Positioning:
The Holden Statesman WB series represented the pinnacle of Australian luxury motoring in its era, offering a more opulent and spacious alternative to the Holden Commodore, targeting the executive and luxury sedan market.
Target Demographic:
Executives, government officials, and families seeking a premium, spacious, and comfortable Australian-made vehicle.
Competitors:
Competed with other large Australian sedans and imported luxury vehicles, offering a distinctly Australian take on luxury and space.
Distinguishing Features:
Extended wheelbase for superior rear passenger space, distinctive styling, and a focus on comfort and refinement, along with a range of powerful engine options and luxury appointments.
Models Covered:
Series 1 & Series 2, Deville, Caprice, Commercials, Utes, Vans, 1 Tonners
Series Coverage:
Explicitly covers both Series 1 and Series 2 variants of the WB Statesman range, ensuring comprehensive coverage across minor model updates.
Type:
Illustrated Parts Book Catalog
Powertrain:
Engine, Clutch, Cooling System, Oil System, Fuel System, Exhaust System, Carburetion, Transmission, Rear Axle
Chassis:
Front Suspension, Steering, Frame, Springs, Shock Absorbers, Bumper Bars, Brakes, Wheels
Electrical:
Engine Electrical, Chassis Wiring, Exterior Lamps, Body Wiring, Instrument Clusters, Interior Lamps
Bodywork Interior:
Grille, Front End Sheet Metal, Heater, Air Conditioning, Radio, Windshield, Wipers & Washers, Mirrors, Consoles, Instrument Panel, Hardware, Doors, Rear Glass, Body Mouldings, Sheet Metal, Interior Trim, Seat Parts, Seat Belts, Rear Seat Trim, Carpets
Body Hardware:
All exterior and interior body panels, trim, glass, hardware, seals, and fasteners are detailed with part numbers and diagrams.
Heating Cooling:
Includes detailed parts breakdown for the heater core, ventilation system, and associated ducting/components, as well as the complete engine cooling system (radiator, water pump, thermostat, hoses).
Body Exterior:
Covers all external body panels, including doors, fenders, bonnet, boot lid, bumpers, grilles, mouldings, and badging, with detailed illustrations and part numbers.
Body Interior:
Extensive coverage of interior components such as seats, carpets, door trims, headlining, dashboard components, steering column shrouds, and interior lighting.
Identification Of Parts:
Exploded diagrams, part numbers for nearly every nut and bolt, accessories and options identification
Parts Listing:
Alphabetical and Numerical parts number listings
Depth:
Comprehensive parts identification for assembly, disassembly, and replacement of all components and accessories.
Diagrams Detail:
Exploded diagrams illustrate the precise location and order of assembly for all components, crucial for correct part identification and ordering.
Factory Accessories:
Identification and part numbers for factory-fitted accessories and optional equipment.
Engine Options:
V8 engines, including 4.2L (253 cu in) and 5.0L (308 cu in) Holden V8s. Potential for other engine options depending on specific markets and configurations.
Typical Horsepower:
Varies by engine, but typically in the range of 140-175 hp (approximate for 5.0L V8 at the time) for standard configurations.
Fuel Delivery:
Carburetted (e.g., Rochester Quadrajet or similar for V8s) for most models.
Engine Codes Common:
Common V8 engine codes for this era include the 253 (L31) and 308 (L32).
Engine Type:
Naturally aspirated V8 OHV (Overhead Valve) pushrod engines.
Standard Transmission:
3-speed automatic (e.g., Turbo-Hydramatic 350 or 400) was common, especially with V8 engines.
Optional Transmission:
Manual transmissions (e.g., 4-speed) were available on some lower-spec models or variants, though less common in Statesman trims.
Transmission Features:
Designed for smooth power delivery and comfortable cruising, in line with the Statesman's luxury objective.
Gear Ratios:
Specific gear ratios are not provided in the product description but are detailed within the manual's sections for transmission and rear axle.
Wheelbase:
Extended wheelbase compared to Commodore, contributing to superior rear legroom.
Overall Length:
Significantly longer than Commodore, emphasizing its flagship status.
Curb Weight:
Typically around 1600-1700 kg, depending on engine and options.
Towing Capacity:
Not explicitly stated, but generally capable of towing within its class, especially the 1 Tonner variants. Consult specific vehicle load ratings.
Rear Legroom:
Significantly enhanced compared to standard wheelbase models due to the extended chassis, a key selling point.
Safety Standards Era:
Reflected Australian safety standards of the early 1980s, including features like padded interiors, safety glass, and lap-sash seatbelts.
Active Safety:
Power-assisted brakes (front discs, rear drums), power steering.
Brake System:
Front ventilated disc brakes, rear drum brakes. Power assistance standard.
Passive Safety:
Collapsible steering column, front and rear crumple zones (as per contemporary design), reinforced passenger cell.
Audio System:
Typically AM/FM radio with cassette player. Higher trims might have upgraded stereo systems with more speakers.
Instrumentation:
Comprehensive instrument cluster including speedometer, tachometer (on some models), fuel gauge, temperature gauge, oil pressure light, and warning lamps. Parts for all cluster components are covered.
Driver Assistance Features:
Limited by era; primarily relied on power steering and power brakes. No modern electronic driver aids.
Connectivity Features:
None by modern standards. Basic automotive electrical systems.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 5,000 - 10,000 km or 6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil specification used. Consult original service manual for exact figures.
Engine Oil Type:
API SG or higher, SAE 20W-50 or 10W-40 recommended for V8 engines. Specific recommendations vary by climate and oil technology.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol based coolant, mixed with distilled water (50/50 ratio) for freeze protection and corrosion inhibition. Holden Red coolant or equivalent.
Transmission Fluid Type:
Dexron II or equivalent for automatic transmissions. Check dipstick for specific markings.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 glycol-based brake fluid.
Power Steering Fluid:
ATF Dexron II or equivalent.
Common Wear Items:
Camshaft wear (especially in early V8s), carburetor tuning issues, cooling system leaks (radiator, hoses), rust in common areas (wheel arches, sills, boot floor), suspension bush wear.
Electrical Quirks:
Older wiring can degrade, leading to intermittent faults. Instrument cluster issues, especially gauges.
Common Failures:
Water pump failures, starter motor issues, distributor advance mechanism problems in older ignition systems.
Heritage:
Holden has a long and storied history in Australian automotive manufacturing, with the Statesman nameplate representing a long-standing tradition of producing large, luxurious sedans.
Evolution:
The WB Statesman continued the lineage of Holden's luxury long-wheelbase sedans, building upon the HZ Statesman and providing a more modern, refined package.
Production Period:
WB series produced from 1980 to 1984, with this parts book specifically covering 1980-1982 models.
Manufacturing Base:
Australia
