There was effectively a few different Series within WB commercials that followed paints and trim in Commodore, it just never got called SeriesII or III. No different to HQ or HJ or LH where the colours and trim changed dramatically across boundaries driven by other Series, for example LH changed radically at HJ introduction - a post HJ LH is as different to an earlier LH as an LX is to an LH. Same with HJ changes at LX Torana introduction in paint and trim.

I agree Terry that calling them a SeriesII, III etc is silly, but GMH did it with the WB Statesman and in reality the change between them is really no more dramatic than the change in WB commercials with changes in Commodore series or in earlier stuff like I mentioned. Changes in colour charts across Series happens heaps like you say, but when you look closely many changes are associated either with the introduction of another car line (like when HJ updates available paint when LX released) or when TA is replaced by Gemini in HQ era. Sometimes it is an error like colour chart A626 where they forgot to put Torana on the back. The changes made to HJ in early 1976 in alignment with LX to me are far more dramatic than what changed during WB, but there is no mention of a "seriesII" just like there was none in WB commercials when similar changes occurred.

Not sure where the whole series1 and 2 HK comes from, has to be just people putting 2 and 2 together and getting 7. As you say if an Ermine white GTS327 is a Series III because it is Ermine white, what do you call a special order August 1968 Ermine White GTS327? Also what do you call the GTS327's built prior to GMH's published breakpoints for type 2 engines that are fitted with the lower compression Canadian engine but don't have all the published type 2 engine parts? We might have to adopt the Ford brigade's GT-HO Phase 1.5 moniker and call it a Type 1 3/4!

I disagree that the Series II WB Statesman had changes no more dramatic than the con-current WB commercials.

The Series II WB Statesman was the first time that GM-H had used a Series II badge (if you don't count Vacationer II) & there were many additions & changes, so much so that they issued a workshop manual supplement. Virtually all badges were changed in font & position, dash facia finishes & seat trim designs were new, paint colours & tail-light trim changed. They added a trip computer & electric mirrors the list goes on & on.

About the only noticeable items on the commercials to be changed at that time were the colour chart changes & the addition of Oyster & Light Oyster seat trim vinyl. There were also other minor changes at other times in the model rum, but nothing to warrant a Series II tag.

The other car that comes to mind is HB Torana. I believe it was me that coined the Series 2 name in my first book in 1998. 'Prior to that GM-H just called their later version (which had many quite significant changes) the 1969 model.

Dr Terry

Yeah, but I think to be a Series 2 anything it has to have changes or additions, not just a re-alignment of optional equipment.

I think that the Feb '73 HQ is arguably more significant than the HJ '76 thing.

Look at the changes.

Paint chart (as discussed)
Total interior trim re-design including seat trims & materials, new cushioning
Fixed buckets deleted new recliner mechanisms for reclining bucket seats
Addition & deletion of models GTS 4-door (x2) intro & Statesmen Custom gone
Increased base equipment - first standard radios etc.
Addition of bonnet & boot paint-outs for GTS
Changed badging for GTS350
202 badge changed colour
amber front blinkers
updated suspension, springs raised etc.
disc std for Premier
electric tailgate std for Premier wagon
V8 One-Tonner intro

Dr Terry

Doc, Statesman Custom didn't get canned in Feb 73 I have them recorded up to April 74, did they go to special order only?

When did the 6cyl Statesman go from normal production to retail order?