coffin rack

[Dr Terry]

does anyone know if the coffin rack was a dealer fitted option?

Dealers don't fit options, they fit factory approved accessories & aftermarket accessories.

An 'option' per se, is a choice (or option) that the factory order form offers you when you order a car new.

Things like engines, transmissions, power steer, power windows, integrated a/cond are 'options'.

Things like mudflaps, weather-shields, seat covers & roof racks etc. are accessories which are (usually) dealer-fitted.

To answer your question more directly, to my knowledge the first factory fitted roof rack was standard equipment of the VB SL Commodore wagon.

AFAIK no such item was optional for any 'full-size' Holden, prior to the Commodore.

Dr Terry