Vehicle Model Time.

[Dr Terry]

I think when you are comparing sales figures, it's more accurate to count from its sale release date to the comparable date for its replacement.

When counting the sales months for any model series, take the VS for example, I counted from its release in mid-April 95, to the release of the VU ute in mid-Dec 2000. They most likely stockpiled some VSs a few months before release, just as they would've ceased production a few months before the VU, so they balance out.

I don't think that the HQ-HZ One-Tonner could be counted as one series, there are too many changes under the skin. If you're going to do that, then FE & FC could be combined, as could FB & EK. Also you could combined VR with VS. BTW I've seen 2 HZs built in 3/80, one wagon & one ute.

Was there much change in the base spec of the VS ute, from the start of VSI to the end of VSII ? Central locking was added, that's all I can think of. With HQ to HZ, disc brakes were added, & the suspension upgraded, plus many other minor improvements.

The reason that I mentioned Australian built Holden in the post above, is because of the TF Rodeo which was Isuzu sourced & ran from July 88 to Feb 2003. Not a bad run. It had a few facelifts but was considered to be all one model series.

Dr Terry

[Innuendo]

The VE would have to be one of the longest running models. Yes, there is Series I and II but same car really apart form minor improvements or changes.

What I find interesting it that the introduction of the Torana, Gemini and Commodore whilst the full size Holden was on sale only added to it's demise. Would have been interesting to see what the sales figures would have been without the introduction of these variants. All in all it was a pretty constant run of sales numbers really. To me only goes to prove there is too many choice/models from any single manufacturer today.

[HZSanFan]

Interesting thread guys...makes a great read

[HK1837]

I think when you are comparing sales figures, it's more accurate to count from its sale release date to the comparable date for its replacement.

When counting the sales months for any model series, take the VS for example, I counted from its release in mid-April 95, to the release of the VU ute in mid-Dec 2000. They most likely stockpiled some VSs a few months before release, just as they would've ceased production a few months before the VU, so they balance out.

I don't think that the HQ-HZ One-Tonner could be counted as one series, there are too many changes under the skin. If you're going to do that, then FE & FC could be combined, as could FB & EK. Also you could combined VR with VS. BTW I've seen 2 HZs built in 3/80, one wagon & one ute.

Was there much change in the base spec of the VS ute, from the start of VSI to the end of VSII ? Central locking was added, that's all I can think of. With HQ to HZ, disc brakes were added, & the suspension upgraded, plus many other minor improvements.

The reason that I mentioned Australian built Holden in the post above, is because of the TF Rodeo which was Isuzu sourced & ran from July 88 to Feb 2003. Not a bad run. It had a few facelifts but was considered to be all one model series.

Dr Terry

I agree that HQ-HZ cab chassis aren't one series, just saying the outside appearance stayed the same. Yes discs and 202 became standard along the way, 4.44 was added during HJ and interior changed along with the sedan variants which was and is normal. Just the same basic thing carried on with no external variation and minimal other items that were options but became standard like 202, discs, forced air etc.
VS may not have changed much from VS to VSII but VSIII changed in lots of ways like engines, boxes etc. Just like the cab chassis got what the rest got though. V2 did the same with subsequent series getting VY interior trratment.
I get the point with FB-EK etc but these did have some exterior frontal treatment changes like HQ to HJ and HX to HZ ute/van whereas the tonner didn't change at all unless it was XY7 or BO6 optioned.

[Dr Terry]

The base V6 engine didn't change from VSI to VSIII did it ? The V8 change in late 98 is well documented though.

Many of the little improvements made during the VS run, often didn't make it to the A9K ute. Extras like the speed alert & so on.

Apart from central locking & the Getrag manual box that's about it for the VS.

Even the changes from VR to VS were limited to the V6 engine change & new Lion badges were about it.

Dr Terry

[Dr Terry]

While we're on the subject, try this quick quiz.

If you parked all 4 versions of the HQ-HZ One-Tonner in a carpark so you could see the cars clearly from a distance of say 30 or 40 metres, so you can't see the dashboard top. How would you distinguish one from the other ? These are base models only, so no B06.

Dr Terry

[Dr Terry]

I get the point with FB-EK etc but these did have some exterior frontal treatment changes like HQ to HJ and HX to HZ ute/van whereas the tonner didn't change at all unless it was XY7 or BO6 optioned.

Was there any "sheet metal" change from FB to EK ?

I always thought that it was a grille change along with the appropriate top bar & parking light chrome sections.

Dr Terry

[Innuendo]

While we're on the subject, try this quick quiz.

If you parked all 4 versions of the HQ-HZ One-Tonner in a carpark so you could see the cars clearly from a distance of say 30 or 40 metres, so you can't see the dashboard top. How would you distinguish one from the other ? These are base models only, so no B06.

Dr Terry

Got to say not a model I ever cared about, but I will take a stab.
Door frame window guide inserts, Chromed front bumper, Hub caps or grill, Paint colour, Front indicators differed.

Was there any "sheet metal" change from FB to EK ?

I always thought that it was a grille change along with the appropriate top bar & parking light chrome sections.

Dr Terry

No sheet metal changes only the holes drilled in them.

[Innuendo]

No sheet metal changes only the holes drilled in them.

Well that's not quite right as the door shell pressings differed from early and late FB and the Bonnet strengthening was different on the EK.
But these are all minor things. Also the wiper cowl was different FB to EK and the early FB's had a different firewall.

[HK1837]

Got to say not a model I ever cared about, but I will take a stab.
Door frame window guide inserts, Chromed front bumper, Hub caps or grill, Paint colour, Front indicators differed.

No sheet metal changes only the holes drilled in them.

I agree with the HQ doors. Chrome stuff was part of the XY7 special vehicle package though. Paint colour yes but late HQ's were in HJ colours, HX got late HJ colours, some colours continued into HZ from HX plus there were fleet colours common for all.
HZ got the RTS badge on the guards unless RTS was deleted.
Later ones would have had black wipers.
Possibly the lion changed on th ehubcaps but hard to see from a distance.
Drum brakes would indicate 6cyl HQ or some HJ if you could see at the right angle.
You might sneak a look at a rear swaybar on a HZ.
Passenger side mirror may have been mandatory at some stage but some States had in mandatory anyway.
Clear front indicators on 1972 HQ then maybe in the right light see the parkers on and see the headlights illuminated on later ones.