Holden Gemini

Infobox Automobile
name=Holden Gemini


manufacturer=Holden
production=March 1975–1986
Number sold=140 442Infobox Automobile generation
name = TX TC TD


production = March 1975–October 1979
class = Subcompact
body_style = 2-door coupe
4-door sedan
2-door panel van
2-door station wagon
platform = T-body
layout=FR layout
engine = 1584 cc Isuzu G1600
wheelbase = Auto mm|2404|1
length = Auto mm|4234|1
width = Auto mm|1570|1
height = Auto mm|1341|1
fuel_capacity = Convert|52|L|usgal impgal|0|abbr=on
curb weight = Auto kg|956|0
related = Chevrolet Chevette
Pontiac T1000
Isuzu Gemini
Isuzu Gemini Bellet
Isuzu Piazza
Opel Kadett
Vauxhall Chevette
Pontiac Acadian
TX's sold=43 099
TC's sold=17 256
TD's sold=42 396Infobox Automobile generation
name = TE TF TG


production = October 1979–April 1985
class = Subcompact
body_style = 4-door sedan
2-door panel van
2-door station wagon
platform = T-body
layout=FR layout
engine = 1584 cc Isuzu G1600
wheelbase = Auto mm|2404|1
length = Auto mm|4234|1
width = Auto mm|1570|1
height = Auto mm|1341|1
fuel_capacity = Convert|52|L|usgal impgal|0|abbr=on
curb weight = Auto kg|956|0
related = Chevrolet Chevette
Pontiac T1000
Isuzu Gemini
Isuzu Gemini Bellet
Isuzu Piazza
Opel Kadett
Vauxhall Chevette
Pontiac Acadian
TE's sold=70 567
TF's sold=28 326
TG's sold=24 675Infobox Automobile generation
name = Third generation (RB Model)


production = April 1985–1986
class = compact
body_style = 4-door sedan
platform = T-body
layout=FR layout
related = Chevrolet Chevette
Pontiac T1000
Isuzu Gemini
Isuzu Gemini Bellet
Isuzu Piazza
Pontiac Acadian

The Holden Gemini was a small car built and sold by GM-Holden from 1975 to 1986. It was derived from the Isuzu Gemini (Japan) which was one of the many cars based on the GM T-car platform.

TX Series

The first generation of the Gemini (TX) was a compact car sold between March 1975 and March 1977, this model was available in sedan and coupe body shapes.

All shared the same 1.6 litre SOHC Isuzu engine (coded the G161Z), the engine was chain driven and incorporated a cross-flow design alloy head. A two-barrel 'Nikki' Stromberg carburettor was used on Australian models. Early TX models used a cast-iron free flow exhaust manifold, with two outlets into a 'Y' pipe was used (this item is commonly used by modifiers for later models). From November 1976 this was changed to a single outlet exhaust header to comply with EPA regulations. [http://holdengemini.net/tech_au_gemini.php]

Wheel size was 13" X 4.5", Rear brakes were duo-servo units, similar in design tothose used in the 6 cylinder Torana. Early models used the MSE-type four speed gearbox, reversewas positioned to the 'left and back'. [http://holdengemini.net/tech_au_gemini.php]

Nov. '75 saw the introduction of the MSG-type four speed, reverse on this transmission was to the 'right and back' position. The TX SL sedan was voted Wheels car of the year' for 1975, and was the most popular 4-cyl car on the Australian market. [http://holdengemini.net/tech_au_gemini.php] [http://www.wheelsmag.com.au/wheels/site/articleIDs/B644A247EE6B4524CA25728500179B90]

The first generation Gemini coupe's body was built by Opel's engineers in Germany and powered by an under-rated Convert|70|hp|kW|0|abbr=on engine 1g13c 1300 SOHC made by Isuzu Japan and Holden Australia, the said engine's power was not introduced to the market, it was only used in rally and other racing events. it is said that 1g13c was the counter part of Toyota's formula atlantic.fact|date=January 2008

TC Series

The TC Series Gemini was sold between March '77 - April '78, this model received a minor facelift from the TX, appearance was enhanced by a bolder vertical front grille, and at the rear a silver garnish panel (TX was black). A new Smiths brand heater, demister and ventilation system was used, the two small vents at each end of the dash were removed on this model, except on vehicles fitted with air conditioning. [http://holdengemini.net/tech_au_gemini.php]

A "Fashion Pack" interior was now available on both sedan and coupe models, this option was also upgraded to add steel belted radials and a front stabilising bar. Door side impact beams were introduced to improve safety and SL coupes now had a heated rear windscreen. [http://holdengemini.net/tech_au_gemini.php]

In April 1977, a limited edition 'Sandpiper' model was also offered in both sedan and coupe body shapes. They were identified by a black grille with stainless steel top edge, gold pin stripes, chequered cloth seat inserts and door trims, wood-grain dash sections, radio/cassette player, a four spoke steering wheel and the A9R ('Fashion Pack') suspension package. Externally they were easily identified by the word "Sandpiper: and a bird decal, this was on the side rear quarters of the coupe, and on the rear doors of the sedans. [http://holdengemini.net/tech_au_gemini.php]

TD Series

The TD series was introduced in April 1978, the most major change over the TC being the introduction of Radial Tuned Suspension and the option of a 5 speed manual transmission. The differential was replaced with a small Salisbury unit as used in the UC Torana, it used tapered Timken wheel bearings as found on all larger Holdens since mid 1971. In April 1979, the rear brakes were changed to Commodore leading-trailing rear drum assemblies. [http://holdengemini.net/tech_au_gemini.php]

Exterior appearance was changed with the introduction of a new grille, rectangular head-lights (round on base models), wheels were now 13" x 5", rear number plate was relocated in place of the rear garnish panel. A panel van and two-door wagon were also added to the range, the rear bodywork pressings being from the British Vauxhall Chevette/Bedford Chevanne range. [http://holdengemini.net/tech_au_gemini.php]

The SL/E version used many interior options from the TC "Sandpiper" series, such as the radio/cassette, four spoke steering wheel, timber dash inserts, velour seat trim, loop pile carpet and timber (Hardboard) door trim inserts. [http://holdengemini.net/tech_au_gemini.php]

Externally, appearance was further enhanced to include stainless steel headlight and grille surrounds, thick stainless steel door window frame mouldings and GM-H designed alloy wheels similar to Sunbird SL/E. Coupes and sedans had colour-coded side mirrors similar to those of Sunbird SL/E and HZ Sandman, door-trims were extended to cover the top of the doors. [http://holdengemini.net/tech_au_gemini.php]

SL/E models were replaced by the SL/X in early 1979, it had a slightly lower equipment level but a more competitive price. It is rumoured that a limited Edition "Gypsy" package was optional on panel vans, which included extra instrumentation and identifying decals however an example of such a vehicle has never been produced.. [http://holdengemini.net/tech_au_gemini.php]

Heated rear windscreens were now standard on all but base model sedans, panel vans and wagons. Nylon plaid cloth inserts available on SL's and wagons, Air-con was now available as an optional accessory. [http://holdengemini.net/tech_au_gemini.php]

TE Series

The second generation, introduced in October 1979, received major design changes. The body was now more squared with a new front and rear end, styling was compared to the VB Commodore of the same era and carried through the styling of the Isuzu Gemini of the same era. By this time, the Opel Kadett had reverted to front wheel drive and the resemblance of the original Kadett C disappeared.

The TE was the most popular out of all the Geminis, selling over 70 000 units. Initially only available as a sedan, in February 1980 the Panel Van and Station Wagon were added to the line up, Coupe was no longer available. The luxury SL/E version was also removed from the line-up, replaced instead with an SL/X variant.

A limited edition Gypsy Van was made available in February 1980 and was offered with a much sought after Tachometer and console gauges. Individual plaid cloth seats were available (a different plaid to other earlier Geminis). The Gypsy featured blacked out grille treatment and door window surrounds, square headlights and full chrome bumpers, full length headlining and carpet (regular vans had vinyl flooring as standard. Gypsys are now a highly collectable Gemini model, with original examples estimated to be worth over $10,000 to avid collectors.

Engine options stayed the same, in early 1981 the option of a 1.8 litre Isuzu Diesel model was introduced, an M76 5 speed gearbox was standard for all diesel models. All Diesel Geminis were only available as an SL/X 5speed manual. Rhone Green was a colour made available exclusively for the diesel but other colours in the range could be ordered also.

TF series

In 1982 the Gemini range was facelifted, designated as TF. All models gained new grille treatments and the SL/X variant received flush headlamps. The interior received major revisions with a new dashboard (creating the impression of more space in the vehicle) and a relocated steering column that put the steering wheel in line with the driver, rather than angled towards the centre of the car. The styling is often compared to the then current Holden Commodore VH range but in fact the styling was introduced on the Isuzu Gemini in 1981 and carried across to the Australian model

TG Series

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 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.

1983 saw a performance model, named the ZZ/Z. The ZZ/Z was always silver, with a body kit consisting of a front bar, wind spilters 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 unfortunately the ZZ/Z (triple zed) came with the standard running gear of other models. A 5 speed manual gearbox was standard - auto was not an option.

RB Series

In 1985, the GM R platform based front-wheel drive 'RB' Gemini was released but didn't sell as well as previous rear wheel drive Geminis. The RB was only available as a sedan. The Holden Gemini was discontinued the following year, replaced by the Holden Astra range - a rebadged Nissan Pulsar.

The RB Gemini was notable for its 80-day, 200,000km endurance run from a commercial in 1985, tested by a group of famous Australian racers including the late Peter Brock.

Performance

afety

In Australia, the 1982-1984 Holden Gemini was assessed in the Used Car Safety Ratings 2006 as providing "significantly worse than average" protection for its occupants in the event of a crash. [http://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/Home/RoadSafety/VehicleSafety/UsedCarSafetyRatings/Used+Car+Safety+Ratings+-+Light+Small+Cars.htm]

Production Figures

References

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External links

* [http://www.hotgemini.com HOTGemini.com]
* [http://www.holden.org.au Holden Car Clubs of Australia]
* [http://specs.amayama.com/isuzu/gemini Isuzu Gemini Specs from 1974 to 1999]
* [http://www.holdengemini.net HoldenGemini.net]
* [http://www.canberrageminiclub.com CanberraGeminiClub.com]
* [http://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/vrne/vrne5nav.nsf/childdocs/-B8F8655488907260CA256FD300241C1A-667BCFE41674A389CA256FD300241C2B-1EE471300C4801C3CA2570A400083B3F?open Used Car Safety Ratings - Holden Gemini - Australia Only]
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ybEBjdMi334&NR ISUZU Gemini Ads]