{{Short description|Australian coupe utility}} {{for|Holden Commodore-based utility vehicles built from 2000 to 2017|Holden Ute}} {{Use dmy dates|date=January 2026}} {{Infobox automobile | name = Holden Utility | image = File:1996-1998 Holden VS II Commodore S utility 04.jpg | aka = Chevrolet El Camino<br />Chevrolet El Torro | manufacturer = Holden | production = 1951–2000 | successor = Holden Rodeo (for the WB)<br />Holden Ute (for the VS) | class = Light commercial vehicle | body_style = {{ubl |2-door coupe utility |2-door cab chassis (El Torro) }} | related = Holden Standard<br />Holden Kingswood<br />Holden Commodore<br />Holden Sandman <!-- Holden Panel Van --> }} The '''Holden Utility''' was a coupé utility produced by Holden from 1951 to 2000, being replaced by the Holden Ute. The 50-2106, based on the 48-215 was the first Holden Coupe Utility model.
Holden briefly stopped producing the Holden Utility in 1984 with the end of the Holden WB series, restarting production in 1990 with the Holden Commodore (VN)-based Holden Utility (VG).
==First generation==
=== 50-2106 === {{Main|Holden 48-215}} thumb|left|Holden 50-2106 The Holden 50-2106 was produced from 1951 to 1953, based on the Holden 48-215. It was the first Holden Utility.<ref>{{cite web|last=Hilliard |first=Justin |url=https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-news/holden-tribute-detailed-ve-series-ii-ute-with-ls3-v8-and-heavy-duty-manual-marks-70th |title=Holden TribUTE detailed: VE Series II Ute with LS3 V8 and heavy-duty manual marks 70th anniversary of Australia's own |date=12 October 2020 |access-date=1 January 2026 |website=CarsGuide}}</ref>
It was powered by a 2.1-litre Holden ''Grey Motor'' straight six producing {{cvt|45|kW|hp|0}} and {{cvt|135|Nm|lbft|0}} of torque, paired with a with three-speed manual gearbox. It had 9-inch drum brakes, Hotchkiss drive with semi-elliptical springs, worm and sector steering, and a payload capacity of {{cvt|7|Lcwt|kg|link=on|0|order=flip}}.<ref>{{cite web|last=Higgins |first=Mark |url=https://www.tradeuniquecars.com.au/holden-ute-1951-fx-50-216-to-2017-ss-v-redline/ |title=Salute to the Holden Ute |date=28 October 2017 |access-date=1 January 2026 |website=Trade Unique Cars}}</ref><ref name=historyof>{{cite web|last=Short |first=Mark |url= https://www.drive.com.au/news/history-of-the-holden-ute-20070821-141ts/ |title=History of the Holden ute |date=21 August 2007 |access-date=1 January 2026 |website=Drive}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article121851742|title=Motors And Motoring |newspaper=The Farmer & Settler |location=Sydney, New South Wales, Australia |date=26 January 1951|access-date=1 January 2026 |page=7 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref>
{{clear}} === FJ === {{Main|Holden FJ}} thumb|right|Holden FJ Coupe Utility The Holden FJ Coupe Utility was produced from 1953 to 1956.<ref name=historyof/><ref name=57years>{{cite web|last=MacKenzie |first=Angus |url=https://www.motortrend.com/features/from-there-to-here-57-years-of-holden-utes-1756 |title=From There to Here: 57 Years of Holden Utes |date=28 March 2007 |access-date=1 January 2026 |website=Motor Trend}}</ref> It had a 2.2-litre Holden ''Grey'' Motor producing {{cvt|45|kW|hp|0}} and {{cvt|135|Nm|lbft|0}} of torque, paired with a three-speed manual gearbox.<ref>{{cite web|last=Stahl |first=Michael |url=https://www.whichcar.com.au/features/classic-wheels/retro-1953-holden-fj |title=Retro: 1953 Holden FJ - Fundamental as anything |date=6 November 2017 |access-date=1 January 2026 |website=Wheels}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article127510032|title=The Holden FJ turns 40 |newspaper=The Canberra Times |location=Canberra, Australia |date=8 October 1993|access-date=1 January 2026 |page=23 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref>
{{clear}}
== Second generation == === FE === {{Main|Holden FE}} thumb|right|Holden Utility (FE) The FE Utility was produced from 1957 to 1958.<ref name=historyof/> The engine produced {{cvt|71|hp|kW|0|order=flip}}.<ref name=57years/>
=== FC === {{main|Holden FC}} The FC Utility was produced from 1958 to 1960. It was a facelift of the FE. An FC Utility was the 500,000th Holden built in Australia.<ref name=historyof/>
=== FB === {{main|Holden FB}} The FB Utility was produced from 1960 to 1961. Engine capacity increased to 2.26-litres, and produced {{cvt|74|hp|kW|0|order=flip}}.<ref name=historyof/>
=== EK === {{main|Holden EK}} thumb|right|Holden Utility (EK) The EK was produced from 1961 to 1962. It was a facelift of the FB.<ref name=historyof/>
{{clear}}
== Third generation == === EJ === {{Main|Holden EJ}} thumb|right|Holden Utility (EJ) The Holden EJ Utility was produced from 1962 to 1963. It introduced the 3-speed Hydra-Matic automatic gearbox. It was the last model to use the Holden ''Grey Motor''.<ref name=historyof/>
=== EH === {{Main|Holden EH}} The Holden EH Utility was produced from 1963 to 1965. It introduced the straight-six Holden ''Red Motor'', the 2.45-litre producing {{cvt|100|hp|kW|0|order=flip}} and the 2.95-litre {{cvt|115|hp|kW|0|order=flip}}.<ref name=historyof/><ref name=57years/>
=== HD === {{Main|Holden HD}} The Holden HD Utility was produced from 1965 to 1966. It introduced optional front disc brakes, a-speed ''Powerglide'' automatic gearbox, and replaced was the front kingpin suspension with ball joint suspension.<ref name=historyof/>
{{clear}}
=== HR === {{Main|Holden HR}} thumb|right|Holden Utility (HR) The Holden HR Utility was produced from 1966 to 1968. It introduced and seat belts as standard, 4-speed gearbox as an option, and the 6 cylinder 2.65-litre and 3.05-litre engines.<ref name=historyof/>
{{clear}}
== Fourth generation == === HK === {{Main|Holden HK}} thumb|right|Holden Utility (HK) The Holden HK Utility was produced from 1968 to 1969. It added options for air conditioning, and the 5.0-litre Chevrolet ''307'' V8 introduced with the HK. the Kingswood and Belmont nameplates were introduced.<ref name=historyof/>
=== HG === {{Main|Holden HG}} The Holden HG Utility was produced from 1969 to 1970. It introduced a plastic grille, rubber front suspension bushings. The 4.2-litre Holden ''253'' and 5.0-litre Holden ''308'' V8s were introduced.<ref name=historyof/>
=== HT === {{Main|Holden HT}} thumb|right|Holden Utility (HT) The Holden HT Utility was produced from 1970 to 1971. It introduced the optional 3-speed ''Tri-Matic'' automatic gearbox.<ref name=historyof/>
{{clear}}
== Fifth generation ==
=== HQ === {{Main|Holden HQ}} thumb|right|Holden Belmont Utility (HQ) The Holden HQ Utility produced from 1971 to 1974.<ref>{{cite web|last=Morley |first=David |url=https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-advice/the-history-of-old-holden-cars-in-australia-87331 |title=The history of old Holden cars in Australia |date=15 August 2022 |access-date=1 January 2026 |website=CarsGuide}}</ref> It used the longer wheelbase used in the wagon and Statesman.<ref name=historyof/>
In 1971 the One Tonner, a cab chassis derivative with a payload capacity over {{cvt|1|LT|kg|0|link=on|order=flip}}.<ref>{{cite web|last=McCarthy |first=David |url=https://www.carsales.com.au/editorial/details/holden-one-tonner-3369/ |title=Holden One Tonner 2003 Review |date=1 June 2003 |access-date=1 January 2026 |website=carsales.com.au}}</ref> In 1974 the Sandman released, with a utility model.<ref>{{cite web|last=Brogan |first=Matt |url=https://www.carsales.com.au/editorial/details/enter-sandman-51943/ |title=Enter Sandman|date=20 June 2015 |access-date=1 January 2026 |website=carsales.com.au}}</ref>
=== HJ === {{Main|Holden HJ}} The HJ Utility was produced from 1974 to 1976.<ref>{{cite web|last=Bober |first=Isaac |url=https://practicalmotoring.com.au/car-news/holden-sandman-returns-sort-of/ |title=Holden Sandman returns… sort of |date=27 March 2017 |access-date=1 January 2026 |website=Practical Motoring}}</ref> Belmont nameplate was dropped.<ref name=historyof/>
=== HX === {{Main|Holden HX}} The HX Utility was produced from 1976 to 1977. The engines were modified to reduce emissions, following the 'ADR27A' Australian Design Rules.<ref name=historyof/>
=== HZ === {{Main|Holden HZ}} The HZ Utility was produced from 1977 to 1980.<ref>{{cite web|last=Carey |first=David |url=https://www.streetmachine.com.au/features/holden-75th-anniversary-fx-to-vf |title=Holden’s 75th anniversary: Know your models – FX to VF |date=29 November 2023 |access-date=1 January 2026 |website=Street Machine}}</ref> The 'Radial Tuned Suspension' (RTS) was introduced, improving handling.<ref name=historyof/>
=== WB === {{Main|Holden WB}} thumb|right|Holden Utility (WB) The WB Utility was produced from 1980 to 1984. The Holden ''Blue Motor'' was introduced.<ref name=historyof/>
{{clear}}
== Sixth generation ==
=== VG === {{Main|Holden Utility (VG)}} thumb|right|Holden Utility (VG) The Holden Utility (VG) was produced from 1990 to 1991, based on the Holden Commodore (VN).
The base model Utility was initially powered by a 3.8-litre Buick ''LN3'' V6 producing {{cvt|125|kW|hp|0}}, in November 1990 it as replaced by the 3.8-litre Buick ''L27'' V6 producing {{cvt|127|kW|hp|0}}. The Utility S was powered by 5.0-litre Holden V8 producing {{cvt|165|kW|hp|0}}.
The Holden Utility returned in 1990, as the Holden Utility (VG), based on the VN Commodore.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.carsales.com.au/editorial/details/holden-commodore-sv6-ute-2015-review-49541/|title=Holden Commodore SV6 Ute 2015 Review - carsales.com.au|access-date=1 January 2026|website=carsales.com.au}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Ottley|first=Stephen|url=https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-news/holden-commodore-a-retrospective-77322|title=Holden Commodore: A restrospecive - Car News CarsGuide|access-date=1 January 2026|publisher=CarsGuide}}</ref>
=== VP === {{Main|Holden Commodore (VP)}} The VP Commodore-based ute released in 1992. It was powered by a 3.8-litre V6 producing {{cvt|127|kW|hp|0}}.<ref name=50years>{{cite web|url=https://www.autospeed.com/cms/a_113156/article|title=AutoSpeed - The Holden Ute - 50 years|date=21 October 2014|access-date=1 January 2026|website=autospeed.com}}</ref>
=== VR === {{Main|Holden Commodore (VR)}} The VR Commodore-based ute released in 1993.<ref>{{cite web|last=Smith |first=Graham |url=https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-reviews/used-car-review-holden-commodore-vs-ute-1995-2000-13244 |title=Used Holden Commodore Ute review: 1995-2000 |date=23 January 2009 |access-date=1 January 2026 |website=CarsGuide}}</ref> The power output of the V6 increased, producing {{cvt|130|kW|hp|0}}, and had two V8 options, producing {{cvt|165|kW|hp|0}} and {{cvt|185|kW|hp|0}}.<ref name=50years/>
=== VS === {{Main|Holden Commodore (VS)}} thumb|right|Holden Commodore Utility S (VS II) The VS Commodore utility was produced from 1995 to 2000, being produced until the introduction of the VU in 2000.
It was powered by a 3.8-litre Buick V6 engine V6 (under the Ecotec name) producing {{cvt|147|kW|hp|0}}, the V8 producing {{cvt|165|kW|hp|0}} in Series I, and {{cvt|169|kW|hp|0}} in Series II and III.<ref name=50years/><ref>{{cite web|last=Mathioudakis |first=Byron |url=https://www.goauto.com.au/used-car-research/holden/commodore-ute/vs-commodore-utility/1995-04-01/2837.html |title=VS Commodore Utility |date=1 April 1995 |access-date=1 January 2026|website=GoAuto}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Mathioudakis |first=Byron |url=https://www.goauto.com.au/used-car-research/holden/commodore-ute/vs-ii-commodore-utility/1996-06-01/4552.html |title=VS II Commodore Utility |date=1 June 1996 |access-date=1 January 2026|website=GoAuto}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Mathioudakis |first=Byron |url=https://www.goauto.com.au/used-car-research/holden/commodore-ute/vs-iii-commodore-utility/1998-05-01/5152.html |title=VS III Commodore Utility |date=1 May 1998 |access-date=1 January 2026|website=GoAuto}}</ref>
== Derivatives ==
=== Holden === ;Sandman {{Main|Holden Sandman}} The Holden Sandman was produced from 1974 to 1980, a sports-oriented vehicle produced in panel van and utility variants.
;One Tonner {{Main|Holden One Tonner}} The Holden One Tonner was produced from 1971 to 1984, a cab chassis utility.
=== Chevrolet === ;El Camino {{Main|Chevrolet El Camino}} The Holden Utility was sold in South Africa as the Chevrolet El Camino from 1968 to 1978.<ref>{{cite web|last=Dowling |first=Neil |url=https://thewest.com.au/lifestyle/motoring/chevy-perfect-for-work-and-play-ng-b88774801z |title=Chevy perfect for work and play |date=16 March 2018 |access-date=1 January 2026 |website=The West Australian}}</ref>
;El Torro {{Main|Chevrolet El Torro}} The Holden One Tonner was sold in South Africa as the Chevrolet El Toro.<ref>{{cite web|last=Higgins |first=Mark |url=https://www.tradeuniquecars.com.au/50-years-of-holden-hq/ |title=50 years of Holden HQ |date=5 July 2021 |access-date=11 December 2025 |website=Trade Unique Cars}}</ref>
== References == {{reflist}}
{{Holden timeline}} {{Holden vehicles}}
Category:Cars of Australia Category:Full-size vehicles Utility Category:Coupé utilities Category:Rear-wheel-drive vehicles Category:Cars introduced in 1951 Category:Cars discontinued in 2000 Category:1960s cars Category:1970s cars Category:1980s cars Category:1990s cars Category:2000s cars