Regarded as one of the most advanced cars of its time, Holden’s two-door concept named the Hurricane may not have been released as a mass produced model, but gave the engineering team a chance to investigate future developments.
Described as a research vehicle, the Hurricane allowed the design and engineering sectors to delve into styling trends, propulsion systems as well as long range developments.
Powered by a mid-mounted Holden 253 V8 producing a stated 193kW mated to a four-speed transaxle manual transmission while innovations included the eye catching hydraulic powered canopy also encapsulating the front guards to allow drivers to enter, with the seats elevating and tilting as the exterior features a distinct bronze hue.
Safety was also starting to become an important feature with development such as the installation of inertia reel seatbelts, tilt steering column and adjustable pedals ensured it not only was fast, but advanced in this area.
Further concepts included the Pathfinder, which used magnetic signals built into the road to guide the driver, digital instrument display, Comfortron automatic temperature control air conditioning, an auto-seek radio and rear-view camera. The last feature used a wide angle camera situated in the rear bumper partnered with a closed circuit television screen in the centre console, an innovation not utilised for many years into the future.
Codenamed RD001, the Hurricane was revealed to shocked and enthusiastic attendees of the Melbourne Motor Show in 1969, but was always destined to be a concept. A variety of these innovative ideas are now common place more than 50 years on in the market.
Of course, Holden’s next concept the Torana GTR-X appeared destined for the showroom, but it wasn’t to be.
As for the Hurricane, a loyal group of Holden designers restored the concept in 2007 after it had been stored away at the brand’s training centre for decades. The finished result was shown off at Motorclassica in 2011, funnily enough the same Melbourne Exhibition Building it was first revealed at in 1969.