EH Holden
These pages include a number of specifications, some brief history and some original advertising literature from the time the cars were released.
General Motors Holdens used a two letter prefix to identify the individual models which produced. Actually, they still do. The 'EH' was produced between 1963 and 1965, and was Holden Motor Company's greatest seller at the time.
The EH was produced in four distinct body styles. These were the sedan, station wagon, panel van and utility.
The utility is a two door vehicle, with a sedan like passenger compartment, and a carrying tray behind. Actually, we Aussies invented the utility back in 1933, when a farmer of the day approached the Ford Motor Company with an idea for a vehicle which could carry around his tools and stock feed, and still be able to take his wife to church on Sundays! Hence, the Ford Coupe Utility was born. The difference between the 'utility' and the American 'pick-up' is that the utility is a one piece body, whereas the 'pick-up' has a separate cab and tray. Anyway, enough about Fords!
The EH was offered with an all new engine based around the Chevy Blue Flame six. It was available in three variations.
These were:
- 149 Cubic Inch low compression - developing 95 h.p.
- 149 Cubic Inch high compression - developing 100 h.p.
- 179 Cubic Inch high compression - developing 115 h.p.
Check out the brochure on the new Holden Red Motors.
These may not seem like huge performance figures, but to the public brought up on mainly English sourced vehicles, they were great! In fact, when originally introduced, the 179 was only available with the Hydramatic transmission, as it was seen to be too powerful for the general populous to control! This decision was later reviewed due to public demand for the 179 with a manual transmission.
The engines themselves were of oversquare design and had a seven bearing crankshaft. They also were the first Holden to use hydraulic valve lifters, and external oil pump and oil filter for easier servicing. These motors became known as "Red" motors due to the fact that the were, obviously, red.
The basic design of this motor was used up until 1985, where it had developed into a 3.3 litre with fuel injection, 12 port head, counterbalanced crank and other goodies. They are regarded as some of the most reliable engines ever produced, and some do amazing mileage before needing rebuilds.
Standard - The basic car, with no additional trimming or fittings. The body of this model was painted in a single colour. These were sometimes purchased as Taxis or rental vehicles.
Premier - This was the luxury model, with innovations such as full leather interiors featuring bucket seats and a console with controls for the two speed fan heater. The Premier also featured metallic paint, a push button AM radio and arm rests on all four doors (sedan). A number of factory options were fitted at standard equipment, such as hand brake warning light, glove box light and luggage compartment light (sedan). The steering wheel, gear selector, heater switch and turn indictor switches, usually grey, were all colour coded white for an up-market appearance. The Premier came standard with the larger 179 Cubic Inch motor, and Hydramatic auto transmission. See the pictures below for more information.
Utility - The EH was also offered as two commercial vehicles. The first of these is the Utility. The commercial vehicles were only offered in one level of trim, but options were able to be purchased from Holden dealers. The carrying capacity of both the Utility and Panel Van was half a ton. The utility was offered with the standard 149 cubic inch motor, or with the 179 as an option. In fact, due to its lighter weight than the passenger variants, the EH Ute with the 179 motor and standard 3 speed manual transmission was our first genuine Aussie produced 100 MPH vehicle!
The Utility was also available with the Hydramatic transmission, but this was not a popular option when new. Due to the larger transmission tunnel in the floor to suit the automatic transmission, utilities with this option are now highly sought by EH enthusiasts, as it is not uncommon for EH owners to fit Holden and Chevy V8's. The larger tunnel allows Trimatic (Aussie) autos, as well as Powergilde and Turbo Hydro 350's to fit without modification. Also, a number of larger V8 sourced manual transmissions, as well as Japanese 4 and 5 speeds, will fit the automatic floor tunnel with no clearance problems.
 Go to EH Passenger sales brochure |
 Go to EH Commercial sales brochure |
 Go to EH advertisements |
 Go to Nasco Accessories |
 Go to EH Magazine test |
 Go to EH Magazine test |
 Go to EH Magazine test |
 Go to the New Holden Red Motor Brochure |
 Go to the Hydramatic Transmission Brochure |
 Go to the Holden Power Steer Salesman's Brochure |
 Go to the GMH Proving Ground Brochure |