1976 Holden HJ Kingswood – Today’s Weekend Tempter

By: James Robinson, Unique Cars magazine

Date: 03.06.2017

The perfect Aussie cruiser?

The HJ Kingswood is a quintessential chrome-bumper cruiser from an era when the local Aussie manufacturers were on top of their game.

Released in 1974, the HJ replaced the highly successful HQ, and differed from its predecessor in a number of areas that included a redesigned, squarer front end, new bumper, new wraparound triangular taillights and revised rear quarter panels.

The HJ was available in a number of different trim specs and special editions, consisting of the Belmont, Kingswood, Premier, Monaro, Sandman and One tonner. The HJ wheelbase was also extended in 1974 to accommodate the then new Statesman, which was available in either De Ville or Caprice specification.

Body style options carried over from the HQ and comprised of a 4-door sedan, 5-door wagon, 2-door coupe, 2-door ute, 2-door panelvan and a 2-door cab chassis.

Drivetrain choices for the HJ included a 2.8lt or 3.3lt straight-6 engine or 4.2lt or 5.0lt V8. These donks could be mated to one of three gearboxes: a 4-speed manual, 3-speed manual of 3-speed automatic.

Production of the HJ ceased in 1976 and it was replaced by the HX in July of the same year. The HJ proved to be another popular model for Holden, with over 176,200 vehicles being built in its short lifespan. 

This particular HJ is a Kingswood in yellow with contrasting brown vinyl interior. It has the 3.3lt straight-6 and is mated to the 3-speed automatic gearbox.

According to the seller, the vehicle has recently received a new set of tyres, engine mounts, rear seal, driver’s seat and door seals.

The seller adds that the Kingswood has had an acrylic paint job and it also comes with a Stromberg carburettor.

It is currently being advertised for $13,500, which isn’t bad for a trip down memory lane on four wheels.

If you like the look of this nostalgic gem, and how could you not, check out the full listing here.  

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