Facts / Figures

I'll begin with my own two cars to get things going,

If the readers, members, or visitors wish to add some facts,
production numbers, or other things of interest - let me know
and I'll upload the info to the site.

Firstly is my 1974 Chevrolet Statesman.

Years of Manufacture: 1971-1974
Engine: 350 cu" V8
Horsepower: 290
Transmission: Turbo/Hydro 400
Differential: 12 Bolt Posi-Traction

To save some time, I've scanned an article written by a well
known Sydney motoring journalist, on what he discovered
while visiting a G.M.H Assembly plant back in the early 70's
What isn't stated however, is this Export Model to South Africa
were in fact badged as Caprice's.
This was not seen here in Australia
in the HQ Series Statesmans.
Only were Statesman Custom and Statesman DeVille were ever
produced for the Australian market.

A total of 664 were rolled out of the South Australia GMH Plant
bound for South Africa, others were produced to go to
countries like Trinidad, Indonesia, and North America,
but these were not badged as Caprice's. The cars do not have an Australian Compliance plate fitted
which I found to be differcult when landing mine back on
Australian soil and applied for road registration.

So what makes these cars different?

Well to begin with, some of the easy things to see are
the grille, which is styled from the Chevelle of the same era
The obvious emblem badges - 350 Side Fenders
Bowtie Grille centre and Chevrolet cursive script top right grille
Front Hood mascot - Caprice Insignia.
Rear Pillars - Wreath with Bowtie in centre.
Rear deck lid - Caprice V8 left side and Chevrolet cursive
script right side.

Underneath is the most amazing to me, the use of Chevrolets
own 12 bolt Posi-Traction Diff.
I wonder how many of the boys involved with HQ Racing
and ANDRA officials actually knew these diffs were fitted
to the HQ model directly by GMH here in an Aussie
assembly plant ???

Inside the vehicle, there are many things that set the car aside
from the rest.
The first thing you notice when seated at the drivers side
is the steering wheel with its Bowtie insignia in the centre
of the wheel, the dash display is full instrumentation
with Red needle and speedometer is in both MPH and KPH
Door locking is central locking from the drivers door.
Radio cassette player is a Clarion model with four speakers
and fade control.
Upholstery is of a black brocade fabric
I haven't seen this fabric on any other Holden.
The rear doors carry a full length arm rest.
The usual luxury items are there as well,
Electric window winders, remote mirrors, power steering,
and power brakes.
Lets remember this car is as it was manufactured, nothing has
been changed or altered so as to keep the car original
and value at it's peak.

Here's the article by journalist Rob Luck of Modern Motor magazine
 

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You will find photos of my own Chevrolet Statesman in the Garage section of this website.