Holden HK Problems

It's all about condition with an old car. The Kingswood isn't a particularly valuable classic car, unless it's in good condition with low miles on the clock. Your uncle's seem to fit that bill. If you go by the trade value it's worth around $2000, but to a Holden enthusiast or someone looking for a cheap classic to enjoy it could worth $6000-$8000. It might be worth showing it to one of the insurance companies that provide cover for classic cars and see what insurance value they would put on it. You'll also find more details on the pricing & specs here.

It really comes down to the condition. If it is in pristine condition it could be worth $15,000 to $20,000, if it's a bit rough $5000-$10,000. But at the end of the day it's worth what someone else will pay for it.

They shuddered when they were new, the problem is that they're not flipping over when they should at the top of the stroke and they're forced back across the windscreen against the grain if you like. Look at the blades and the way they are mounted on the arms and make sure they are free to change angle when they change direction.

That's a brave move after all those years driving the HG, but you've chosen a car that should give you good service. It's not possible to say it won't breakdown at any time, and if it does you won't be able to fix it yourself as you would have done with the HG. The brakes won't wear out as fast as they might on other brands, the current car doesn't appear to have the issues with ignition coils that earlier models did, and I haven't heard of reports of brake hose failures on the VE. Overall it is generally reliable and shouldn't give you too many nightmares.

As with all cars of this type, the value comes down to its condition and I can only go by what you've told me. The Brougham was the predecessor of the Statesman; it was Holden's first try at competing with Ford's very successful Fairlane. It wasn't very successful. It was really a regular sedan with a big boot, the wheelbase wasn't stretched as was the Fairlane's, so there was no extra room for rear-seat passengers. It's a collectable car, but the value depends very much on the condition of the body and paint, and you say those need restoring. I'd suggest it's worth $8000-$10,000.

I CAN only assume you know you will pay some pretty large fuel bills because the HX V8 was not known as a fuel miser. Also, yours has been modified, so it will use even more fuel than a standard one. Converting it back to petrol is pretty easy, particularly if it's a dual-fuel system that's fitted and you still have the petrol fuel tank. It's just a matter of removing the LPG parts and pieces and fitting the petrol fuel system parts in their place. Any mechanic should be able to help you with the conversion. The Government is trying to encourage people to switch to LPG, not the other way around, so don't expect a rebate.

THE trade would value it at about $2000, but you might get a little more from an enthusiast if it is in good condition and has done so few kilometres. The best way to sell it is through the classifieds. It might suit a young driver, or you could approach a Holden enthusiast club.