The HR Holden followed the short lived HD which had been launched in Feb 1965. Changes to the HR styling were minimal, yet significant enough to increase flagging sales of the HD. Good marketing prowess by GM-H ensured this stop gap model manage 250,000 sales against Ford's XR Falcon.
Accompanying the new model were revised versions of the 'red' motor; a '161' engine displacing 2.6 litres and the now legendary '186' at a tad over 3.0 litres. Also available from mid 1997 was a high performance 186S with single dual-throat carburettor replacing the the previous twin-carb X2 delivering 145 bhp. A 4 speed Opel gearbox with floor shift was also added to the options list along with an optional LSD. In August 1996, GM-H introduced safety upgrades across the entire HR range. These included padded interior sun visors, front seatbelts, exterior rearview mirror, shatter-proof interior mirror, reversing lights and windscreen washers for all models.
The Premier was the standout model with its new Ambla (vinyl) buckets seats (see above), centre console, timber-tone inserts on dash fascia, door trims and horn bar, radio, heater, chrome wheel trims and bright work elsewhere as decoration.
HR 215 Standard Sedan |
|---|
HR 219 Standard Station Sedan |
HR 225 Special Sedan |
HR 229 Special Station Sedan |
HR 235 Premier Sedan |
HR 239 Premier Station Sedan |
HR 2106 Utility |
HR 2104 Panel Van |
Introduction Year: 1966
Model Range: Standard sedan, Special sedan, Premier sedan, Standard station wagon,Special station wagon, Premier station wagon, Panel van and Ute.
Engines: 2.65-litre 6-cylinder '161` developing 114 bhp (a low compression version was also available)
3.05-litre 6-cylinder '186' developing 126 bhp
Transmissions: 3-speed manual gearbox and 2-speed Powerglide automatic transmission
Performance: 0-100 km/h: 15.3 secs. ('186' auto)
Standing 400 metres: 19.5secs. ('186' auto)
Total Production: 252,352
Base Price: $2286 '161' manual
$2856 '186' manual
