Holden Overlander Ute.

In the days before political correctness, pre Holden Commodore, Australia was Kingswood Country and the enterprising Overlander Motor Company made four wheel drive conversions of Holden HJ, HX and HZ's.

Geoff Couper writes...
The Overlander (GM Holden HQ 4X4 Ute) pictured was built from scratch by Stuart, a club member. It was an eight year project of love, sweat and tears. The vehicle was displayed in the 1996 Perth 4WD Show featuring Cooper Tyres, 35" by 15" Thornbirds and 15" by 12" rims.

Stewy works for a 4WD accessories shop in Balcatta called Opposite Lock. The vehicle has a host of features that makes the Overlander almost impossible to stop in just about any type off-road situation. It's always great to have Stewy and the Overlander along on a trip because we are always confident that at least one of us won't get stuck.

Below are the original Holden Overlander specifications for the whole range of Overlanders, HJ, HX and HZ models. All the models were modified from the Utility to the basic 1 tonne tray back Ute, the Panel Van and the Station Wagon.

As far as Tasmania is concerned, we have been led to believe the Company that made the last of the production Overlanders doesn't exit any more. They were the Overlander Motor Co Pty Ltd (Vehicle Engineering & Modifications Pty Ltd) of 45 Wellington Street Launceston, Tasmania 7250. The founder, Arthur Haywood had sold all his jigs and moved on when the last of the "H" series Holdens ended production. We know of no other company building Overlanders to this day. We think this is a major pity because without a doubt the best 4WD on-road vehicle in its time internationally by a country mile were the Holden Overlander.

Stewy's Overlander is based on the original specification of the Overlander but has had some major improvements and modifications done to his vehicle over and above the original Overlanders species.

Our Four Wheel Drive Club is called West Coast 4X4, and specialises in the Pemberton area. We also have a very good knowledge of the Collie region in WA and the Fitzgerald River National Park. [Check the 4WD clubs database.] We are not members of the Four Wheel Drivers Association over here by choice.
- Geoff Couper

Overlander Specifications, 4WD Overlander (HJ, HX, HZ)

Engine:: Type: V8 ohv four-stroke, hydraulic pushrods. Bore x Stroke: 101.6 x 77.7mm. Displacement: 5044cm. Compression ratio: 9.7-1. Claimed maximum power: (HZ Motor): 161 (216 bhp) at 4500 r. Claimed max torque: 400 (295 ft.lb.) at 3100 r.
Transmission:: Internal gearbox ratios: 1st: 2.48; 2nd: 1.48; 3rd: 1.00; Reverse: 2.08. All gears multiply by 2 for Torque converter stall. Low range: 2.03:1. High range: 1:1. Differential ratio: 3.55:1:Overall Low-Low range ratio 35:1. Gearchange: T-Bar Hydromatic. Clutch: Torque Converter.
Running Gear:: Wheels and tyres: 10" x 15" National XT Commandos on 15" x 8" white steel wheels. Brakes: Front: 12" disc power assisted (increase of 1" over standard). Rear: 11" x 2" drum power assisted (10" x 1 3/4" Standard).
Steering:: Type: Power assisted universal; 11:1-18:1 variable ratio. Turning circle: 16m. (52 ft). Turns lock to lock: 2.6. Suspension: Front: reinforced leaf springs with tele shock absorbers. Rear: As above.
Modifications:: Front Axle: 4400 ft. lbs torque 3000 lb. capacity. 62" track, free wheelhubs, Standard Equip. Rear Axle: 7000 ft. lbs torque 3500 lb. capacity. 62" track, limited slip diff' (replaces GM assembly. of 4000 ft. lb. viz. 75% increase)
General:: LxWxH: 4938x1877x1399mm (194.4x73.9x55.1 inch). Wheelbase: 2895mm (114.0 inch). Kerb Mass: approx, 1500kg (3300lb). Load-carrying capacity: approx 750 kg. Track: 62" front, 62" rear (7" wider than competitors). Fuel consumption: approx. 14 mpg on the open road.
Special equipment fitted:: Bull-bar, rally pack accessories. Warranty: 12-months/20,000 km.

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