Holden Gemini

Holden Gemini
Overview
Manufacturer	Holden (General Motors)
Production	1975–1986
Body and chassis
Class	Compact

First generation
Holden Gemini (TE) SL sedan
Overview
Production	March 1975–October 1984
Assembly	Acacia Ridge, Australia
Body and chassis
Body style	2-door coupe 3-door panel van 3-door station wagon 4-door sedan
Layout	Front engine, rear-wheel drive
Platform	T-body
Related	Buick Opel Daewoo Maepsy-Na Isuzu Bellett Gemini Isuzu Gemini Opel Gemini Opel Isuzu Saehan Gemini/Maepsy
Powertrain
Engine	1584 cc G161Z I4 1817 cc 4FB1 I4 diesel (TE/TF/TG)
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,404 mm (94.6 in)
Length	4,234 mm (166.7 in)
Width	1,570 mm (61.8 in)
Height	1,341 mm (52.8 in)

Second generation
Holden Gemini (RB) SLE sedan
Overview
Production	April 1985–1986
Assembly	Elizabeth, Australia
Body and chassis
Body style	4-door sedan
Layout	Front engine, front-wheel drive
Platform	R-body
Related	Chevrolet Gemini Chevrolet Spectrum Geo Spectrum Isuzu Gemini Isuzu I-Mark Pontiac Sunburst
Powertrain
Engine	1471 cc 4XC1 I4

The Holden Gemini is a compact car which was produced by Holden and sold in Australasia from 1975 to 1986. It was based on the Japanese Isuzu Gemini, one of the many models based on the GM T-car platform.

The original Holden Gemini model, the TX series, was introduced in February 1975. It was available as a four-door sedan in S and SL specification levels, and as a two-door SL coupe. The TX Gemini was built at Holden's factory at Acacia Ridge, Queensland and contained a high percentage of Australian content.

All TX models shared the same 1.6-litre SOHC Isuzu engine (coded the G161Z). The engine was chain-driven and incorporated a cross-flow design alloy head. A two-barrel "Nikki" Stromberg carburettor was used on Australian models. Early TX models used a cast-iron free flow exhaust manifold, with two outlets into a "Y" pipe was used (this item is commonly used by modifiers for later models). From November 1976 this was changed to a single outlet exhaust header to comply with EPA regulations.

Wheel size was 13" x 4.5", rear brakes were duo-servo units, similar in design to those used in the six-cylinder Torana. Early models used the MSE-type four-speed manual transmission; reverse was positioned to the "left and back". November 1975 saw the introduction of the MSG-type four-speed, reverse on this transmission was to the 'right and back' position. The TX SL sedan was voted Wheels Car of the Year car of the year for 1975, and was the most popular four-cylinder car on the Australian market.

The TC Gemini was sold between March 1977 and April 1978. This model received a minor facelift from the TX, appearance was enhanced by a bolder vertical front grille, and at the rear a silver garnish panel (as opposed to the TX's black). A new Smiths brand heater, demister and ventilation system was used, the two small vents at each end of the dash were removed on this model, except on vehicles fitted with air conditioning.

A "Fashion Pack" interior was now available on both sedan and coupe models, this option was also upgraded to add steel belted radials and a front stabilising bar. Door side impact beams were introduced to improve safety and SL coupes now had a heated rear windscreen.