In 1968 a most ambitious ‘new generation’ series of motor vehicle production commenced at GM-Holden in Australia, with the release of the ‘Kingswood’ series of Holden Cars.
The first in this highly successful series range was the HK Kingswood, and unknowingly, Holden was about to launch onto the Australian car market, a car that would go on to be one of the best investments any car buyer would make to date. It was to become a remarkable piece of social climbing just to own an HK Holden Kingswood.
It was bigger, lower, roomier and more rounded in appearance, with more models and new mechanical features, including an imported V8 – and a huge choice of factory options. Air conditioning and power windows were offered for the first time.
The HK Kingswood was released in 1968 and sold ’till late 1969 with 199,039 HK Holdens sold.
At a recent motor vehicle auction in Melbourne, a 1969 HK Kingswood Sedan was listed for auction, unregistered but converted to run on LPG. The launch price, when new 41 years ago, was $2,215. The car had been fitted with an original 253V8 motor.
The car set a new benchmark at auction and sold for a staggering $17,000. That’s a 675{27e8b423779a20fcbf3b0e5b78622daa9462ccff634cf59ab338bb6c41129d17} return on the initial purchase price.
At the same auction, a 1970 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow in very presentable condition, sold for a paltry $12,500. The initial owner of the Rolls would be disturbed at the loss made on his investment.
The investment potential of any Holden car built in Australia is huge if the car is looked after over the years. No wonder the HK Holden Kingswood has proved itself to be one of the real Classic Holden Cars.
