Yes, the HJ long speedo is pretty unique. In many ways the HJ is as much a HQ as a HX-WB. Whilst the HJ sedan and wagon got the revised rear quarters and the front panels of the HX-HZ it retained many HQ features. At HJ release most of the HJ engines were the same as the HQ (except the 308's compression went from 9:1 to 9.7:1), it kept the wipers on the dash, foot operated hi-beam, clutch mechs, big plug harness, fixed seat belts (on commercials) just to name a few. As far as I am aware the HJ wasn't even meant to exist, there was supposed to be an all new car after HQ. This is why the HQ went for so long - as they made their minds up. Once it was obvious that this car was going to keep going, more was done for HX and HZ and then WA and WB.Originally Posted by mauser
In my personal opion, whilst I really do like HQ's even the lowly Belmont and Kingswoods are sweet, I do like the sports versions of HJ better. My favourites of all Holdens other than HK are HJ GTS coupe and HJ Sandman. Both the HJ GTS coupe and HJ Sandman still retain the raw yet subtle look of a HQ but balance it with the beautiful HJ GTS dash and guards. The base model HJ's (Belmont and Kingswood) are ugly ducklings though and are not as nice as HQ's. I'm not really sold on HJ LS though, I like the HJ Premier but the HJ Premier front on the HQ LS doesn't look right, GTS nose is nicer - maybe the black chin spoiler does it? And the ugly strip dash of the HJ is I think the reason so many Prems and LS's were originally optioned with the silver GTS dash.
Yes VQ was the next "Statesman" in name, but the next W sized vehicle was really WH in 1999.
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