1969 Holden Kingswood HT 186 (2 speed Powerglide)

Summary:

An Aussie Brick with Wheels - A Solid and Reliable Car

Faults:

When I first got this great Australian car I immediately noticed two problems; the brake pedal (all four drum brakes) was hard to push down and, as a result, the brakes didn't really stop the car well - I never got this fixed, however, so the problem was not that major. The second problem was with the transmission, a unique/rare two speed automatic, which needed to warm-up before actually being able to change to second gear. In the morning I would have to drive the car about three kilometers before the second gear would engage - top speed in first was around 50 km/h. Again, I never got this fixed as it didn't bother me that much.

Apart from these problems, all others were basic maintenance issues: reco-carburetor $60, new battery, new radiator hose, plugs and points (I serviced it myself - 186 engine is very easy to work on)...etc.

General Comments:

This was a great car and I would highly recommend it to anyone on a budget - fuel and purchase costs. Given their age now I would go for one that's been restored or very well looked after. The 186 engine is all you need for basic driving, excellent mileage and reliability.

The one feature I most admired, and indulged in, was the bucket seat... great for drive-in movies!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 13th December, 2005

1969 Holden Kingswood HT 4.2

Summary:

This car is a lady-killer!

Faults:

After a trip from Hamburg to Berlin on the "German Autobahn" my gasoline-pump got a big hole. To got the car fixed it took me more than a month because of getting the right parts from down under.

General Comments:

There's just one small piece of rust at the driverseat door.

It's definitive an old car, but old cars they have there own character. This car is like a girl.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 16th September, 2005

17th Sep 2005, 01:10

“This car is a lady-killer!”

Strangely enough, Ted Kennedy had a `68 Olds just like yours.

1969 Holden Kingswood HT Wagon 186

Summary:

A beautiful New Zealand assembled Australian classic

Faults:

Absolutely nothing so far. A faultless journey of over 100km from the home of the previous owner.

General Comments:

The general condition is outstanding. On removing the interior door and tailgate trims, I found the car to be as it was when assembled.

The engine is 'tight', flexible and quiet.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 6th May, 2001

28th Jun 2002, 18:23

My father owned a similar HT Kingswood from 1970 to 1975. I can still remember this particular vehicle as it was very much like the one described and I have so many fond memories of its styling and its appearance. This is one vehicle I could never forget.

8th Sep 2002, 23:43

I have had three hk's and a hg. They are the best and cheapest car to run.

3rd Jun 2003, 01:46

We have recently inherited my Grandmothers Holden Kingswood. Considering it is 35 years old it still runs really well-it still has the original engine and is very quiet. It is unbelievable that a car can last that long and still be in such good condition. They are built like a tank!

22nd Aug 2004, 07:51

I love my mum and my HG.

18th Sep 2004, 09:16

Best car I ever had, great memories, drove all around australia for one year. easy to repair plenty of spare parts from the wreckers, I wish I still had one!!