Gemini TX/TC/TD Series

[DrIFtA]

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 Kadette, 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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