Holden Kingswood HX HZ repair manual 1976-1980 NEW

The Holden Kingswood was a range of full-size cars manufactured by General Motors-Holden's, the Australian subsidiary of General Motors (GM). Model-wise the range comprised the entry-level Belmont (replacing the Standard), the Kingswood itself (replacing the Special), and the high-specification Premier (replacing the "old" Premier). Commercial variants were offered in three types: a coupé utility, panel van, as well as a heavy-duty One Tonner cab chassis. Over the life of these commercials, Holden offered "unbadged" base models as well as Belmont and Kingswood versions. A two-door Monaro coupé and extended-length Brougham were also offered; although neither were classified within the Kingswood range. The Brougham was replaced in 1971 by the Statesman brand, based on the second generation architecture. For a complete listing of HK–WB Holdens, see: list of Holden vehicles by series.

Outside of Australia, the Kingswood and its derivatives were sold in New Zealand, parts of Asia, and South Africa branded as Holdens. Following the late-1960s dismiss of the Canadian-sourced Chevrolet Impala and Chevelle in South Africa, the Holden Kingswood and Premier models were badge engineered as Chevrolet Kommando and Chevrolet Constantia, respectively. In 1971, following the introduction of an all-new model and the dropping of the Holden brand in South Africa, the Holden utilities became known as the Chevrolet El Camino. Between 1974 and 1978, the one-tonne utility sold as the Chevrolet El Torro.

Kingswood passenger cars ceased production with the demise of the HZ series in 1980, succeeded by the smaller Commodore released two years earlier. However, the Kingswood name survived via one of the utility versions that comprised the WB Holden range manufactured between 1980 to 1984.

The HX series release of 1976 saw only minor updates to the exterior, notably the grille and badgework. When the HX Kingswood was released, government emissions controls had been tightened and Holden needed to make significant changes to their engines. This resulted in a loss of performance across the range and the deletion of the 2.85 L straight-six. In addition, a Kingswood panel van was introduced to the range of commercial vehicle offerings. The HX Sandman introduced a large 'Sandman' logo on the tailgate and stripes down the sides. During the course of the HX series, front bucket seats were adopted as standard equipment for Kingswood-badged vehicles. As with the previous series, a couple of special-build HX Kingswood variants emerged later in production, initially with the Kingswood 50th Anniversary sedan in November 1976 and also a repeat appearance of the Kingswood Deluxe sedan.

The 1977 HZ series received minor updates to the exterior, and saw the introduction of what Holden termed "Radial Tuned Suspension" (RTS) on all models. RTS made significant changes to the suspension of the car, greatly improving the handling finesse, while at the same time not compromising ride quality.[12] Modern Motor magazine described the HZ as "a great handler spoiled by the car" in a comparison against the BMW 528i, contrasted as "a great car spoiled by the handling".[13] In this series, the lower-end Belmont was absorbed into the Kingswood range which became two models rather than one: a base model and the slightly more upmarket Kingswood SL. Commercial vehicles—the ute and panel van—were not affected by the rationalisation, and Belmont commercial vehicles continued. During the course of the HZ series, equipment levels were upgraded in 1978 effectively to match improvements in the opposition Ford Falcon range, but the life of the Kingswood looked set to end following Holden's release of the VB Commodore range of sedans and wagons in November 1978. After 1980, Kingswood passenger cars were cancelled—replaced by the downsized Commodore.

The final HZ Sandman, featured a choice of V8 engines only, along with a four-headlight grille and under bumper front spoiler. According to a GMH Price List dated 25 January 1979, a basic HZ Holden panel van was priced at AU,076, with the Sandman option package an additional AU,700. The further optional components also included 5.0 litre V8 engine and a limited slip differential. If a buyer selected every Sandman extra, the price would be more than 150% of the cost of the basic HZ model. By the end of 1979, the Sandman had largely lost its place in the contemporary Australian youth culture - order figures were down and many of the vehicles were now being sold with the stripes and tailgate logos deleted. The Sandman ute was phased out of production prior to the van, the last of which was manufactured in October 1979.

Holden Kingswood HX HZ Gregorys Service and Repair Manual 1976-1980 1977 1978 1979