The Ultimate Restomod: 1974 Holden Statesman HQ
Introduction
A classic 1974 Statesman HQ by GM’s Holden division recently stole the show at Australia’s largest car festival, winning multiple awards. This luxurious vehicle boasts an impressive 1,000 hp power output, with potential for even more enhancements. Extensive modifications have been carried out on both the exterior and interior, making it a standout in the automotive world.
History of the Statesman Series
The Statesman brand was introduced by GM’s Australian subsidiary Holden in 1971 with the HQ series model. Despite being based on the standard wheelbase Holden HQ models, the Statesman was marketed as a luxury entry with its own unique identity. The brand continued through several iterations until its revival in 1990 as the Holden Statesman and Caprice.
Restomod Details
The 1974 Holden Statesman HQ heading to auction has undergone a meticulous five-year restoration by owner Matt McIntosh. The vehicle now stands as one of Australia’s finest show cars, featuring a range of upgrades and enhancements.
Exterior Upgrades
The bodywork has been refined to create a sleeker appearance, with modifications to the bumpers, hood, and grille. The car is painted in Carpathian Grey, adding a touch of elegance. It rides on 20×9-inch front and 22×14-inch rear wheels finished in Rose Gold, complemented by side-exiting exhausts in the same color.
Performance Enhancements
Under the hood lies a twin-turbocharged 403 cubic-inch Chevy V8 engine producing an impressive 1,000 hp at the rear wheels. The engine features AFR heads, a Howards roller cam, bespoke pistons, rods, and a custom crankshaft. The power is managed by a Haltech ECU and paired with an automatic transmission and Wilwood brakes.
Interior Refinements
The interior of the Statesman has been revamped with black leather trim on the dashboard, a new digital gauge cluster, aftermarket steering wheel, and Scat Procar bucket seats in Tan Leather and suede. The attention to detail extends to every corner of the vehicle.
Awards and Auction
This stunning restomodded HQ Statesman has garnered numerous awards across Australia, including top honors at Summernats 35. The vehicle is now up for auction in Australia through Seven82Motors, where enthusiasts can learn more about its remarkable transformation and place their bids.
