TG GEMINI PANELVAN

TG GEMINI PANELVAN

The Holden Gemini is a compact car which was produced by Holden and sold in Australasia from 1975 to 1986. It was based on the Japanese Isuzu Gemini, one of the many models based on the GM T-car platform.

The TG series was released in March 1983. The SL and SL/X versions of TG had an appearance exactly like the TF SL/X, with the flush head lamps, plastic bumpers and tail lights very similar to that on a VH Commodore. However, the base model of the TG GEMINI PANELVAN continued the TF theme, with many examples now confused for TF models. Base model vehicles had vinyl seats, no clock or cigarette lighter, and no console around the shifter. The engine continued to be the 66 PS (49 kW) 1.6-liter as per previous versions, with the optional 54 PS (40 kW) 1.8 diesel also available.

1983 saw a performance model, named the ZZ/Z (triple zed). The ZZ/Z was always silver, with a body kit consisting of a front bar, wind splitters on top of the guards, a bobtail boot spoiler, alloy wheels and blue and black ZZ/Z decals. It is often perceived that the ZZ/Z came with the twin-cam engine that was used in the Isuzu Gemini ZZ/R of the same era, however, the ZZ/Z was strictly a cosmetic version and came with the standard running gear of other models. A five-speed manual gearbox was standard, with somewhat altered gearing—an automatic transmission was not available.

The Gemini was built in Holden’s Acacia Ridge plant, which closed in October 1984 after all Gemini production had come to a halt. However, wagon and panel van production came to a gradual halt in mid-1984, as Vauxhall had ended production of the roof and the tailgate used on these models. Sourcing the parts from General Motors’ Brazilian operation was considered but was too complicated for the short time the model had left. Sales of the sedan continued into early 1985.