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The Holden HT series is a range of automobiles which was manufactured by Holden in Australia from May 1969 until July 1970.
Holden HT Belmont, Kingswood and Premier models were introduced in May 1969,[1] replacing their Holden HK series equivalents which had been in production since 1968.[2] HT Brougham and Monaro models followed in June 1969. Noticeable changes from the HK series included new grilles, new taillights, flatter rear flanks and a wider back window.[3] Other changes included increased track width, revised suspension, a new instrument panel and synchromesh on all forward gears on manual gearbox models.[3]
The mainstream HT series was offered in four-door sedan and five-door station wagon body styles in three trim levels
The Brougham, which used a body with an extended boot, was available in one model only.
The Monaro was offered in three two-door coupe models
Commercial vehicle derivatives were available in two-door coupe utility and two-door panel van body styles in two trim levels.
The 161-cubic-inch (2.6-litre) and 186-cubic-inch (3.0-litre) six-cylinder engines were carried over from the HK range.[4] Australian manufactured 253-cubic-inch (4.2-litre) and 308-cubic-inch (5.0-litre) V8 engines were new, replacing the imported 307-cubic-inch (5.0-litre) V8s.[4] Initially the 308 was fitted to only the Brougham, and existing stocks of the imported 307 were used in other models.[4] Once these supplies were exhausted, the 308 V8 was made available as an option across the HT range.[4] The 327-cubic-inch (5.3-litre) Chevrolet V8 that had powered the HK Monaro GTS 327 was replaced by a 350-cubic-inch (5.7-litre) Chevrolet V8 in the newly introduced HT Monaro GTS 350 model. Three-speed manual, four-speed manual and two-speed "Powerglide" automatic transmissions were offered.[5]
A smaller, 2,130 cc (130 cu in) version of Holden's inline-six Red motor ("130 HC") was available for export markets. It produced 90 hp (67 kW) at 4400 rpm and was meant for higher octane fuel.[6]
The HT range was replaced by the Holden HG series in July 1970,[7] production having totaled 183,402 units.[1][8][9]
The HT utility was assembled in South Africa as the Chevrolet El Camino. The interior, front fascia, and badging were unique to South Africa and it received either a Chevrolet 250 cu in (4.1 L) six-cylinder engine or the V8. Less than 500 Holdens were exported in this way.
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