Holden Kingswood

For many New Zealanders, the Holden Kingswood isn’t just a car... it’s a memory on wheels!

This was the classic family wagon of its day: big, solid, and built to carry everything and everyone.  Holidays, Sunday drives, long summer road trips.  For countless families, the Kingswood was part of everyday life.  Dependable, familiar, and quietly iconic.

The Holden Kingswood also had its moment in the spotlight during the 1974 Commonwealth Games, held right here in Christchurch. When the city welcomed athletes and officials from around the world, it needed reliable transport, and the Kingswood fit the bill perfectly.

To support the Games, General Motors supplied a fleet of Holden HQ Kingswood sedans. Freshly painted and proudly adorned with Commonwealth Games colours and insignia, these cars became part of the visual fabric of the event as they ferried officials, guests, and dignitaries through the city streets. Seeing a Kingswood glide past in Games livery was a small thrill.  Everyday transport briefly transformed into something ceremonial. 

Today, the Holden Kingswood holds a special place in the memories of many.  And for Christchurch, it will always be tied to the pride and excitement of hosting the 1974 Commonwealth Games when the family car helped carry the city onto the world stage.