Used Holden Statesman review: 1971-1983

MODEL WATCH

In the 1960s, Ford's Fairlane ruled the luxury car market and Holden had trouble coming up with a model that would compete with the big Ford. The first attempt was the Brougham in 1968, in essence a Premier with a larger boot and little else. A far more serious attempt was the HQ Statesman in 1971. It not only had a big boot, but also a longer wheelbase which was turned into increased roominess for rear-seat passengers.

The WB was one of the most attractive of all the large Holdens, one that has stood the test of time well and looks good even today.

There were the new rear quarters, with a fifth window that gave it an elegance missing from earlier models and powerful new front and rear ends. Inside, the WB had a new dash and pretty much every feature available on the Holden option list, including power windows, airconditioning, wood-grain trim, plush carpets and radio cassette sound.

Mechanically, the WB was a familiar package. The engine was Holden's homegrown 5.0-litre V8, which struggled manfully under the restrictions imposed by our exhaust emission regulations and only put out 126 kW.

At first, it had an American THM350 three-speed automatic transmission. In 1981, that was replaced by the locally made Trimatic three-speed, in an effort to cut costs.

Underneath the classy skin was the usual Holden suspension package of independent wishbone front suspension and coil spring five-link rear suspension on a live axle.

Brakes were disc all round, and there was power assistance for the steering.

IN THE SHOP

Rust is the enemy of old cars so check for tin worm in the bodywork. Check around the rear quarter windows as they are particularly prone to rusting. Check also around the windshield, rear window, bottoms of the doors, and front and rear guards. It is also worth checking the floors and the boot floor. Cars left sitting in the sun will have a cracked dash pad, and the seats and carpet will be worn. Make sure all accessories, including the airconditioning, are working correctly.

The Holden V8 is generally sound, but listen for worn valve lifters, and look for oil leaks from around the front cover, oil pan, and intake manifold.

Harder to find, but there is also the possibility of a leaking intake manifold because of warping, cracked and leaking exhaust manifolds, and worn camshafts.

The early THM350 auto is a tough unit and rarely gives trouble, but the lighter Trimatic is borderline and isn't as pleasant to drive.

Many WBs have been converted to dual-fuel and these need to be checked thoroughly to make sure they are safe. Check the use-by date on the gas tank and make sure it has been pressure tested, and check gas lines for installation and damage.

The suspension is robust and gives little trouble, but listen for noises from worn bushes and shock absorbers that might need replacing.

CRUNCH TIME

Mass is the key to the safety of a WB. You won't find airbags or other modern safety systems in the old Holden, but you have plenty of good old BHP steel around you for protection in a crash. Check seat belts for wear and replace if there is any sign they are not in good condition.