Holden HR

The Holden HR range was released in April 1966, replacing the Holden HD series which had been in production since 1965.[2] In addition to a revised grille, the HR featured a reworked roofline and larger rear window (on the sedans), revised rear lights (on sedans and wagons) and changes to almost all exterior body panels.[3] Other changes included revised ball joint front suspension,[4] widened track, improved interior trim and woodgrain interior finish for the Premier models.[3] Six months after the launch of the HR, all models were given a safety upgrade with the addition of front safety belts, windscreen washers, reversing lights, padded sun visors and a shatterproof interior rearview mirror.[3]

The Holden HR passenger vehicle range offered four-door sedan and five-door station wagon body styles in three trim levels with the six models marketed as follows:

• Holden Standard Sedan[5]             (HR 215)[6]
• Holden Standard Station Sedan[5] (HR 219)
• Holden Special Sedan[5]               (HR 225)
• Holden Special Station Sedan[5]   (HR 229)
• Holden Premier Sedan[5]               (HR 235)
• Holden Premier Station Sedan[5]   (HR 239)

The HR commercial vehicle range was offered in two-door coupe utility and two-door panel van variants, marketed as follows:

• Holden Utility[7]         (HR 2106)[6]
• Holden Panel Van[7] (HR 2104)

• 
  Holden Standard Sedan
• 
  Holden Special Sedan
• 
  Holden Special Station Sedan
• 
  Holden Premier Sedan
• 
  Holden Premier Sedan
• 
  Holden Premier Station Sedan
• 
  Holden Utility
• 
  Holden Utility
• 
  Holden Panel Van
• 
  Holden Panel Van

The two versions of the inline, six-cylinder Holden Red motor were carried across from the HD series, both with increased engine capacity and a higher compression ratio of 9.2:1.[3][6] The 114 bhp, 161 cu in (2.6 L) six was standard in all models except the Premiers.[5][7] A 126 bhp 186 cu in (3.0 L) six was standard on Premiers and optional on all other models.[5][7] The 145 bhp twin carburettor "X2" version of the "186" was initially available as an option on all models.[5][7] The "X2" was replaced by the 145 bhp "186S" in June 1967 after Holden exhausted the remaining X2 intake manifolds; the new version was fitted with a single, two-barrel carburettor.[3]

A lower compression (8.2:1) version of the 161 cu in (2.6 L) six was also available.[6]

The 194 cu in (3.2 L) and later 230 cu in (3.8 L) Chevrolet six-cylinder engine was fitted for the South African market.[1] This longer engine required the firewall to be scalloped out. This availability began partway through the HR's existence, with the 194 introduced for the 1967 model year.[8] This was coupled to a fully synchronized, column-shifted, three-speed manual transmission sourced from Opel in West Germany.[9] The Premier Automatic sold in South Africa retained the Australian engine, at least until 1969. The South African Holden Special had power disc brakes in front as standard from 1967.[10]

A three-speed manual gearbox with column change and synchronization on the top two gears was standard on the HR, with a two-speed "Powerglide" automatic transmission available as an option.[11] An Opel[11] four-speed manual gearbox was offered from June 1967.[12]

A total of 252,352 vehicles were produced up to January 1968 when the HR was replaced by the Holden HK series.[13]
The price at release was A$2286 for the 161 cu in (2.6 L) Special Sedan manual and A$2856 for the Premier Station Sedan manual.[6]

HR Holden Australian Body Plate example

• A Brief History of the HR Holden at "The Sixties Holden Archives" Includes sales brochures
• Holden HR Technical Specifications at www.uniquecarsandparts.com.au