Chronicles: 1973 Year In Review

1973 remains as Holdens best ever year for exports (with a total of 41,181 cars shipped) the result of the incredibly successful and popular HQ Holden model. In March, a four-door Monaro GTS sedan, with virtually the same specifications as the GTS coupe, was released. That same year, a silver Holden Premier commemorated the 25th anniversary of the Holden car. Unfortunately 1973 also ushered in the sudden rise of oil prices, which disrupted international trade and brought about the return of widespread unemployment.

The HQ Holden may have been topping the sales charts, but the biggest news in the Australian automotive calendar for 1973 was the release of the Leyland P76. With the benefit of hindsight we can see that this revolutionary new shape would become popular with other manufacturers in following years.

The P76 introduced significant advances, such as the first ever Australian made car to use an all-alloy engine, low weight (only 1250kg for the Executive model), safety features such as full-length side intrusion reinforcement on all doors, power-assisted front disc brakes (only offered as an option on the 'Big Three' sedans), concealed windscreen wipers, recessed exterior door handles and a front hinged bonnet.

But the P76 suffered from a poor image, due largely to poor assembly quality, and problems with reliability and parts supply. Despite winning several motoring awards, including the prestigous Wheels "Car of the Year", and other accolades from the motoring press, it would only stick around for 2 years. It's a shame, because the car deserved better.

We couldn’t talk about 1973 without mentioning the release of the Datsun 120Y. Never a glamorous car in its hey-day, the perennial 120Y can still be seen on the highways of today and, due to its poor road manners is not particularly collectable. But, as with all cars that have been out of production for over 20 years, they are becoming scarcer and an extremely good condition vehicle could just make a good buying decision. Add to this the public's love of re-cycled kitsch and the 120Y could make a come back.

To add to the world's woes, international terrorism was on the rise, instigated by groups such as "Black September", the "Red Brigades", the "PLO" and the "IRA". On a lighter note, the 'blue-rinse' set was soon to have a new pin-up boy with the launch of Channel 0/10's "The Mike Walsh Show", a live daytime variety show. Enormously popular, the show would enjoy a four-year run on 0/10, before switching to Nine in 1977.

Despite his earlier 'resignation' in 1971, Graham Kennedy returned to our screens with "The Graham Kennedy Show", while Garry Meadows introduced us to a still favourite game show "The Price Is Right". But it was "Number 96" that would remain the ratings winner that year, helped no doubt by Abigails 'naked' appearance on the show - even if was in glorious black and white.

1973 also saw the conversion of Bathurst from imperial to metric, with the length of the race being lengthened to 1000 kilometres (630 miles). That year, it looked certain that Brocky would take the honours, but when the HDT pit crew advised Brocks co-driver Doug Chivas to stay out there for "just one more lap", they had badly miscalculated the fuel left in the tank.

Chivas coasted the XU1 along Conrod Straight, but the momentum wasn't enough to get it to the pits, so he was forced to push the Torana along pit lane. Moffat seized the opportunity to take the lead and the win in his Falcon XA GT. (Also See: Bathurst Memorable Moments)

Melbourne Cup: Gala Supreme (F. Reys)

Wimbledon Women: Billie Jean King d. C. Evert (6-0 7-5)

Wimbledon Men: Jan Kodes d. A. Metreveli (6-1 9-8 6-3)

The Movies: