HOLDEN STATESMAN HQ-HZ
1971 - 1979
BODY & CHASSIS
Most De Villes came with vinyl roof covering which makes a great incubator for rust. Initially, look around the window apertures, rear pillars and in the turret itself. If the vinyl is gone and the roof repainted, check for filler and bubbling. Cabin and boot floors, lower doors and the sills are also at risk. The rear stone tray and fuel tank are vulnerable to impact damage and while you’re there look at the boot floor for rust and whether the spare wheel has disappeared. Scarce panels include rear quarters, the boot-lid and the nose-section. Rear bumpers which are unique to the HQ have been seen in good condition at $250-400. Kits of body rubbers cost $850-1200.
ENGINE & TRANSMISSION
Holden V8s are simple units to work on and can be professionally rebuilt for less than $5000. If the car you want is mechanically tired and matching numbers aren’t an issue, then used engines in decent order cost $1000 upwards. Overheating is a common problem but be concerned if there is oil contaminating the coolant. Oil leaks are common but only a major concern if gushing from a seriously leaky rear main bearing seal. Manifolds can leak and exhaust systems are prone to rust and crush injuries. Trimatic and later T350 transmissions rarely give trouble but a unit that slurs changes or takes more than a second to engage gears is due for a rebuild.
SUSPENSION & BRAKES
These were among the first all-coil Holdens and put ride quality well ahead of handling. Saggy springs with bushes to match and bouncy shock absorbers can make the car very hard to drive yet in total including labour cost less than $2000 to replace. Check the steering box mountings for rust and the power unit for leaks and binding. Brake rotors last up to 100,000 kilometres, with new ones at $150350 per pair. Correct, colour-keyed hubcaps on HJ-HX cars are prone to damage and can be difficult to replace.
INTERIOR & ELECTRICS
These areas are crucial when considering any Statesman. Leather trim in Caprice versions is very expensive to replace so must be in decent condition or the car very cheap. New carpet sets cost around $200. Dash ‘veneer’ is prone to peeling but good replacement dash sections are available for $150-200. Interior door handles break but replacements are available from $60 each. Make sure the electric windows move freely and without excessive noise and reclining seat backs stay locked in position. Working air-con adds value because the bill for a basic a/c overhaul and regas will top $1500.