The Holden Overlander 4×4 Ute

"@rbalch1" (rbalch1)
02/10/2014 at 02:21 • Filed to: None

Launceston-based Vehicle Engineering and Modifications built the Holden HJ-HZ-based Overlander 4WD models. Between 1976-89, 120 examples were built, using Holden mechanicals and a Dana transfer case and front and rear off- road axles, wheels and tyres and suspension. The conversion was created in conjunction with Holden, and could be had in either wagon, ute, or one-tonne ute body styles.

Holden Overlander built in Tasmania. created by Tasmanian engineer Arthur Hayward in the late 1970s, who was unimpressed with the rough-riding, spartan 4×4 trucks being offered to local buyers at the time, like the Toyota Land Cruiser, Nissan Patrol and Land Rover.

He liked the American trucks with smooth and plentiful V8 power, but also came loaded with all the fruit you'd expect to see in a luxury car including automatic transmission, air-conditioning, power windows, bucket seats and full carpeting.

He chose the then latest model HJ Holden ute, but not only because it was available with a 5.0 litre (308 cid) V8 engine and Turbo 400 automatic transmission.

A critical consideration was also that the HJ ute and panel van (and the longer wheelbase One Tonner) featured a traditional body-on-frame construction.

The 4×4 conversion resulted in a total body lift of only 90mm, but with the much larger wheels and tyres and big fiberglass flares it appeared to be much higher than that.

Only 120 Holden Overlanders were built by Arthur Hayward, 80 of which were produced at his VEM factory from 1977 to 1980. These comprised 20 utes (HJ/HX/HZ including his HJ prototype), 30 panel vans (HJ/HX/HZ), 24 station wagons (HZ only) and only six One Tonners (HZ only).

*Images and technical/production information courtesy Arthur Hayward

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