owned by  Evan and Ron Clifton

One of Australia’s most popular car, the EH holden, boasting of slick styling features and and a powerful engine, holds the record of the fastest selling car in the nation. A wave of public interest prior to the release of this value-for-money model created unprecedented public demand and marked a resurgence of the locally-built product amid the rising popularity of cheaper Japanese imported products.

The EH holden won hearts of car devotees all around, by heralded a new sense of freedom.

The EH holden’s universal appeal is intimately related to the following technical features and non-technical facts:

Engines: The fuel-efficient new powerhouse, dubbed the ‘red engine’ (after the colour of its painted block) was available in two versions:2.45 litre OHV six-cylinder ‘149’ (a low-compression version of this engine was also available) and 2.95 litre OHV six-cylinder ‘179’.

The engines were designed to be smoother, longer lasting and more economical. Renowned for reliability and long

lifespan, a ‘red engine’ would often cover over 130,000km before any major service overhaul was required.

• Transmission: Three-speed manual, syncromesh on 2nd and 3rd Optional three-speed Hydramatic automatic both with column mounted shift lever.
  Dimensions (sedan): Length – 4511mm, Width – 1727mm Wheelbase – 2667mm

Power Output: ‘149’ – 100bhp \@ 4400rpm
‘179’ – 115bhp \@ 4000rpm
‘149’ low compression – 95bhp \@ 4400rpm

Models: Standard sedan, Special sedan, Premier sedan, S4 Special sedan, Standard station wagon, Special station wagon, Premier station wagon, panel van and utility.

The EH Holden was cheap, practical, economical, relatively quick and ideal for modification. Thirty-five years after the first EH took to the roads, its familiar good-looks and high status have ensured its enduring popularity.