Top Tips for Buying a Used Holden One-Tonne Ute

For 30 years after its 1972 introduction, Holden’s One-Tonne utility was king of Australia’s commercial vehicle world. 

That market today has morphed into the booming 4x4 dual cab ute segment that’s dominated by the likes of Ford and Toyota, with surviving Holden ‘tonners’ being transformed into flashy show ponies at extreme prices. 

HQ versions of the Holden One-Tonner used front sheet metal that was similar but not identical to Holden’s 1970s passenger models. The cab could seat three adults in reasonable comfort and sat on a super-tough chassis with leaf rear springs instead of the passenger models’ coils. 

Holden One-Tonne Ute - Image wikipedia

During ensuing years, to customize these workhorses some owners fitted bucket seats in place of the standard bench and sometimes the grille and front panels from a Premier or Statesman.

Most One-Tonne pickups were built with 3.3-litre six-cylinder engines, with 4.2- and 5.0-litre V8s also available. Slipping a Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) tank under the tray wasn’t difficult and LPG-equipped utes saved around 30 per cent in fuel costs.

A three-speed manual transmission was standard, with a four-speed floor shift or Trimatic automatic as options. Some manual versions have been modified to accept five-speed Toyota gearboxes which further improve performance and economy. 

A limited slip differential was optional and is desirable because rear wheel grip when unladen is marginal. 

Common modifications include replacing the Holden powertrain with a 350 cubic inch (5.7-litre) Chevrolet V8 and Turbo 400 automatic transmission. Both are ultra reliable and deliver increased performance at minimal cost.

Engine oil leaks are common – especially in V8s – but not a huge worry unless severe. Rear springs need close inspection for cracked leaves.

Mechanical and body woes worsen as distance travelled increases, and some of these hard-working Holdens have by now clocked over one million kilometres. Significant rattles or chassis creaks denote a vehicle that’s probably best left alone.

Cutaway Drawing - Image: Shannons

Demand ensures that even untidy Tonners will command decent money, so expect to pay $12,000 for an HQ-HZ six-cylinder in ordinary condition, while $25,000 should buy a late-1970s model in excellent condition and with V8 power. At the top of the tree, vehicles built to show standard can exceed $50,000.

Things To Watch Out For, When Buying a Used Holden One-Tonne Ute  

• Engine oil leaks

• Old LPG systems needing to be replaced

• Driveline vibration and differential noise

• Cracked rear springs

• Loose tray mountings