (Two-door Coupe and the first four-door Monaro GTS). Statesman: July 1971 – October 1974 (Long-wheelbase luxury models; Custom and De Ville). Commercials: July 1971 – October 1974 (Utility, Panel Van, and the debut of the One Tonner). Global Rebranding and Export: Chevrolet Constantia (South Africa): 1971–1974 (Based on the Statesman). Chevrolet Kommando (South Africa): 1971–1974 (Based on Kingswood/Belmont). Chevrolet El Camino (South Africa): 1971–1974 (Based on HQ Utility). Mazda Roadpacer AP (Japan): 1975–1977 (Used the HQ/HJ Premier body fitted with a Mazda rotary engine).
The Holden HJ, produced from 1974 to 1976, updated the HQ with bold squared-off styling, a new front-end design, and improved equipment across the range.
The HJ series was a significant facelift of the HQ platform, introducing the "Caprice" nameplate and standardizing various comfort features across the lineup. Holden HJ Series (Single Generation): 1974–1976. Belmont, Kingswood, and Premier: October 1974 – July 1976 (Sedan and Station Wagon). Monaro: October 1974 – July 1976 (Includes LS Coupe, GTS Coupe, and GTS Sedan). Statesman: October 1974 – July 1976 (Luxury long-wheelbase De Ville and Caprice). Commercials: October 1974 – July 1976 (Utility, Panel Van, Sandman, and One Tonner). Global Rebranding: Chevrolet Constantia (South Africa): 1975–1978 (AJ Series based on HJ Statesman and Wagon). Chevrolet Caprice Classic (South Africa): 1975–1978 (Premium sedan based on HJ Statesman). Mazda Roadpacer AP (Japan): 1975–1977 (HJ Premier body fitted with a Mazda 13B rotary engine).
The Holden HX, produced from 1976 to 1977, featured minor styling updates and refined engines to meet strict new emissions standards while maintaining Holden's market dominance.
The HX series was a technical update of the HJ platform, notable for introducing the final Monaro coupe (the Limited Edition) and commemorative anniversary models. Holden HX Series (Single Generation): 1976–1977. Belmont, Kingswood, and Premier: July 1976 – October 1977 (Sedan and Wagon). Monaro GTS Sedan: July 1976 – October 1977. Holden Limited Edition (LE): September 1976 (The final 580 coupes produced). Statesman: July 1976 – October 1977 (Luxury De Ville and Caprice models). Commercials: July 1976 – October 1977 (Utility, Panel Van, Sandman, and One Tonner). Global Rebranding and Export: Chevrolet Constantia (South Africa): 1976–1978 (Based on Statesman/Wagon). Chevrolet Caprice Classic (South Africa): 1976–1978 (Based on Statesman). Mazda Roadpacer AP (Japan): 1975–1977 (HJ/HX Premier body with Mazda rotary engine).
The Holden HZ, produced from 1977 to 1980, revolutionized Australian car handling with "Radial Tuned Suspension," marking the final series for the traditional full-sized Kingswood range.
The HZ series was a major mechanical refinement of the HQ-HX platform and served as the last traditional large Holden before the smaller Commodore took over. Holden HZ Series (Single Generation): 1977–1980. Kingswood and Premier: October 1977 – April 1980 (Sedan and Wagon). Monaro GTS Sedan: October 1977 – December 1978 (The last model to use the GTS nameplate). Statesman: November 1977 – April 1980 (De Ville, Caprice, and the 1979 SL/E). Commercials: October 1977 – April 1980 (Utility, Panel Van, Sandman, and One Tonner). Global Rebranding and Assembly: New Zealand Assembly: 1977–1980 (Trentham plant). Chevrolet Constantia (South Africa): 1977–1978 (Based on the Statesman). Chevrolet Caprice Classic (South Africa): 1977–1978 (Based on the Statesman). Chevrolet El Camino (South Africa): 1977–1978 (Based on the HZ Utility).
The Holden Monaro, produced from 1968 to 1979 and 2001 to 2006, is Australia’s most iconic muscle car, famous for its coupe styling and racing dominance.
The Monaro spanned three distinct generations, evolving from a pillarless hardtop into a four-door sports sedan and eventually a modern fuel-injected V8 export. First Generation (1968–1971). HK Series: 1968–1969 (The original GTS 327). HT Series: 1969–1970 (Introduction of the GTS 350 and Holden V8s). HG Series: 1970–1971 (Final iteration of the original body). Global: Sold in South Africa as the Chevrolet SS (1970–1973). Second Generation (1971–1979). HQ Series: 1971–1974 (Introduced the first Monaro four-door sedan in 1973). HJ Series: 1974–1976 (Bold new front styling; base Monaro dropped). HX Series: 1976–1977 (Final coupe model sold as the "Limited Edition"). HZ Series: 1977–1979 (Sold as "Holden GTS" without the Monaro badge). Third Generation (2001–2006). V2 Series: 2001–2004 (Revival based on the VT/VX Commodore). VZ Series: 2004–2006 (Final facelift with dual bonnet scoops). Global Rebranding: Pontiac GTO (USA): 2004–2006. Vauxhall Monaro (UK): 2004–2007. Chevrolet Lumina Coupe (Middle East): 2002–2006. HSV Coupé (Australia): 2001–2006 (High-performance GTO/GTS variants). The Monaro legacy eventually gave way to the high-performance Commodore SS models.
The Holden Torana, produced from 1967 to 1980, evolved from a small four-cylinder compact into a legendary V8 muscle car that dominated Australian motorsport and Bathurst.
The Holden Torana spanned three major generations, beginning with the HB series (1967–1969), based on the Vauxhall Viva. The second generation included the LC (1969–1972), introducing six-cylinder engines, followed by the LJ (1972–1974)—also built in South Korea as the Chevrolet 1700—and the short-lived TA (1974). The final generation featured the larger LH (1974–1976), LX (1976–1978), and UC (1978–1980) series. Performance models like the GTR XU-1, SL/R 5000, and A9X solidified its icon status before it was replaced by the Commodore and Camira.
The Holden Ute and Panel Van, produced from 1951 to 2017, are legendary pillars of Australian automotive culture. Combining passenger-car comfort with rugged commercial practicality, these iconic workhorses evolved from humble rural tools into high-performance, V8-powered lifestyle vehicles.
Holden commercial models spanned several eras based on underlying passenger car platforms. The early classic era began with the 48-215 utility in 1951 and the first panel van in 1953, running through the popular FJ, FE, and EH series until 1968. The full-size Kingswood-based era (HK to WB series) ran from 1968 to 1985, introducing the cult-classic Sandman van. Following a brief hiatus, the modern Commodore-based unibody era emerged, spanning the VG to VS series (1990–2000), the completely redesigned VU to VZ generation (2000–2007), and the ultimate ground-up VE to VF generations (2007–2017).
