1963 was a watershed for Holden,
releasing what many people today still
consider to be their greatest achievement,
the eighth model "EH".
The new model offered an impressive
combination of style, power, refinement,
ruggedness and value for money. Launched in
August, it entered direct competition with
the recently released Ford Falcon.
An immediate success, more than 250,000
were sold in the first 18 months of its
release, making it the fastest selling
Australian car -
ever.
A far more substantial
facelift of the EJ than those that had been attempted
before, the "EH" featured a far more commanding
look with a revised roofline and clever
styling which, to most eyes, improved its
looks from every angle.
And the improvements were not limited to
the exterior of the car. The biggest news
with the new model was in the introduction
of the new "Red" motor that used an
oversquare design with a seven bearing
crankshaft.
These were the first Holden motors to
use hydraulic valve lifters, and they featured
the use of an external oil pump and oil
filter that made servicing a dream.
So popular was the "Red" motor that it
remained in service until 1985, during
which time it had been continually improved
and was now a 3.3 litre with fuel
injection, 12 port head and counterbalanced
crank.
The vast majority of EH Holdens built were
"Specials", however a "Standard" model was
available for the fleet and taxi markets. A
limited edition sports version, the "S4",
was made although only in the order of 120
were actually produced.
The S4 featured upgraded brakes, cylinder
head modifications, semi-blueprinted engine
parts, a toughened clutch and tailsharft
and a larger fuel tank.
No doubt aspiring
for success at Bathurst, the EH-S4 was
beaten by the
GT Cortina - but at least
Holden's interest in racing was
developing. The EH these days is still a very sort
after and a popular car at automotive
events all over Australia and New Zealand.
It is without doubt one of the most
collectable Holdens.
