1979 Holden HZ One-Tonner – Today’s Tempter

By: Alex Affat, Unique Cars magazine

Date: 16.04.2020

Useable weekend workhorse with classic V8 appeal

Holden’s HZ was a range of large family and commercial vehicle built between 1977 and 1980.

The new car replaced the outgoing HX, but punters were hard-pressed to spot the difference in what was a pretty minor styling update.

The big news was beneath the surface, with RTS (Radial Tuned Suspension) vastly improving the ride and handling characteristics of the previously understeer-ridden cars.

And the was a HZ for everyone, with bodies being offered in four-door sedan, five-door wagon, as well as two-door commercial vans, utes and cab chassis’.

Engines ranged from the 3.3lt six, through the 4.2 and 5.0lt V8s with cog-swapping duties handled by either three or four-speed manuals, or a three-speed auto.

This HZ one-tonner looks like the quintessential commercial rig of a bygone era. While classic Holden’s have drastically appreciated over past years, more commercial-oriented tray-backs have lagged behind.

The plus side is they’re markedly more affordable than their ute-bodied counterparts, and far more useable for those wanting a classic weekend workhorse which you won’t be scared of tossing stuff in the back.

This one is described by the seller as in "excellent" condition; having been repainted with two-pack paint, re-chromed and with new rubbers.

The one-tonner features the 4.2lt V8 up front backed by the column-shift auto.

Inside, the cabin is excellently presented with original dash, bucket seats and steering wheel; although modern stereo and speakers can be seen.

Overall, it looks like a tremendous value-filled yet much-loved classic Aussie workhorse; said to have been beautifully maintained by the seller’s retired mechanic father.

You can take it to the hardware store with pride, and it still has all of the classic Aussie V8 appeal you could want.

The one-tonner is based in Victoria and is listed for $16,500.

Check out the full listing here!

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