Holden Gemini: Австралиялық компакт автомобиль тарихы

The Holden Gemini is a compact car that was produced by Holden and sold in Australasia from 1975 to 1987. It was based on the Japanese Isuzu Gemini, one of the many models based on the GM T car platform. TOC

The original Holden Gemini model, the TX series, was introduced in February 1975. It was available as a four door sedan in S and SL specification levels, and as a two door SL coupe. The TX Gemini was built at Holden's factory at Acacia Ridge, Queensland, and contained a high percentage of Australian content. All TX models share the same 1.6 litre SOHC Isuzu engine (coded the G161Z). The engine is chain driven and incorporates a cross flow design, alloy head. A two barrel "Nikki" Stromberg carburettor was used on Australian models. Early TX models use a cast iron, free flow exhaust manifold, with two outlets into a "Y" pipe (this item is commonly used by modifiers for later models). From November 1976, this was changed to a single outlet exhaust header. Wheel size is 13 in x 4.5 in; rear brakes are duo servo units, similar in design to those used in the six cylinder Torana. Early models use the MSE type four speed manual transmissions; reverse is positioned to the left and back.

The TC Gemini was sold between March 1977 and April 1978. This model received a minor facelift from the TX, appearance was enhanced by a bolder vertical front grille, and at the rear, a silver garnish panel (as opposed to the TX's black). A new Smiths brand heater, defogger, and ventilation system was used, and the two small vents at each end of the dash were removed on this model, except on vehicles fitted with air conditioning.

The TD series was introduced in April 1978, with the most major change over the TC being the introduction of "radial tuned suspension" and the option of a five speed manual transmission. The differential was replaced with a small Salisbury unit as used in the UC Torana; it used tapered Timken wheel bearings as found on all larger Holdens since mid 1971. In April 1979, the rear brakes were changed to Commodore leading trailing rear drum assemblies. In Australia, all diesel Geminis were only available as SL/X five speed manuals. Rhone green was a colour made available exclusively for the diesel, but other colours in the range could be ordered. Production of the diesel commenced in March 1981. All models gained new grille treatments, and the SL/X variant received flush headlamps. The interior received major revisions with a new dashboard (creating the impression of more space in the vehicle) and a relocated steering column that put the steering wheel in line with the driver, rather than angled towards the centre of the car. The styling is often compared to the then current VH Commodore range, but in fact the styling was introduced on the Isuzu Gemini in 1981 and carried across to the Australian model.

The TG series was released in March 1983. The SL and SL/X versions of TG had an appearance exactly like the TF SL/X, with the flush head lamps, plastic bumpers, and tail lights very similar to that on a VH Commodore. However, the base model of the TG continued the TF theme, with many examples now confused for TF models. Base model vehicles had vinyl seats, no clock or cigarette lighter, and no console around the shifter. The engine continued to be the 1.6 liter as per previous versions, with the optional 1.8 diesel also available. In 1983, a performance model, named the ZZ/Z (triple zed), was added. The ZZ/Z was always silver, with a body kit consisting of a front bar, wind splitters on top of the guards, a bobtail boot spoiler, alloy wheels, and blue and black ZZ/Z decals. The ZZ/Z was often thought to come with the twin cam engine that was used in the Isuzu Gemini ZZ/R of the same era, but the ZZ/Z was strictly a cosmetic version and came with the standard running gear of other models. Sales of the sedan continued into early 1985.

In May 1985, the RB series Gemini was released. Based on the front wheel drive GM R platform, it did not sell as well as previous rear wheel drive Geminis, with production totalling just 16,263 units. The RB Gemini was offered only in four door sedan form, with SL/X and SL/E trim levels, as well as a fleet only SL equipped with a 1.6 litre engine. Previous Gemini models had been built in the Holden facility at Acacia Ridge, but following that plant's closure in 1984, the totally new RB series began production in the Holden plant at Elizabeth, South Australia. The RB Gemini was discontinued in 1987 (production had ended sometime during 1986) due to poorer sales than its predecessor. The Gemini was at first sold side by side with the first generation hatch only Holden Astra—a rebadged Nissan Pulsar (N12)—which was introduced in 1984; ultimately, the Astra effectively replaced the Gemini when its second generation, offered as both hatch and sedan, was launched in 1987. The RB Gemini was notable for its 80 day, endurance run from a commercial in 1985, tested by a group of Australian racers including the late Peter Brock.

From 1977 through to 1982 Geminis raced in the Australian Touring Car Championship and the Bathurst 1000 and allied endurance motor racing. Occasionally the factory Holden Dealer Team would divert some of their efforts away from their Holden Torana and Holden Commodore racing efforts to race a Gemini, notably in 1982, but for the most part Geminis were race by privately funded teams. Initially they fared poorly in a 2000cc class but a 1600cc class was re created in 1978 increasing their popularity. Despite the transition from Group C regulations to Group A in 1985 a few cars continued racing until 1986. 1980 saw the creation of the Gemini Racing Series in Queensland which continues to this day and is now the longest running one make series in Australia and the second oldest globally after the British Mini series.

In Australia, the 1982–1984 Holden Gemini was assessed in the "Used Car Safety Ratings" 2006 as providing "significantly worse than average" protection for its occupants in the event of a crash.