Released 26th August 1963.
The exhaustive testing that was carried out on these models at Holden’s Lang Lang test ground covered more than a million miles. This paid off, as the Holden was coming to be known as a very reliable, yet easy to repair should the need be. Based on the EJ the EH had a much more powerful engine and clever styling changes. There was a wave of public interest before the release of this new model, which also contributed to its success. Central to the new model’s appeal were its styling updates, and the new “Red” motor. This new motor was stronger, smoother, more economical and more powerful. There was the 149ci at 95 bhp and the 179ci at 115 bhp, which was initially only available with the automatic transmission. This showed an increase in power of over 50% in the 179ci motor over the old “Grey” (one of the reasons the public wasn’t ready for a 179ci manual?) The 179 manual option was not available until April 1964.
Other new models were also introduced. They were the Premier wagon, and the limited edition S4 model. The S4 was introduced in September 1963. It was basically a 179ci manual Special sedan with some changes to gearbox (slightly stronger 179 manual box as fitted to all EH’s from early 64 up to HK), larger fuel tank, metal lined brake shoes with a quick change setup, a larger tailshaft, changes to carburetor jet and float level, Michelin tyres, slightly larger tool kit, and that was about it. Only 126 of these limited models were made, and some were used for racing by people like Dick Johnson and Norm Beechy at speeds up to 110mph!
Power steering was fitted to some EH models, but with units numbering only in the low thousands fitted, they are rare, and some spares non-existent. These power steering units were fitted to The EJ model, and the only significant difference was the bracket for the pump was to suit a grey motor.
The EH was still the same price as the EJ being $2102, and a total of 256,959 units were built and sold up until early February 1965.