Peter Pratt’s 1978 Holden Kingswood HZ

The Holden stands as a symbol of an era when the open road and the roar of a V8 engine defined the concept of freedom. This classic car never goes out of style, especially for enthusiasts like Peter Pratt, whose passion for vehicles runs deep. A passion he shared with his father.

“I’ve been on the hunt for a Kingswood for a long time,” Peter says. “My old man was a mechanic, so I grew up around cars, especially early Holdens. I’ve always had a real love for the H Series.”

His 1978 Holden Kingswood HZ sedan is the result of years of searching, refining, and rebuilding, a tribute to Australian automotive history and the craftsmanship of classic car enthusiasts.

A shared passion project

Originally built in Brisbane before making its way down to Geelong, Victoria, the Holden Kingswood has now found a permanent home with Peter. When he first bought it, the car had already undergone several modifications, but not to the standard he had in mind.

“It already had mods done,” he explains, “but not very well. So I pretty much redid everything underneath, full driveline overhaul, new engine, and rebuilt suspension.”

Under the bonnet sits a Johnny Pilla–built small block Chevy (SBC), a powerhouse that perfectly complements the Kingswood’s timeless design. Every nut and bolt has been touched, with Peter ensuring it not only looks the part of a dream car but also drives like one.

It’s all about the drive

When asked about his favourite part of the car, Peter doesn’t hesitate, “All of it”. From the deep rumble of the SBC to the way the Kingswood commands attention on the road, the car represents everything he loves about Aussie motoring culture, including authenticity, craftsmanship, and pure driving enjoyment.

“I’ve always had a soft spot for these cars,” he says. “There’s something about the HZ, the shape, the sound, the way it feels, it just connects you to the road.”

Preserving history one wheel at a time

Restoring classic cars like the Holden Kingswood is about more than nostalgia. For Peter and countless other Australian car enthusiasts, it’s about preserving the passion and stories behind these amazing wheels, as well as celebrating the skill that brought them to life.

With values of vintage Holdens continuing to rise, protecting that investment is essential. Whether it’s the long hours in the shed or the money poured into a rebuild, classic car owners understand the importance of securing their pride and joy with specialised classic car insurance.

A car like Peter’s isn’t just a project, it’s a legacy on four wheels.

Got your own classic car project?

It deserves more than the standard cover. At Ryno Insurance, we share your passion for preserving classic cars and specialise in finding insurance solutions that help owners like Peter protect their restoration work for years to come.

With agreed-value policies, expert support, and a deep appreciation for what makes every restoration unique, Ryno Insurance gives enthusiasts confidence that their investment is properly protected. Because when it comes to cars like the Holden Kingswood, it’s not just about keeping them on the road, it’s about keeping a piece of history alive.

Learn more or request your classic car insurance quote today at rynoinsurance.com.au.