Holden Kingswood II (HQ/HJ/HX/HZ) photos

Launched in July 1971, the HQ series Holden Kingswood initiated the second generation of Holden's full-size lineup and went on to become the single most successful vehicle in Australian motoring history, with nearly half a million units built. The HQ introduced an all-new perimeter-frame chassis construction, perimeter-isolated front subframe, and a sophisticated four-wheel coil-spring suspension system that delivered remarkable comfort. Available as a four-door sedan, five-door wagon, utility, and panel van, power was delivered by 2.85-litre and 3.3-litre inline-sixes or 4.2-litre and 5.0-litre V8s paired with manual or Tri-Matic automatic transmissions. The series evolved through the bolder front-end restyle of the HJ in 1974, followed by the emission-controlled HX in 1976. The pinnacle arrived with the 1977 HZ series, which introduced standard four-wheel disc brakes and Holden's world-class Radial Tuned Suspension (RTS), transforming the car into a benchmark-handling cruiser. Passenger production ended in 1980 with the arrival of the Commodore, cementing the Kingswood as an enduring cultural icon.