1963 EH Holden
The EH introduced a boxy new look, that looked contemporary and saw a number of new variants introduced, all at the original launch date.
The EH in many respects was based on the EJ, incorporating a new roof line and clever styling which improved its looks immensely. It shared a number of body panels although it would be hard to immediately pick it.
In a period of just 18 months more than 250,000 EHs were sold, making it the fastest selling Australian car ever.
Personally I have fond memories of the EH, having passed my licence test in one, and later proving that the new 179 engine could indeed crack a genuine 160 mph. Suspension wasn't great, nor the aerodynamics, but when young and looking for a challenge, I could perhaps rate that sprint as my first unofficial road test of a vehicle.
Even more significant than its improved looks was the fact that Holden finally replaced the aging 'grey' engine with the new 'red' engine (dubbed the red as this was the colour of the block). It came in two capacities, the 2.45-litre six cylinder '149' and the 2.95-litre six cylinder '179'. They featured seven bearing crankshafts, hydraulic valve lifters, external oil pump and filter and modern piston and head design. The red engines had a shorter stroke and larger bore and operated under higher compression, resulting in 33 percent more power than the standard grey engine and 53 percent more power in the 179. The 179 engine developed 86kW and was standard on the Premier models and optional on others. It was initially only available with automatic transmission, but it was a three speed column shift 179 which I completed my speed sprint.
A Premier version of the station wagon was available for the first time, and there was a limited production S4 model, which was a higher performance model (225 Special Sedan) equipped with a beefed up three speed gearbox, clutch and larger tailshaft.
The EH received numerous upgrades prior to its passenger range being replaced by the HD in February 1965
1963 EH Holden
Introduced in August 1963.
Models: Standard sedan, Special sedan, S4 Special sedan, Premier sedan, Standard station wagon, Special station wagon, Premier station wagon, panel van and utility.
Engines: 2.45-litre six-cyl. '149' and 2.95-litre six cyl. '179'.
Transmissions: Three speed manual gear box and three speed Hydramatic automatic transmission.
Price when new: $2,102 (standard sedan).
Dimensions (basic sedan): L 4511, W 1727mm, Wheelbase 2667mm
Identification: Similar body to EJ but with squared rear guards and roof line; grille split in centre by vertical bar bearing Holden badge.
Total built: 256,959
