1974 Holden HJ 2.8L

Vehicle Overview

Holden introduced the HJ lineup in 1974 as a revised and updated version of its predecessor, the 1971 HQ model, and kept it under production just until 1976, when it replaced it with the HX.

Even though it was an entirely new vehicle, the 1977 Holden HJ was an evident improvement over its predecessor in terms of styling, interior comfort, and performance. However, the car relied on the same platform introduced by Holden on the HK model in 1968. It even had the same wheelbase and a similar overall look, albeit with several significant differences. Nevertheless, customers saw the HJ and stormed Holden’s showrooms in Australia, New Zealand, and other countries where the automaker exported it. Like its predecessor, the HJ was available in three trims: Belmont, Kingswood, and the top-of-the-range version, the Premier. Besides the sedan, the HJ was available as a station wagon, a coupe, a utility vehicle, a panel van, and a chassis cab.

One of the most significant upgrades for the car was noticed at the front, where the 1974 Holden HJ featured corner-mounted turn-signal lamps and parking lights on the outer sides of the headlights. They flanked a pined-out grille with horizontal slats where the brand’s badge took center stage. Below it, the automaker placed a chromed metallic bumper that sported a rubber stripe from end to end to lower repair costs if small scratches occurred while getting in or out of parking spots.

From its profile, the 1977 Holden HJ kept the overall shape of its predecessor. The long hood with a raised center section was followed by a panoramic windshield supported by thin A-pillars. Depending on the grade, the car was fitted with side chromed stripes that ran along the bodywork on the mid-section, below the chromed door handles. A sloped-down trunk lid followed the raked-forward rear window to improve rear visibility. Finally, the rear fascia got a completely new look compared to its predecessor. Instead of having the taillights installed into the bumper, the automaker placed them on the upper sides of the quarter panels, making them more visible to those behind it.

Inside, the flat dashboard featured a raised rectangular section that covered the center stack and the instrument cluster. Fronting the driver were the dials and gauges that showed the most important data about the car, such as speed, fuel level, coolant temperature, oil pressure, and the ammeter. A tachometer was available for specific versions. General Motors was often criticized for the flat bucket seats that it placed in the HQ lineup, and that continued on the 1974 Holden HJ as well. Fortunately, those seated in the back enjoyed better comfort on the wide bench seat placed there, although with no side support whatsoever.

Under the hood, GM installed a choice of four engines ranging between a 2.8-liter inline-six and a five-liter V8. There were two six-cylinder and two eight-cylinder powerhouses available. The former two were paired with three-speed manual transmissions, while the others were married with four-speed ones. Three-speed automatic gearboxes were available as options across the range.