From The Classifieds: 1964 Holden EH Special

Of all the benchmark models produced by Holden since the 48-215
model was introduced in 1948, the EH remains one of the most
significant. And all because of an engine.

The 1963 EH Holden’s 179ci (2.9-litre) six-cylinder powerplant represented a significant hike from the old 149ci (2.3-litre) ‘grey’ motor, lifting the Australian family sedan from also-ran stratus among its Ford Falcon and Chrysler Valiant contemporaries to something of a performance icon.

With more capacity, power and torque than the 68kW/186Nm Falcon (the EH went from the grey motor’s 56kW/162Nm to a much stronger 86kW/236Nm), the (initially) three-speed Hydramatic automatic transmission-only 179 still trailed the bigger, 3.7-litre Valiant’s 108kW/292Nm but was nevertheless a huge advance over its EJ predecessor.

?The 179 ‘red’ engine featured seven main bearings rather than the grey motor’s four, and was accompanied by a smaller 149ci brother that produced 75kW/196Nm. It was itself a big improvement over the old grey motor that had done service since 1948.

The new status of the EH was heralded by a re-profiling of the previous EJ’s rear end, including squared-off C-pillars and a new boot shape with sharper taillight fins. Although probably more harmonious with the similarly-square front end that remained essentially unchanged from the EJ -- apart from the grille infills -- the EH had a less-flowing rear view than its more Chevy-influenced predecessor. The transition to a boxier shape from the rear door back to the taillights was slightly less than comfortable.

However, the 179 engine gave Holden some bragging rights as far as performance was concerned. The very-limited, manual-transmission S4 model was based on the Special version and aimed at the racetrack with, among other things, a larger tail shaft, power brakes, a bigger fuel tank and a modified carburettor.

The EH was available as a sedan, a station wagon, a panel van and a ute, with sedan and wagon available in Standard, Special and Premier form.

Naturally, the EH Holden occupies a significant place in the Holden hierarchy and is more numerous and sought after these days than its EJ predecessor.

That said, it is still far from easy to find an original, untampered-with EH -- which is why this grey/white 1964 car from Tamworth in NSW stands out from  the crowd.

Still in the hands of its first owner, the car is described as being in all-original condition, with an “immaculate” interior. The three-speed manual-transmission (the choice of a manual gearbox was offered later in the EH’s life cycle) car is showing 117,500 genuine miles on the odometer. It has been treated with loving care during its 48-year life and has reportedly never suffered any damage. The “family heirloom” has always been garaged and comes, not unexpectedly, with a roadworthy certificate.

At an asking price of $20,000, the EH is well above its $2,490 showroom-floor tag in 1964, but finding a one-owner car as original as this is not easy today.