1 Jul 1976
Ill-prepared for the first mandatory anti-pollution laws (ADR-27A) now in effect, all HX series Holdens suffered significant falls in engine performance, economy, refinement and driveability.
Newer and improved rivals from Ford and Chrysler exacerbated this, leading to Ford toppling Holden sales for the first time briefly during 1977.
A vertical chrome grille, altered wheel trims, multi-function column stalk, intermittent wipers and improved sound deadening denote the changes to the HX Statesman range, now powered by a 161kW (gross power output) version of the 5.0-litre V8.