FOR SALE VIA PUBLIC AUCTION
Sunday 27 June, 2.30pm

ASB Showgrounds, Auckland
All lots are subject to a buyer’s premium of 15%+GST

Further info available on our website.

In 1963, Holden responded to the challenge of Ford's new locally made Falcons by releasing a model still regarded today as one of the best to wear the Holden badge. The new EH may have looked similar to the EJ it replaced, but underneath were some significant changes. The overall package proved popular with buyers; more than 250,000 vehicles sold in the 18 months that the EH was in production, making it the fastest selling Australian car of all time. To achieve this, Holden revamped the look of the previous EJ, with a new squared-off roofline and grille. The result was a very modern looking and attractively styled car. The new look was dubbed 'Power-Swept' styling, and was the work of Stan Parker from the Design and Technical Centre in Detroit. The EH brought with it a host of mechanical improvements, most significantly a brand-new engine to replace the ageing grey motor. Dubbed the red engine, in deference to the colour the blocks were painted, the new unit had a bigger bore and shorter stroke. With a higher compression ratio to boost output, the vehicle was offered in either 149ci or 179ci guise. Either way, the red engine was a big improvement. State-of-the-art features like a seven-bearing crankshaft, hydraulic valve lifters, new pistons and head gave plenty of additional power and better fuel economy. Transmissions available were a three-speed column-change manual 'box or the Hydramatic auto, also with three forward gears. Three trim levels were offered, the Standard (aimed at fleet buyers or taxi operators), Special, and the more luxurious Premier as found here.

Sold new in Australia, this example of one of GMH’s finest has had only three keepers over the course of its life. On 16 December 1976, it was registered in New Zealand and today still bears its one and only number plate IF 6128. Resplendent in two-tone paint, the front bench seat sets a style from another era along with the fitted ashtrays in the back. A radio of the period is installed. Premier insignia is found on the rear pillars, front doors and boot with the latter demonstrating the inevitable ‘179’ badge! The rare door handle protectors designed to avoid ladies rings scratching the paintwork are likewise in situ. The back seats appear to have never been sat on, with the in between fold-down buffer seemingly demonstrating no wear. Mileage reading is 24,829 miles.

The expression, 'a blast from the past' has never been truer than when used in relation to this car and the guise it portrays.