TX GEMINI: |
PRODUCED
= March '75 - March '77
POWER OUTPUT = Pre ADR 27A = 63kw Post ADR 27A = 61kw (ADR27A
= Nov. '76)
COMPRESION RATIO = 8.7:1
TRANSMISSIONS = M20 4 speed ISUZU manual / M40 three speed
'Tri-Matic' (option)
DIFF = 3.89 Borg-Warner
MODEL CODES = 8TE69 - Sedan / 8TF69 - SL Sedan / 8TF27 - SL
Coupe / 8TF27 (opt. A8T) - SL Fashion Pack Coupe
ORIGINAL PRICES - Sedan = $4026 / SL Sedan - $4335 / SL Coupe
- $4482
TOTAL PRODUCED = 43,099
POINTS OF INTEREST
The TX series Gemini was Holdens first world car. In Germany
it was the Opel Kadett, U.K the Vauxhall Chevette, U.S.A the
Chevy Chevette etc. etc. All cars shared the same 1.6L SOHC
engine (coded the G161Z), this was chain driven and incorporated
a cross-flow alloy head. A two-barrel 'Nikki' Stromberg carburettor,
a cast-iron free flow exhaust manifold, with two outlets into
a 'Y' pipe (this item is commonly used by modifiers for later
models). From Nov. '76 this was changed to a single outlet
exhaust header.
Transmission was a 4 speed manual, with an option of a 3 speed
Australian built 'Tri-Matic'
auto. SL models added a push-button AM radio with a single
rear speaker, electric clock and cigarette lighter. Factory
fitted air-con was optional. SL's were fitted with pinstriping,
stainless sill mouldings, side window frames were blacked
out and had mouldings along the top of the doorframes. 'Fashion
Pack' options were coloured plaid-trim seats and door trim
inserts. Early models rear panel badging read 'Holden Isuzu',
this was later changed to 'Holden Gemini'. Coupes had different
tail-light arrangement from sedan, with smaller separate reverse
lights.
All models had 13" X 4.5" steel wheels. Rear brakes
were duo-servo units, very similar to
those fitted to 6 cyl Toranas. Early models used the MSE-type
four speed gearbox; reverse
was positioned to the 'left and back'. Nov. '75 saw the introduction
of the MSG-type four
speed, reverse on this transmission was to the 'right and
back'. The TX SL sedan was voted Wheels car of the year' for
1975, and was the most popular 4-cyl car on the Australian
market.
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TC GEMINI: |
PRODUCED = March '77 - April '78
POWER OUTPUT / COMPRESION RATIO / TRANSMISSIONS / DIFF
As for post ADR27A TX series Gemini
MODEL CODES = As for TX Gemini including, 8TF69 (opt. A8T)
-
SL Fashion Pack Sedan / 8TF69 (opt. A9W) - Sandpiper Sedan
/ 8TF27 (opt. A9W) -
Sandpiper Coupe
ORIGINAL PRICES = Sedan - $4925 / SL Sedan - $5290 / Sandpiper
Sedan - $5540
TOTAL PRODUCED = 17,256
POINTS OF INTEREST
TC was a minor facelift of the TX, appearance was enhanced
by a bolder vertical bar front grille, and at the rear by
a silver garnish panel (TX was black). A new 'Smiths'
heater/demister/ventilation system was used. The two small
vents at the end of the dash were excluded in this line-up,
except on those with air-con these vents were retained.
Fashion Pack was now available on sedan as well as the coupe.
This option was also upgraded to add steel belted radials
and a front stabilising bar (opt. A9R). Door side impact beams
were introduced; SL coupes now had a heated rear screen.
One month after the release of the TC, a limited edition 'Sandpiper'
was introduced.
Both coupe and sedan version were on offer, they were identified
by a black grille with stainless top edge, gold pinstriping,
check cloth inserts in seats and door trims,
wood-grain dash inserts, radio/cassette, four spoke steering
wheel, and the A9R suspension package. Externally they were
easily distinguished by the word Sandpiper' and a bird decal,
this was on the side rear quarters of the coupe, and on the
rear doors of the sedans.
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TD GEMINI: |
PRODUCED = April '78 - October '79
POWER OUTPUT / COMPRESION RATIO
As for post ADR27A TX series Gemini
TRANSMISSIONS = As for TX/TC Gemini including, M75 5 speed manual
DIFF = 3.90 Holden small Salisbury
MODEL CODES = As for TX/TC Gemini including, 8TE70 - Panelvan
/ 8TF15 - Wagon / 8TF69 (opt. A8P) - SL/X Sedan / 8TF69 (opt.
A8J) - SL/E Sedan / 8TF27 (opt. A8J) - SL/E Coupe
ORIGINAL PRICES - Sedan = $5330 / SL/E Sedan - $6380
TOTAL PRODUCED = 42,396
POINTS OF INTEREST
The most major change to this model of Gemini was the addition
of R.T.S (Radial Tuned Suspension), as well as the availability
of a 5 speed manual transmission. Differential was now the small
Salisbury unit as fitted to the UC Torana range, it used tapered
Timkin wheel bearings as found on all larger Holdens since mid
'71. In April '79 the rear brakes were changed to the Commodore's
leading-trailing rear drum brake assemblies.
Cosmetic changes included a new simpler grille, rectangular
head-lights (round on base models), wheels were now 13"
X 5", number plate relocated to above rear bumper (as opposed
to below). A panelvan and two-door wagon were now available
for the range.
SL/E used many interior options from the TC Sandpiper series,
such as radio/cassette, four spoke steering wheel, timber dash
inserts, velour seat trim, cut-pile carpet and timber door trim
inserts. Externally it had stainless head-light and grille surrounds,
thick stainless door window frame mouldings and GM-H designed
alloys similar to Sunbird SL/E. Coupes and sedans had colour-coded
side mirrors similar to those of Sunbird SL/E and HZ Sandman,
door-trims went to the top of the doors.
SL/E was replaced by the SL/X in early '79; it had a slightly
lower equipment level but a much better price. Limited Edition
'Gypsy' package was optional on panelvans which included extra
instrumentation and identifying decals.
Heated rear screens now standard on all but base sedans, panelvans
and wagons. Nylon plaid cloth inserts available on SL's and
wagons, Air-con was now available as an accessory.
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TE GEMINI: |
PRODUCED = October '79 - March '82
POWER OUTPUT - 1.6L Petrol = 50kw / 1.8L Diesel = 40kw
COMPRESION RATIO - Petrol = 8.3:1 / Diesel = 21:1
TRANSMISSIONS = As for TD Gemini including the M76 5 speed manual
for the Diesel series
DIFF = As for TD Gemini including the 3.58 Isuzu Diff for Diesel
models
MODEL CODES = As for TD Gemini including 8TF69 (opt. A9H) -
SL/X Sedan / 8TF69 (opt. A9W) - Sandpiper II Sedan
ORIGINAL PRICES - Sedan = $6240 / SL/X Sedan = $6890
TOTAL PRODUCED = 70,567
POINTS OF INTEREST
TE series involved major sheet-metal design changes from previous
Gemini's; front and rear styling was all new, with a squarer
slightly larger appearance. Chassis and mechanical mods were
kept to a minimum. Bumpers were square style chrome with rubber
ends; park lights were vertically mounted at ends of the grille
similar to (VB) Commodores of the time. Major interior changes
included all new instrument cluster dash, with two large and
two small dials and re-arranged warning lamps. SL/X sedans gained
improved seating incorporating adjustable head restraints in
the front and high-backed rear seat squabs. Coupe was no longer
available as was SL/E models.
Early '81 saw the introduction of the 1.8L Diesel model based
on the SL/X, it was only available with the M76 5 speed manual.
Wagons and panelvans were not released until February '80. Sandpiper
returned as the 'Sandpiper II' in June '81 and 'Gypsy' panelvan
was made a regular production option. Due to increased demand
for the dealer-fitted Air International air-con system, the
Diesel-Kiki was phased out during the TE production run.
Manual gearboxes used were revised with slightly different ratio's
and diesel model contained completely new ratios. Changes were
made to anti-pollution equipment to meet ADR27B in '81. Heated
rear screens standard on wagons, base sedan and panelvan had
different grilles and round headlights. 'Gypsy' van had TD SL/E
style alloy wheels and nylon plaid seat trim inserts; four spoke
steering wheel and SL's headlight and grille. Power boosted
brakes now on all models. Colour coded exterior mirrors fitted
across the range except on panelvan and base sedan. Remote versions
of the mirrors were also available. SL/X door trims went to
top of the doors.
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TF GEMINI: |
PRODUCED = March '82 - March '83
POWER OUTPUT / COMPRESSION RATIO / TRANSMISSION / DIFF
As for TE series Gemini
MODEL CODES = As for TE series Gemini including 8TV69 - SL/X
Sedan / 8TV69 (opt. V6Q) - Star Sign Pack Sedan
ORIGINAL PRICES - Sedan = $7370 / SL/X Sedan = $8370
TOTAL PRODUCED = 28,326
POINTS OF INTEREST
TF was a facelift version of the TE with interior and exterior
upgrades.
SL/X had the most significant changes; grille and headlight
arrangement resembled (VH) Commodore of the time. All other
models had same grille and rectangular headlights as TE but
now with vertical bars as well as horizontal. All sedan tail-lights
were also reminiscent of VH Commodore. Side indicator lamps
were deleted from front quarter panels. SL/X had wide side
mouldings level with bumper height. Bumpers were a new one-piece
black polypropylene moulding.
Interior received all new dash fascia and instruments; colour
coordinated interior trim layout. Steering column and control
stalks were shared with upcoming JB Camira. SL/X had quartz
halogen headlights, new design centre console, coarse spoke
design wheel covers, full instrumentation all in-dash. SL
door trims now went to top of the door same as SL/X, window
winder handles were plastic and colour coded, new dash fascia
had four face level air-vents, all models had dual horns,
wheel offset was 10mm further out making track 20mm wider
front and rear. 'Gypsy' panelvan had same instruments and
steering wheel as SL/X.
Petrol engines had mechanical fuel pump (All previous models
had an in-tank electrical unit), belt driven air injection
pump added to engine to reduce exhaust pollution without reducing
performance.
Petrol engine manual 4 and 5 speed gearboxes gained revised
wider spaced ratios.
A limited Edition shadow-toned SL/X called the 'Star-Sign'
package was released early in '82. SL/X models had a model
code of their own - no longer being just an SL with an option
number.
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TG GEMINI: |
PRODUCED = March '83 - April '85
POWER OUTPUT / COMPRESSION RATIO / TRANSMISSION / DIFF
As for TE and TF series Gemini
MODEL CODES = As for TF series Gemini including 8TV69 (opt.
U4E) - ZZ/Z Sedan
ORIGINAL PRICES - Sedan = $7920 / SL/X Sedan = $9050
TOTAL PRODUCED = 24,675
POINTS OF INTEREST
The new addition to the Gemini range was the ZZ/Z sedan; it
was an SL/X level car with alloy wheels, front guard wind
splitters, body-kit and other sports-type enhancements.
All cars received SL/X type seats, adjustable headrests, trimmed
in vinyl or cloth to suit. SL's gained SL/X grille and headlight
treatment. Wagon was now badged and equipped as an SL; all
previous wagons had been trimmed above base level standard
but below SL equipment level.
All models had a clock as standard although SL/X and ZZ/Z
were digital. Heated rear screen now factory standard on all
models.
Mechanically all models remained similar to the TF including
the availability of the diesel engine.
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RB GEMINI: |
PRODUCED = April '85 - Phased out in '87
POWER OUTPUT = Both unleaded and leaded versions = 52kw
COMPRESSION RATIO = Leaded - 9.6:1 / Unleaded - 9.0:1
TRANSMISSIONS = 5 Speed manual / 3 Speed Auto (optional)
DIFF/TRANSAXLE = 3.833 for manual / 3.526 for auto
MODEL CODES = 8RB69 - SL Sedan / 8RC69 - SL/X Sedan / 8RE69
- SL/E Sedan
ORIGINAL PRICES - SL/X = $11,050 / SL/E = $12,040
TOTAL PRODUCED = 16,263
POINTS OF INTEREST
The replacement for the T series Gemini was the RB series,
which was available only in front-wheel-drive as a four-door
sedan. Most of Holdens competitors were offering hatchbacks;
the RB was sold along side the LB Astra hatch to provide a
wider choice of body styles. Engines for this series of Gemini
were a new belt driven OHC 1.5L four cyl ISUZU coded 4XC1.
This engine was more powerful than the TG 1.6L engine and
had noticeably better fuel economy. The only engine upgrade
saw a switch to an unleaded version to meet ADR's of '86.
No diesel engine was made available as an option. Late '85
saw the introduction of the Gemini Accents accessory appearance
packages. Known as the 'Fashion' and the 'Action', they featured
enhancements to the interior and exterior trim. The 'Action'
received a rear boot spoiler and alloy wheels similar to the
JB and JD SL/E Camira. Brakes were power assisted front discs
and rear drums; SL/X had 13" X 5" steel wheels while
SL/E had 14" X 5.5" alloys. Power steering was available
on the SL/E. Interior componentry consisted of cloth trim,
AM/FM stereo radio/cassette, digital clock and a split-fold
rear seat, as well as retractable seat-belts front and rear.
SL/E had the following features over the SL/X.... Electric
remote side mirrors, four speaker sound system (as opposed
to two), tacho, tilt adjustable steering column, rear seat
head rests, drivers seat adjustable lumbar support, body-coloured
front and rear bumpers and grille, remote boot and fuel lid
releases, overhead console with reading lights and 'Trip-meter'
kilometre memory facility.
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