A great opportunity to acquire an immaculately restored 1967 Holden HR Utility presented in exceptional show-level condition — combining matching numbers provenance, factory-correct Finisterre Green paintwork and carefully selected period X2 enhancements.

• 3 Owner Adelaide-built HR Utility
• Original 186ci Holden Red rebuilt to X2 specification
• Original three-speed manual transmission rebuilt
• Complete mechanical rebuild with Power front disc brakes
• Complete Interior renewal with X2 instrumentation
• Complete Bare metal body restoration with Lead wipe
• Factory Finisterre Green paint – Code 585-8566
• Factory Triton Green interior trim – Code F04
• Comprehensive five-year nut-and-bolt restoration
• Custom made 15" mag wheels are included
• Best HR Ute example we have seen.

SUMMARY:

This 1967 Holden HR Utility represents an exceptional example of one of Australia’s most recognisable classic working vehicles, comprehensively restored to show-level condition while incorporating desirable period X2 enhancements.

Built at Holden’s Adelaide facility, this example is finished in its correct Finisterre Green paintwork with factory Triton Green interior trim, the ute combines unmistakable 1960s Holden styling with a beautifully restored and highly detailed presentation throughout.

The vehicle was originally registered from new in South Australia as RJE 705 and was last registered there in 2001, at which time it was displaying approximately 118,000 miles. It was subsequently stored for around 10 years on a farm near Victor Harbor before being acquired from a deceased estate in December 2009.

Following its acquisition by the now owner and restorer, the HR was transported to Melbourne and subjected to an extensive five-year nut-and-bolt restoration. Genuine Holden components were sourced and used wherever possible, with considerable attention devoted to preserving the vehicle’s original character while achieving a standard suitable for high-level show presentation.

The body was completely dismantled and stripped to bare metal, with the individual panels chemically treated to remove oxidation. Any panel imperfections were traditionally lead-wiped rather than repaired using conventional body filler, reflecting the exceptional level of workmanship invested throughout the restoration.

The exterior was then refinished in two-pack paint in its correct factory colour of Finisterre Green – Code 585-8566. The underbody was also restored and refinished in two-pack paint, ensuring the quality of the restoration continues beneath the vehicle and throughout areas rarely presented to this standard.

Importantly, the original floors were found to be exceptionally well preserved and remain in outstanding condition. They retain evidence of the factory painting process, including surviving paint impressions created during the original assembly and finishing of the utility tub panels. These details provide an important connection to the vehicle’s original manufacture and further distinguish the quality and integrity of the body.

Mechanically, the HR retains its original 186ci Holden Red six-cylinder engine. The engine was removed, completely stripped and bored 0.030-inch oversize before being professionally rebuilt to X2 specification including the twin single barrel Stromberg carbies, providing a nice improvement in performance while retaining the unmistakable character and appearance of Holden’s original Red Motor.

The engine block carries a K116 casting date, confirming it was manufactured on October 11, 1966, consistent with production of a 1967-model HR Holden and further supports the period-correct nature of the vehicle’s mechanical specification.

The X2 was Holden’s high-performance six-cylinder offering during the HR era, and the period enhancements incorporated into this ute provide the performance and sporting character associated with that specification. Importantly, the vehicle is not represented as a factory-built X2 Utility; rather, it is an original 186-powered HR that has been rebuilt and upgraded using desirable X2 specifications and components.

The original three-speed column-shift manual transmission has been retained and rebuilt, including its period-correct unsynchronised first gear. This preserves the authentic driving characteristics of the HR while complementing the upgraded output and flexibility of the X2-specification engine.

The braking system has been fully rebuilt and upgraded with HR power-assisted front disc brakes while retaining standard drums at the rear, delivering significantly improved braking performance and driver confidence compared with the original all-drum arrangement.

The suspension has also been rebuilt, resprung and lowered by approximately 30mm, giving the ute a more purposeful stance while maintaining its classic proportions. Wider 6-inch steel wheels replace the original 4.5-inch rims, providing a broader tyre footprint and stronger road presence without detracting from the vehicle’s traditional Holden appearance.

Externally, the body presents to an extremely high standard after being taken back to bare metal and completely restored using tradition lead wiping instead of filler. The fantastic Finisterre Green paintwork is unblemished and show car level, along with excellent panel alignment and crisp detailing throughout. The Vendors searched far and wide to find a body in already rust free and straight condition. Chrome, brightwork, badging and exterior trim have been restored or refinished to complement the quality of the body and paint, while the widened steel wheels and subtly lowered stance give the ute an appropriately muscular appearance.

The utility bed and underbody have received the same detailed treatment as the exterior, demonstrating that this was a complete restoration rather than a cosmetic refurbishment. Every visible area reflects the time, expense and workmanship invested across the five-year build.

Inside, the cabin presents in outstanding condition and remains faithful to the simple, functional character of the original HR Utility. The original dashboard pad has survived in excellent condition, while the front bench seat and door trims have been professionally reupholstered. The roof lining is original.

Desirable X2 instrumentation and dashboard enhancements have also been fitted, providing a more sporting appearance while remaining entirely appropriate to the vehicle’s period and mechanical specification. The steering wheel, switchgear, trim and interior fittings complete an authentic 1960s Holden environment.

As one of the HR utilities quirks of manufacture, they never had a lock built into the drivers door. As such, the clever owner / restorers have fitted simple central locking with a button control to lock and unlock the doors, saving you from entering through the passenger door when locked.

A set of as near new CTM mag wheels are supplied with this sale, as pictured.

The vehicle is accompanied by its original owner’s manual and original keys with a copied spare set also, further complementing its high-quality restoration. It is currently registered through the Victorian Club Permit Scheme.

Genuine, well-preserved HR Utilities are becoming increasingly difficult to source, while examples restored to this level require considerable time and a large financial investment to reproduce like this example.

Beautifully restored, exceptionally well detailed and enhanced with carefully selected X2 components, this 1967 Holden HR Utility stands as one of the finest examples of the model we have encountered and one of the finest examples Australia wide.

VIN: HR23651A
ENG: 186A101143
ODOMETRE:  23258 (indicated)

SEPTEMBER 2026