Monaro GTS 350 wins 12-hour production car race at Surfers Paradise.

Norm Beechey crowned ATCC Champion after win at Lakeside. Monaro GTS 350 becomes the first Australian car to win ATCC. HG Holden released with 3-speed Trimatic automatic optional. First occasion where a second face-lift is performed.

HQ series released. A completely new car from the wheels up. Larger 6-cylinder engines of 173 and 202 capacities. 4-speed transmissions of GMH manufacture introduced. 3-speed Turbo Hydramatic (imported) automatic for 350 engine. Monaro GTS model now with V8 power as standard equipment. Luxury Sport (LS) Monaro introduced with optional 350/TH400. Long wheelbase (by 3”) wagon included. Long wheelbase Statesman range marketed alongside Holdens.

HQ commercial range released including Cab-Chassis model. Full chassis with separate body design construction used. Ute and van feature wagon wheelbase. Cab-Chassis out to 120”.

2,500,000th Holden produced.

SS sedan released. In essence, a GTS with four doors. 253 V8, 4-speed, performance rear axle, dual exhaust, cloth trim, exclusive colours and sports decals feature. 2,591 units produced.

Holiday special ‘Vacationer’ released in sedan and wagon. Limited run models were now becoming a regular feature. 3,242 sedans and 1,149 wagons produced, for a total of 4,391 units.

Special Premier released for 25th anniversary of the Holden car. Exclusive paint, Ash (silver-grey) trim (and vinyl roof) feature, 202 and Trimatic automatic power train, special badging also.

Additional limited-run models are released during the year. ‘Sports-utility' range - Sandman and a second ‘Vacationer’ model released. Total HQ production is just short of 500,000 units - a record.

3,000,000th vehicle produced. Totals now include car lines in addition to Holden.

HJ series released with no 350 V8 engine in line up. Increased power 308 (now badged 5.0 litre) V8 with 250 hp. TH400 automatic now available with 5.0 litre V8. ‘Caprice’ model added to Statesman range.

HX series released incorporating exhaust gas emission control. ADR 27A featured on all domestic consumption models.
Steering column mounted controls for lights and wipers. Anti-lock rear brakes available on Statesman. Last Monaro coupe - the LE - included in the range from September.

HZ series released featuring Radial Tuned Suspension (RTS). 4-wheel power disc brakes standard on GTS and Statesman. Volume seller now Kingswood SL with additional appointments. Special ‘delete option’ A9K Kingswood replaces Belmont.

HZ Holden production ends.