The Holden HG Kingswood was one of the most popular models in the HG Holden range when introduced in 1970. Positioned between the entry-level Belmont and the more luxurious Premier, the Kingswood offered a balanced combination of comfort, performance and practicality for everyday Australian driving conditions.
With a wide range of engines, transmissions and optional equipment available, the HG Kingswood could be configured to suit everything from economical family transport to a more performance-oriented sedan. This flexibility helped make the Kingswood one of Holden’s strongest selling models during the late 1960s and early 1970s.
HG Kingswood Engine Options
Several engine choices were available, allowing buyers to select either six-cylinder efficiency or V8 performance.
Available engines included:
• 161 cubic inch six-cylinder engine – approximately 114 horsepower
• 186 cubic inch six-cylinder engine – approximately 130 horsepower
• 186S high performance six-cylinder engine – approximately 145 horsepower
• 253 cubic inch V8 engine – approximately 185 horsepower
• 308 cubic inch V8 engine – approximately 240 horsepower
These engines provided a broad performance range, from economical six-cylinder operation through to strong V8 power suitable for heavier vehicles or performance-focused drivers.
Transmission Options
Three different transmission types were available for the HG Kingswood depending on engine specification and driver preference.
Transmission choices included:
• Three-speed manual transmission with column shift
• Four-speed manual transmission with floor shift
• Tri-Matic three-speed automatic transmission
The Tri-Matic automatic transmission was developed and built in Australia and was designed to provide smooth shifting and improved efficiency for everyday driving.
Suspension and Steering
The HG Kingswood used Holden’s proven suspension system designed to deliver stable road handling while maintaining a comfortable ride.
Key suspension and steering features included:
• Independent front suspension with coil springs
• Stabiliser bar
• Semi-elliptic rear leaf springs
• Hydraulic telescopic shock absorbers
• Energy-absorbing steering column
• Recirculating ball steering system
This setup provided predictable handling characteristics while maintaining durability on Australian road conditions.
Braking System
The braking system varied depending on engine specification and optional equipment.
Braking features included:
• Hydraulic braking system with dual master cylinder
• Front disc brakes standard with V8 engines
• Drum brakes on six-cylinder models
• Rear drum brakes on all models
The dual braking system improved safety by providing separate hydraulic circuits for the front and rear brakes.
Safety and Structural Features
Holden placed significant emphasis on safety engineering in the HG series.
Safety features included:
• Energy-absorbing steering column and steering wheel
• Dual-system braking arrangement
• Laminated windscreen
• Safety door locks
• Non-glare instrument panel and recessed controls
• Automatic reversing lights
• Parking lights visible from the side
These design features helped improve occupant safety and reduce the risk of injury in an accident.
Body and Dimensions
The HG Kingswood sedan shared the same basic body structure used across the HG Holden range.
Typical dimensions included:
• Wheelbase – approximately 111 inches
• Overall length – approximately 184.8 inches
• Overall width – approximately 71.8 inches
• Height – approximately 55.6 inches
Vehicle weight varied depending on engine and equipment levels.
Optional Equipment and Custom Features
Buyers could personalise the HG Kingswood with a wide range of optional equipment.
Optional features included:
• Power assisted disc brakes
• Limited slip differential
• Heavy duty suspension components
• Rally wheel options
• Special instrument cluster
• Bucket seats and floor shift console
• Air conditioning
• Vinyl roof and trim upgrades
These options allowed the Kingswood to be configured for comfort, performance or long-distance touring.
While this guide outlines the specifications and features of the HG Kingswood, the Holden workshop manuals available from Car Manuals Direct include the original specifications, adjustment settings and repair procedures used by Holden mechanics when servicing HG Holden vehicles and their standard mechanical components.