1968 HK Holden

A most ambitious ‘new generation’ series. Built on a longer wheelbase, it was bigger, lower, roomier and more rounded in appearance, with more models and new mechanical features, including an imported V8 – and a huge choice of factory options. Air conditioning and power windows were offered for the first time. The Kingswood replaced the Special and the pillarless Monaro sports coupe made its popular debut (in a choice of three versions including a ‘Bathurst bred’ GTS 327). An extended luxury version, the Brougham, was also introduced. Safety firsts were an energy-absorbing steering column and a dual circuit braking system. The V8 engine was available on all models.

1968 HK MONARO launched

1968 HK Kingswood

1968 HK Holden

1968 HK Ute

Engine / Transmissions:

161 Belmont, Kingswood
186 Premier, optional on Belmont and Kingswood
186S optional on Belmont, Kingswood and Premier
LSD Mandatory on V8, optional on Belmont, Kingswood and Premier

Manual:

3 speed column change standard
Three speed synchromesh optional on Belmont, Kingswood and Premier
Four speed all-syncromesh floor mounted optional on Belmont, Kingswood and Premier

Automatic:

2 speed Powerglide optional on Belmont, Kingswood and Premier, but mandatory on V8
Four speed high-performance all-syncromesh floor mounted gearbox standard on Monaro GTS ‘327’

Four speed all-syncromesh floor mounted gearbox standard on Monaro GTS 186S, LSD and “high performance” 4 speed manual optional

Base price when new: $2,215

Total built: 199,039

(included two millionth Holden).

Tags: 1968 hk holden, 327 gts monaro, hk holden, hk kingswood, hk ute, holden monaro, monaro gts 327

Holden Ute Classics

When the first HOLDEN UTE was built it was designed for the “man on the land” and as a small delivery vehicle. Little did GMH know that this design and useage would change over the years to be Australia’s favourite “tradie” ute.

Australia’s first fully manufactured car model, the FX Holden, soon became a favourite for most Australian car buyers. Toted as Australia’s car for Australian conditions, the FX laid the foundation stone for Australia’s most successful car manufacturer GM-H. At first, considering only manufacturing a sedan body, Holden found a need and a demand to quickly develop a utility for the man on the land. The “utility” was born and affectionately became known as the “ute”.

Todays Holden ute is built for speed, comfort and great design. Options are unlimited with high performance six cylinder and thundering 6 speed v8’s, common place on Australian roads. Tradesmen now dominate the purchasing of these Australian developed concept utilities while the man on the land still uses his ute to do the weekly grocery shopping in a lot more comfort and style than before.