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 Originally heralded as the most dramatic new Holden model
since the 48-215, the EH stakes a big claim on the title of the nation's all-time most
popular car. During just 18 months of manufacture, the EH sold a record 256,959 units to
become the fastest selling Australian car ever.
Based on the EJ - the first completely new 60s Holden model - the EH boasted a completely
new, much more powerful engine and clever styling changes. Despite these new features, the
basic EH was priced at the same level as its predecessor. A wave of public interest prior
to the release of this value-for-money model created unprecedented demand and marked a
resurgence of the locally-built product amid the rising popularity of cheaper Japanese
imports.
The more fuel-efficient new powerplant, dubbed the 'red engine' (after the colour of its
painted block) was available in two versions - a first for GMH. It offered 33 per cent
more power than the previous 'grey engine' in standard 149 configuration and 53 per cent
more power in bigger 179 form. This increased horsepower restored the Holden's performance
relativity to the superior level benchmarked by the Holden 48-215 model in 1948. The
bigger 179 engine came standard in the top-end Premier and limited edition S4 sports
models while a third engine, an economy low compression version of the 149, was also
available.
The engines were designed to be smoother, longer lasting and more economical. They also
proved ideal for towing, an increasingly popular pastime in the 60s. Renowned for
reliability and long lifespan, a 'red engine' would often cover over 130,000km before any
major service overhaul was required. Competitors' engines at the time commonly needed this
attention at 80,000km.
Today's equivalent family Holden, the top-selling VT Commodore, mirrors the advanced
engine technology, performance and styling appeal that underpinned the remarkable
popularity of the EH. Engine choice remains a Holden strength and currently includes 3.8
litre ECOThC V6, Supercharged V6, 5.0 litre and 5.7 litre V8 powerplants.
While today's Commodore, Calais and Ute range now extends to 39 basic model, engine and
transmission configurations, the EH range offered 24 variants across five models; the
Standard, Special, Premier, Coupe Utility and Panel Van.
For the first time, buyers could also experience the luxury appointments of the Premier
range in a station wagon. The S4 sports model, produced in small numbers (120) for use in
motor sport, was the only version to combine the powerful 179 engine with three-speed
manual transmission.
The EH owed much of its success to its universal appeal. It was cheap, practical,
economical, relatively quick and ideal for modification. Thirty-five years down the track,
its familiar good-looks and high status have ensured its enduring popularity - to the
extent that there are now thirteen dedicated EH car clubs with over 800 enthusiast
members.
John Badger, a long-time EH devotee and foundation member of the EH Holden Car Club of
Victoria, is so passionate about his lovingly restored model that he changed the last four
digits of his phone number to 1964 — the year his EH was manufactured.
EH HOLDEN FACTS:
- Base price at introduction: $2102/£1051
- Total number built: 256,959
- Models: Standard sedan, Special sedan, Premier sedan, S4 Special sedan, Standard station
wagon, Special station wagon,
- Premier station wagon, panel van and utility
- Engines: 2.45 litre OHV six-cylinder '149' (a low-compression version of this engine was
also available) and 2.95 litre OHV six-cylinder '179'
- Transmission: Three-speed manual, syncromesh on 2nd and 3rd Optional three-speed
Hydramatic automatic.
- Both with column mounted shift lever.
- Power Output: '149' - 100bhp \@ 4400rpm
'179'
- 115bhp \@ 4000rpm
'149'
low compression - 95bhp \@ 4400rpm
- Dimensions (sedan): Length - 4511mm, Width - 1727mm Wheelbase - 2667mm
- Fuel Tank: 9½ gallons/43litres
ALSO IN 1963-65:
- Holden's new £11 million engine plant and foundry opens at Fishermens Bend in
Melbourne, Vic.
- Holden produces 166,274 cars during 1963. Of these, 10,798 are shipped to 55 overseas
markets.
- Holden's Design and Engineering group moves into a new Technical Centre at Fishermens
Bend. This state-of-the-art facility catered for 900 designers, engineers, draftsmen,
modellers and technicians.
- Popular songs and films of 1963:
Surf City (Jan and Dean), Danke Schoen (Wayne Newton), Bombora (The Atlantics), Hello
Muddah, Hello Faddah (Allan Sherman), Surfm' Hootenanny (Al Casey).
The L-Shaped Room (Leslie Caron), The Birds (Rod Taylor, Tippi Hedren), Hud (Paul Newman,
Patricia Neal, Melvyn Douglas), Exodus (Paul Newman).
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