Milestones 1960 - 1969 | Holden Historical Services

1960	May	FB Holden released. Engine capacity and power output increased to 138 ci and 75 hp.
1960	May	LHD Holdens released, increasing export potential.
1961	May	EK Holden released with optional automatic transmission.
1962	July	EJ Holden released with the luxury Premier sedan added.
1962	October 25	1,000,000th Holden produced.
1963	August	EH Holden released. Premier wagon added. Range of all-new engines available in 149 and 179 capacities. Range of rear axle ratios available - 3.36:1 and 3.55:1. Power steering available as a factory optional extra.
1963	September	First ‘performance’ Holden released - the EH S4. 179, manual, 3.55:1 axle, power brakes made for real excitement.
1963	October 6	S4 Holden finishes second in class and overall in Armstrong 500.
1965	February	HD Holden released with ‘space curve’ styling. 179 X2 engine producing 140 horsepower added to range. Powerglide automatic transmission replaces Hydra-Matic. Vinyl roof cover optional on Premier sedan.
1965	June	Ball joint front suspension replaces king pin design. Front wheel disc brakes optional on all models.
1965	October 14	1,500,000th Holden produced.
1966	April	HR Holden released with larger engines - 161 and 186 capacities. Power output on 186 X2 engine now 145 horsepower.
1966	May	Positraction rear axle (LSD) added to range.
1966	September	Safety upgrade to range. Seat belts for outboard front occupants, external rear view mirror amongst items now fitted as standard.
1967	March 20	100,000th export Holden produced.
1967	May	186S engine replaces X2. Automatic choke incorporated. Positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) now on all engines. 4-speed manual all-synchromesh transmission (Opel) optional. HR-1746 ‘hot rod’ featured 186S, 4-speed, LSD, disc brakes.
1968	February	HK Holden released with optional imported V8 engine. Energy absorbing steering column and dual circuit brakes. All-synchromesh 3-speed manual transmission optional. Options ‘game’ went into overdrive overnight. Premier sedan featured exclusive body with executive roofline. Standard, Special models replaced by Belmont, Kingswood. 2,000,000 possible build combinations with no two cars alike!
1968	April 1	First Monaro coupe completed.
1968	July	Australia’s first Musclecar, the Holden Monaro GTS 327 released. Monaro coupe range and super luxury Brougham model added. Available power train combinations now exceeds 20!
1968	September 15	GTS 327 wins 3-hour production car race at Sandown.
1968	October 6	GTS 327 wins Hardie-Ferodo 500, breaking all previous records.
1968	October 15	First Holden V8 engine # 253H1001 is started up.
1968	October 20	Norm Beechey in his GTS 327 wins ATCC race at Calder.
1969	March 3	2,000,000th Holden produced.
1969	May	HT Holden released with increased power 186 engine. All-synchromesh 3-speed manual transmission standard. Range of V8 engines available on all models.
1969	August 25	Holden’s most powerful car released - the Monaro GTS 350.
1969	September	‘White Hot Holden’ limited edition Kingswood sedan released. The first of many ‘marketing specials’, 253 V8 was standard.
1969	October 5	GTS 350 wins Hardie-Ferodo 500.