Wow, that's got to be a question for the expert of the experts. My knowledge is no where near that wide to know those sort of changes across the models.


Having a stab in the dark I would have said that HG would have had very few changes, not that I can name any. Just saying based on the short model life of the HG and with HQ so far up the pipeline at the time, the lineup was set from day one of HG (as far as I know) and there wouldn't have been the justification to make changes

I'll have a stab at the 48/215 as being the least changes mainly because we were new at building cars. Didn't vary much in the "accessory" department. As far as the most changes i'd go for the Hj as this model saw the introduction of the newer pollution requirements and the rts.

I was also thinking TA for least?

I'll take a stab & say VL - there were so many changes over a very short period of time, in an era where GMH were bleeding money from every orifice, and knee-jerk reactions where the order of the day to save every last cent where possible. Potentially VN could give it a run for the money though - it has a very well documented list of changes too, as well as many that weren't so well published (like the Holden embossing in the front bumper, and lion logos in the headlight glass, that both disappeared prior to the Lexcen debut).

Just a few of the VL ones off the top of my head (which are published in either parts books, TSBs or other dealer comms):
(I have not taken into account differences between the 2 plants either)
- Calais radio update
- Calais alarm introduction (change of wiring harness for Calais & Berlina).
- Calais dash change (graphics)
- All dash change (thickness of backing panels + introduction of low coolant
- 3x exterior colour changes.
- 2x interior colour deletions
- dash paint process/items changed.
- floorpan pressing change (to allow V8)
- cable to rod auto shifter change (6 cyl auto)
- carpet shape change (to suit the floor)
- console change (to suit the floor)
- power window motor change.
- power window frame change (front doors) from cast to pressed.
- power window mech change (rear doors - gearing).
- Alternator change (Hitachi)
- Chrome strips on Calais changed (multiple pieces consolidated)
- Boot badge change
- Introduction of Turbo
- Introduction of V8
- Front caliper change for V8, Turbo & BT1
- Introduction of 15" steel wheels for above.
- Larger fuel tank option introduced (factory fit).
- Door handles went from chrome to black.
- A/C evaporator core & case changed.
- Headrest & button update on Calais trim (with earlier Holden seats).
- Industry seat update (3rd Calais trim change).
- Brackets on rear shelf changed on Calais to suit narrower headrest pins.
- Calais door trim & glovebox lid update.
- Boot carpet change.
- sill covers changed from black to grey
- Berlina seat trim changes 2 or 3 times, depending on colour (knit fabric, then stitched velour, then woven lines in velour).
- Seat fabric change on SL/Exec back to VK fabric
- Pattern change for trimming rear seat back.
- Windscreen trim change (smooth to rough finish plastic)
- Introduction (and retro-fit) of the rubber piece to stop bonnet flutter

Thinking about VL, even VK had a massive amount of changes during production too (especially the 84/85 engine & emissions variations).

This debate could go on forever.

I think I'm with Mick. The running changes in the mid-80s (VH/VK/VL) could fill a book.

Of the earlier series, the HQ would probably win out, based purely on the fact that it was on the market for well over 3 years.

Byron the HT series had 4 separate release dates:

26 May - Sedan/Wagon
13 June - Monaro/ Brougham
26 June - Ute/Van
25 Aug - GTS350

HK had 3, while HG only had one. All HG variants were released on 26 July 70.

Someone earlier mentioned FX for the minimum number, but there were many production changes over its virtually 5-year run, even if you don't include the 50 series Ute.

For the minimum TA is a good answer, but lets face it, the TA was a short run 'stop gap' model which sold only around 11,000 cars in total.

I think of the major model runs, EJ or HX would have the least changes. EJ had 2 release dates (1 for passenger & 1 for commercials) whereas the HX only had 1 release in similar fashion to HG.

The number of running changes for both EJ & HX would be quite small compared to HR, HK, HT, HG, HQ, HJ or even HZ.

HD is another series which only had 2 release dates & fewer than usual running changes. EK is another candidate for fewest changes, while FJ, FE, FC & FB had a lot more changes.

Dr Terry

I've got March 77 for that update.

Dr Terry

Yes, the date is a bit vague. I've got it from Redbook & some dealership notes. They both say 'available March 77'. I my language that would have to be February 77 production.

Dr Terry

What RTS in a HX ?

Yes, some RTS changes happened in HX. That is another good trivia Question, when was RTS first applied to a GMH designed vehicle? It was option code FE4.

Edited by user Thursday, 25 July 2019 6:14:22 PM(UTC)  | Reason: Not specified

Remember that panhard rod in the HZ RTS was a big deal, but the Ford 1965 Galaxie 500 came out with that and it was made in Australia, I can not remember what side the lower bit came down on to the axel, on the Holden's it was on the passenger side due to the exhaust I would think and the Galaxie maybe on the other side due to exhaust coming out the driver side ?

Then there is the Wats link in the XE Ford much was made about that back in the day as being so much better, but was it ? many a XE driver was caught out with the tail coming out that oversteering I seen end up in a ditch when they came out and Dicky boy Johnson used a different set up I think for racing, If I remember correctly he bagged it.