HOLDEN HR PREMIER

HOLDEN HR PREMIER

The Holden HR is an automobile that was produced by Holden in Australia from 1966 to 1968.
The Holden HR range was released in April 1966, replacing the Holden HD series which had been in production since 1965. In addition to a revised grille, the Holden HR Premier featured a reworked roofline and larger rear window (on the sedans), revised rear lights (on sedans and wagons) and changes to almost all exterior body panels. Other changes included revised ball joint front suspension, widened track, improved interior trim and woodgrain interior finish for the Premier models. Six months after the launch of the HR, all models were given a safety upgrade with the addition of front safety belts, windscreen washers, reversing lights, sunvisors and a shatterproof interior rearview mirror.

The two versions of the inline six cylinder Holden Red motor were carried across from the HD series, both with increased engine capacity and a higher compression ratio (9.2:1). The 114 bhp 161 cu in (2.6 L) six was standard in all models except the Premiers. A 126 bhp 186 cu in (3.0 L) six was standard on Premiers and optional on all other models. The 145 bhp twin carburettor “X2” version of the “186” was initially available as an option on all models. The “X2” was replaced by the 145 bhp “186S” in June 1967, the new version fitted with a single two barrel carburettor.

The 194 cu in (3.2 L) and 230 cu in (3.8 L) Chevrolet six-cylinder engine was fitted for the South African market. This began partway through the HR’s existence, with the 194 introduced for the 1967 model year. The Premier Automatic sold in South Africa retained the Australian engine, at least until 1969.

A three-speed manual gearbox with column change was standard on the Holden HR Premier with a two speed “Powerglide” automatic transmission available as an option. An Opel sourced four-speed manual gearbox was offered from August 1967.