Australian Cars Issue 51

COLLECT ALL THE LEGENDARY AUSTRALIAN CLASSIC CARS

Meet the Holden HX Kingswood Ute, the tough workhorse that carried Australia's favourite family name into the back paddock and the building site alike. Released in July 1976, the HX series continued the tried-and-tested formula established by the HJ before it, keeping the same squared-off styling while responding to a new challenge sweeping through the industry: strict Australian emissions regulations.

Meeting those new ADR standards meant significant engineering work under the bonnet, even if it came at some cost to power output and fuel efficiency — a trade-off every Australian manufacturer was wrestling with by the mid-1970s. Buyers could choose from a 202 cubic inch inline-six or the punchier 253 and 308 cubic inch V8s, paired with three or four-speed manual gearboxes, or the three-speed Trimatic and Turbo 400 automatics for those who preferred to leave the shifting to the car. Outwardly the changes were modest — a revised grille and fresh badgework distinguished the HX from its HJ predecessor — but under Kingswood badging, front bucket seats became standard equipment for the first time, a small but telling sign of how far Australian tastes had shifted toward comfort even in a working ute. Built at Holden's plants in Adelaide, Melbourne, and Sydney, the HX Kingswood Ute became a familiar sight on farms and job sites across the country, prized then as now for its simple, rugged practicality.

This precise 1:43 scale replica captures the character of the Holden HX Kingswood Ute — its squared-off nose, honest working lines, and open tray back that made it as much at home on the farm as on the street.

The Holden HX Kingswood Ute is meticulously reproduced in high-quality die-cast metal, with details faithful to the original that capture its revised HX grille, distinctive badgework, and practical open-tray body. Rubber tires and swiveling wheels add a touch of realism to this beloved model.

Each piece comes accompanied by a captivating magazine filled with articles from that era, offering a fascinating glimpse into the history of Australian automotive, sourced from the archives of the renowned publication Wheels.

Features:

• Faithfully reproduced model at 1:43 scale
• High-quality die-cast metal for exceptional durability
• Precise detailing for maximum authenticity — including the HX grille and badgework, working tray back, and Kingswood trim
• Rubber tires and swiveling wheels for heightened realism

Relive the dawn of a golden decade in Australian motoring with this iconic model. Add the Holden HX Kingswood Ute to your Australian Cars collection today!