Holden EH

The Holden EH was a car developed by the Holden Motor Company in Australia at a purpose built factory in Fisherman's Bend, Melbourne.

It was created in 1963 and was the first Holden to incorporate the new "Red" motor. This new "Red" motor featured 7 main bearings as opposed to 4 for the "Grey" motor and a larger capacity of 149ci (2400cc) or 179ci (2900cc). These motors were attached to "three on the tree" manual or "Hydramatic" automatic transmissions; the three speed manual gear box having no synchromesh on first gear which meant the driver had to be proficient in double de-clutching or riding second gear at slow speed.

The EH was far more powerful than the previous models and so it became immensely popular. Soon following the EH standard were the "Premier" and "S4" models. The "S4" was introduced in September 1963 and featured a larger fuel tank, hardened gears, metal lined brake shoes and a larger tailshaft. Only 120 "S4" models were made.

"Standard" models were basic with no real badging and were mostly fitted with 149ci engines, rubber floors, no radio and generally one-tone acrylic paint jobs. "Special" models came equipped with chrome strips all round, carpet was an option, a console radio, special badges and two-tone paint jobs still in acrylic paint. "Premier" was the top of the range model with all the trimmings; metallic enamel paint, a centre console heater, upgraded interior, deep dish rims and examples these days are very rare. The Standard EH was the same price as its predecessor (EJ) at AU$2102. A total of 256,959 units were produced and sold from 1963 - 1965.It remains one of Australia's favourite cars.

There are EJ-EH Holden Car Clubs in every state of Australia that cater for EH Holden enthusiasts.www.ehholden.com.auClub members are committed to preserving these iconic Holdens. These clubs organise a national gathering for EH Holden enthusiasts every year called the EH All State Run.