Arthur Hayward & the Holden Overlander

**bob10** · 1st June 2014, 04:33 PM

Just read an article on Arthur Hayward, owner & operator of Vehicle Engineering & Modifications, in Tasmania. He offered a HJ Holden converted to 4WD with full GMH backing & warranty. The Holden Overlander was conceived in 1975, & on sale in 1977. A 308 V8 with a T400 Hydromatic automatic transmission , & power steering, Dana diffs, & Dana transfer case were supplied.12 inch front ventilated discs, 11 inch rear drums , and leaf springs .

Arthur, his daughter & two mechanics ran the project. The first home grown 4WD . They built it, had a full parts back up, and were given full compliance by GMH. What a pity GMH didn't pick up the concept. Any have one of these vehicles? Bob

**pop058** · 1st June 2014, 04:39 PM

A member (33chinacars IIRC) here has one and has for quite some time.

**Jeff** · 1st June 2014, 04:46 PM

Originally Posted by bob10

Arthur, his daughter & two mechanics ran the project. The first home grown 4WD . Bob

Not quite.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caldwell_Vale

And don't forget the XY Falcon 4WD.

Jeff

**Bytemrk** · 1st June 2014, 05:03 PM

I don't have one, but I do clearly remember lusting over a lime green panel van version in the local Holden dealer when I was around 16 - 17

In the days of the "sandman" panel van... a 5.0ltr 4wd version was a very attractive idea - but well outside a realist price for me!

Mark

**bob10** · 1st June 2014, 05:07 PM

Originally Posted by Bytemrk

I don't have one, but I do clearly remember lusting over a lime green panel van version in the local Holden dealer when I was around 16 - 17

In the days of the "sandman" panel van... a 5.0ltr 4wd version was a very attractive idea - but well outside a realist price for me!

Mark

Yeah, quoted price 1977 is $13, 978.Makes you wonder how much they would have cost if GMH took it over, Bob

**bob10** · 1st June 2014, 05:12 PM

Originally Posted by Jeff

Not quite.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caldwell_Vale

And don't forget the XY Falcon 4WD.

Jeff

Fair enough, let's say the first for the general public, never heard of the XY Falcon 4wd. What year did it come out?, Bob

**V8Ian** · 1st June 2014, 05:30 PM

Originally Posted by bob10

Fair enough, let's say the first for the general public, never heard of the XY Falcon 4wd. What year did it come out?, Bob

71-72

**Lafia** · 1st June 2014, 05:30 PM

I remember seeing these around Launceston in the late 70's and early 80's. Always looked fairly impressive but have never seen one since leaving Tassie.