With the official name of RD001, indicating its status as Holden's first research and development (ie. concept) vehicle, the Hurricane made its debut at the 1969 Melbourne Motor Show.
Featuring a mid-engined, rear-wheel drive layout, and finished in an experimental aluminium flake-based metallic orange paint, the two-seater sports car was bristling with innovative features and technology, much of which was way ahead of its time.
The Hurricane featured an electronic digital instrument display, station-seeking radio, automatic temperature control air conditioning, rear vision camera and an automated route finder - commonplace today, but radical stuff C1969. The two most innovative features were undoubtedly the "Pathfinder" route guidance system and the rear-view camera.
The "Pathfinder", essentially a pre-GPS navigation device, relied on a system of magnets embedded at intersections along the road network to guide the driver along the desired route. A dash-mounted panel informed the driver of which turn to take by illuminating different arrows, as well as sounding a warning buzzer.
The rear-view camera was also a ground-breaking innovation. Engineers using a CCTV system with a camera mounted in the rear bumper feeding vision to a small black-and-white TV mounted in the centre console.
RD 001/Hurricane stands just 990mm high and has no doors, instead using an hydraulically-powered canopy (think Purvis Eureka) that opens upwards and forward over the front wheels. This was combined with twin power-elevating seats (what GM-H quirkily called "astronaut type") which rose up and pivoted forward, along with the steering column, for ease of access.
Safety innovations on the Hurricane included a foam-lined fuel tank, integrated roll-over bar, digital instrument readouts, ignition safety locks, interior padding and a fire warning system.
Following a five-year restoration that was completed in 2011, the Hurricane has occasionally travelled outside of GM-H's headquarters for public display, including 2011's Motorclassica event.
The 1969 Holden Hurricane will on display at the National Motor Museum from Tuesday, July 16, for a limited time. The National Motor Museum is located in Shannon Street, Birdwood, South Australia. Ph: (08) 8568 4000, or go to www.history.sa.gov.au for further details.
