The Holden HK Utility and Belmont Panel Van were introduced as part of the HK Holden range in 1968, designed to provide strong load carrying ability combined with the reliability and mechanical simplicity that Holden vehicles were known for. Built for commercial operators, tradesmen and rural users, these models combined passenger car comfort with practical cargo space and durable construction. Both vehicles were rated to carry approximately 13½ cwt and were engineered with strengthened body structures and heavy-duty mechanical components to suit demanding working conditions.
Engine Options
Several engines were available for the HK Utility and Panel Van, allowing buyers to select economical six-cylinder power or the new Holden V8 engine.
Available engines included:
• 161 cubic inch six-cylinder engine producing approximately 114 horsepower
• 186 cubic inch six-cylinder engine producing approximately 126 horsepower
• 186S high performance six-cylinder engine producing approximately 145 horsepower
• 253 cubic inch V8 engine producing approximately 210 horsepower
The new Holden V8 engine provided increased power and torque for heavier loads while maintaining strong reliability for everyday use.
Transmission Options
The HK commercial models were available with several transmission configurations depending on engine specification and intended use.
Transmission options included:
• Three-speed manual transmission with column shift
• Heavy duty fully synchronised three-speed manual transmission
• Powerglide automatic transmission (mandatory with V8 engine)
These options allowed operators to select either simple manual control or the convenience of automatic transmission.
Cargo Capacity and Body Design
The HK Utility and Panel Van were designed with practicality and durability as primary considerations.
Key cargo and body features included:
• Load capacity of approximately 13½ cwt
• Wide rear doors on the panel van for easy loading
• Flat cargo floor design
• Strong cargo area construction
• Heavy-gauge wheel arches
• Reinforced body structure
The panel van cargo floor measured approximately 49.2 inches wide, providing ample room for commercial loads.
Suspension and Handling
The suspension system used on HK commercial vehicles was designed to provide stability under load while maintaining acceptable ride comfort.
Suspension features included:
• Independent front suspension with coil springs
• Stabiliser bar for improved handling
• Semi-elliptic rear leaf springs
• Telescopic shock absorbers
Rear suspension components were strengthened to handle heavier loads and commercial operating conditions.
Steering and Braking
The HK Utility and Panel Van used the same proven steering and braking systems found across the HK Holden range.
Steering and braking features included:
• Energy absorbing steering column
• Recirculating ball steering system
• Hydraulic braking system with dual circuit design
• Optional power assisted disc brakes
These systems helped provide improved control and braking performance even when carrying heavier loads.
Safety Features
Holden incorporated its well-known safety package across the HK commercial models.
Safety features included:
• Energy absorbing steering column and steering wheel
• Dual circuit braking system
• Laminated windscreen
• Safety door locks
• Recessed controls and padded instrument panel
• Automatic reversing lights
• Double-sided safety rims
These safety improvements were designed to reduce injury risk and improve vehicle control.
Dimensions
The HK Utility and Panel Van shared the same basic chassis structure used throughout the HK Holden range.
Typical dimensions included:
• Wheelbase approximately 111 inches
• Overall length approximately 184.8 inches
• Overall width approximately 71.8 inches
• Height approximately 55.8 inches (utility)
These proportions allowed the vehicles to combine stable road handling with useful cargo space.
While this guide outlines the specifications and features of the HK Utility and Panel Van, the Holden workshop manuals available from Car Manuals Direct include the original specifications, adjustment settings and repair procedures used by Holden mechanics when these vehicles were new.