1 Nov 1984
“From slug to slingshot” is what the press cried after the significantly revamped Camira’s launch.
Dubbed the JD, it featured a controversial new snout complete with “homofocal” headlights and no grille, along with redesigned taillights and bumpers, a revised dash, fresh wheels, and new trim.
But the important change was the inclusion of an optional new 83kW/156Nm 1.8-litre Family II motor, adding, along with improved gearing, much-needed low-end oomph to the Holden’s accomplished chassis.
It quickly overshadowed the standard 64kW 1.6. A fleet-chasing Executive model was slotted in from late ’85, to stem the acclaimed new Mitsubishi Magna tide.
However the change to mandatory unleaded fuel from early ’86 strangled the 1.8 engine’s performance, with power and torque tumbling to 63kW/132Nm respectively, prompting Wheels to wail: “From slingshot to slug!” The Camira’s reputation sunk to an all-new low by now. 36,953 JD models were built.
