Typing up a section on the Gemini from a book about Holdens since the beginning to the early 90s. Stupidly forgot to note down the name of the book, very handy though for positive identification of various trims and general gemini info...
Here goes...
TX GEMINI: (March 1975-March 1977)
Early in 1975 Holden released its first world car. The T-car, as it was designated, was designed by General Motors to be produced by various divisions of its organisation, in different countries, under different badges.
In Germany, it was an Opel Kadett, in the UK it was the Vauxhall Chevette, in the USA the Chevrolet Chevette and so on. Each country tailored the car to its own requirements, using its own engines, transmission, trim etc. The huge cost of the original development was thus shared between GM divisions.
Australia's T-car, the TX Gemini, was a version of the Isuzu Gemini from Japan. Although Japanese in design and using an OHC motor and manual transmission imported from that country, the Gemini was produced at GM-H's Brisbane plant with a high degree of local content.
Sold in two body styles, a four door sedan and a two door coupe, it was an instant success, being voted Wheels car of the year and soon became the most popular four cylinder on the Australian market.
The biggest selling variant was the four-door SL Gemini; next was the two-door SL Gemini coupe. Also available was the price leading four-door Gemini.
All cars shared the same 1600 OHC engine and four speed floor shift manual transmission with a centre console on SL models.
Holdens Trimatic (T bar shift) automatic transmission was available as an option.
High backed full foam front bucket seats were standard on all cars, with recliners and better trim fitted to SL's.
All models had two column-mounted control stalks, hazard flashers and front disc brakes (power boosted on SL's).
The SL's equipment list also included push button AM radio with rear speaker, electric clock and ciggerette lighter. The dashboard was a one-piece foam pad with the instrument cluster unit deeply recessed.
Radio and heater controls were mounted centrally with two large face-level outlets above them, amd a small vent outlet at either end of the dash. The flow through venthilation system was fan boosted on all models and factory fitted integrated air conditioning was optional.
Sl's were distinguished externally with full wheel covers, pin striping, chrome sill mouldings and SL badges on front guards. The side window frames were blacked out and four door models had chrome mouldings along the top of both door frames.
Optional on SL coupes was a fashion pack (option number A8T) with coloured plaid seats and door triminserts and spoke type wheel covers.
Mechanical specification was slightly different from the normal small cars of the time, with front suspension utilising double wishbones and coils (rather than the ubiquitious MacPherson struts) and the rear suspension had a three link-and-coil set up with torque tube drive (not leaf springs or four links as usually found on opposition makes). Steering was by a front mounted rack and pinion.
The 1600 engine had chain driven overhead cam, cross flow alloy head, two barrel Nikki carborettor and cast iron free-flow exhaust header with teo outlets into a Y pipe. From November 1976 onwards, models had a single outlet exhuast header.
Differential assemblywas made by Borg Warner, Australia and rear brakes were duo-servo units very similar to LH and LX Toranas.
Early cars used the MSE type four speed transmission with reverse to the left. November 1975 saw the introduction of the MSG four speed gearbox with reverse to the right and back. This type was used on all later Gemini's.
Minor Features:
-early cars rear panel reading Holden Isuzu
-later cars rear panel reading Holden Gemini
-all models 13x4-1/2 steel wheels with 100mm four-stud wheel pattern.
-coupes had different tail light treatment to sedan with smaller, seperate reverse lights.
-large 10.9 cubic foot boot capacity.
-base model hub caps were HD/HR/LC/LJ/LH/LX items without painted centres
Specifications:
-Wheelbase 2404mm
-Front track 1301mm
-Rear track 1318mm
-Height 1318mm (1296mm coupe)
-Width 1570mm
-Length 4133mm
Engines:
1600 OHC (pre ADR 27A) Comp ratio...8.7 Output...63kW Eng#prefix...(Q suffix)
1600 OHC (post ADR 27A) Comp ratio...8.7 Output...61kW Eng#prefix...Q (suffix)
Transmissions:
-M20 Four-speed manual
-M40 three speed Trimatic T-bar
Final drive:
-Borg Warner 3.89 all models
Model Range:
8TE69 Gemini four door
8TF69 Gemini SL four door
8TF27 Gemini SL coupe
8TF27 (opt A8T) Gemini SL fashion pack coupe
Release dates:
Initial release: 6 March 1975
Fashion pack: April 1976
Prices at release:
Four door Gemini $4026
Four door SL $4335
two-door SL coupe $4482
Total produced: 43,099
TC GEMINI: (March 1977-April 1978)
The TC Gemini, the second version of the GM T-car, was a minor facelift of the original TX. Front appearance was enhanced by a vertical bar grille and at the rear by a silver garnish panel (TX rear panel was black). SLs gained new wheel covers similar to the TX but without the holes in the centre section.
To increase the Australian content, new Smiths heater/demister/venthilation system was used which did away with the two smaller vents at the ends of the dash fascia . Howeber, factory air conditioning cars retained these vents.
The fashion pack (option number A8T) previously only available on TX two door coupes, was made available on both two and four door SLs. A ride and handling suspension option package (option number ?9R) adding front stabilising bar and steel radial tyres was made available.
Early in the model life, a limited edition variant was inroduced called the Gemini Sandpiper. Both two door coupe and four door sedan versions were sold. They were identified by a black grille with chrome top edge, gold pin striping and 'Sandpiper" with a bird decal on the side rear quarter panel o\n coupes and on the rear doors for sedans. Wheel trims were Fashion pack items. Interior appointments included check cloth inserts in seats and door trims, wood grain dash inserts, radio/cassette combination and four spoke steering wheels. The ?9R suspension package was also fitted.
Minor features:
-door side impact beams used
-SL coupe had heated rear screen
Specifications:
-Engine, Transmission and final drive as for TX
Model Range:
TE69 Gemini four door
TF69 Gemini SL four door
TF69 (opt A8T) Gemini SL fashion pack four door
8TF69 (opt A9W)Gemini Sandpiper four door
8TF27 Gemini SL coupe
8TF27 (opt A8T) Gemini SL Fashion pack coupe
8TF27 (opt A9W) Gemini Sandpiper coupe
Release dates:
Initial release: March 1977
Sandpiper: April 1977
Prices at release:
Gemini four door $4925
Gemini SL four door $5290
Gemini Sandpiper $5540
Four door
Total produced: 17,256
TD GEMINI: (April 1978-October 1979)
The TD Gemini, launched in 1978, was a further facelift of the TX and TC models and included many upgrades and improvements as well as an increased model range.
New for TD was RTS (Radial tuned suspension) as used on the bigger Holdens and the availability of 5 speed manual gearbox.
Cosmetic changes included a new simpler grille, rectangular headlights, (round on basic models) and the rear number plate was moved above the bumper bar. New wheel trims were found on all models.
The model variants added to the range were a two door station wagon and a panelvan and the two and four door SL/E. The station wagons and panelvans shared the same basic body which was developed in Australia by GM-H. It utilised the Japanese front sheet metal and dash while the doors and all rear panels were sourced from Opel in Germany. All major mechanical components were shared with the two and four door sedan models.
The up-market SL/E Gemini, available as a two-door coupe and four-door sedan, used many interioer items from the TC Sandpiper, such as radio/cassette, four spoke steering wheel, timber dash inserts, and added velour seat trim and cut pile carpet with trim inserts on the doors.
The exterior was upgraded with chrome headlight and grille surrounds, chrome door window frames and GM-H designed alloy wheels (similar to Sunbird SL/E).
The new MSG five-speed gearbox was based on the well proven four-speed unit which had been used since November 1975 on TX and TC models. It was standard on the new SL/E and optional on all other models.
The differential was Holdens new small Salisbury unit as fitted to the UC Torana range and used tapered Timkin rear wheel bearings as found on all large Holdens since mid 1971.
In April 1979, rear brakes were changed from Torana style duo-servo type to the new Commodore rear drumassemblies.
The SL/E sedan was replaced by the SL/X four door in early 1979. It had slightly lower equipment levels than the SL/E but a much more attractive price. The SL/X lost thealloy wheels which were replaced by the fashion pack and Sandpiper spoked design wheel covers while the grille was black. The new model was aimed more at the younger sportymarket not so much at the luxury market.
The Gypsy package was made optional on panelvans and included extra instrumentation and identifying decals.
Minor Features:
-Gypsy van had a tacho in place of dash clock with amp/oil gauges and clock moved to centre console.
-Nylon plaid cloth inserts available on SLs and station wagons.
-Wheels were 13x5"
-Heated rear screens standard on all except base sedans, panelvans and station wagons.-SL/E coupe and four door used colour coded exterior mirrors similar to Sunbird SL/E and HZ Sandman
-SL/E door trims went to top of door
Specifications:
-Wheelbase 2404mm
-Front track 1301mm
-Rear track 1305mm
-Height sedan 1363mm, coupe 1341mm, wagon 1342mm, panelvan 1351mm
-Width 1570mm
-Length Sedan and coupe 4133mm, wagon and van 4158mm
Engine:
-As for TX and TC
Transmissions:
-M20 four speed manual
-M75 five speed manual
-M40 three speed Trimatic T-bar
Final drive Ratio:
Holden Small Salisbury 3.90 all models
Model Range:
8TE69 Gemini four door
8TE70 Gemini Panelvan
8TF15 Gemini Wagon
8TF69 Gemini SL four door
8TF69 (opt A8P) Gemini SL/X four door
8TF69 (opt A8J) Gemini SL/E four door
8TF27 Gemini SL coupe
8TF27 (opt A8J) Gemini SL/E coupe
Release dates:
Initial release: April 1978
SL/X March 1979
Prices at Release:
Gemini four door $5330
Gemini SL/E Four door $6380
Total produced 42,396
TE GEMINI: (October 1979-March 1982)
The TE series, introduced in late 1979, was the fourth Gemini T-car and the first involving major sheet metal changes.
Chassis and mechanical modifications were kept to a minimum, but the exterior was given all new front and rear styling, making the car appear bigger. The front grille and headlight area had a sloped style reminiscent of the Commodore, while the rear end was squared off with large tail light clusters fitted.
The bumper bars were then popular chrome bold square style with rubber ends. The front parking lights were vertically mounted at either end of the grille in a similar fashion to Commodore VB front blinkers.
The interior was as before. The only noticable change being the new instrument cluster with two large and two small dials and re-arranged warning lamps. SL/X sedans gained improved seating with adjustable headrests on the front bucket seats and high backed rear seat squabs.
The changes to the model line up were the dropping of the coupe
and SL/E models and the introduction early in 1981 of a diesel engined version of the SL/X (available only with five speed manual transmission).
The station wagon and panelvan models were not introduced at the same time as the sedans. They were delayed until early in the next year.
The Sandpiper returned as the Sandpiper II package in mid 1981 and the Gypsy panelvan was made a regular production option.
Mechanical changes other than the diesel were limited to revised manual gearbox ratios and changes to anti-pollution equipment to meet ADR 27B in 1981.
Minor features:
-Heated rear screen standard on station wagon
-Diesel SL/X used different gearbox ratios and fully imported differential assembly.
-New fully shrouded, colour-coded exterior mirrors fitted to all models except panelvan and base sedan.
-Remote mirrors also available.
-Base sedan and station wagon wheel trims same as TD
-SL and station wagon had new turbine style wheel covers.
-SL/X had pressed style road wheel with exposed nuts and centre caps.
-Base sedan and panelvan had different had different grilles from other cars in the range with round head lights.
-SL/X door trims went to top of the door.
-Gypsyvan had TD SL/E style alloy wheels and nylon plaid patterned seat trim insertsand TD SL/E four spoke steering wheel.
-Power booster fitted to brakes on all models including base sedan and panelvan.
Specifications:
-Wheelbase 2404mm
-Front track 1301mm
-Rear track 1305mm
-Height 1335mm
-Width 1570mm
-Length base sedan 4214mm, SL & SL/X sedans 4234mm, wagon 4276mm, panelvan 4259mm
Engines:
1600 OHC Comp ratio: 8.3 Output: 50kW Eng#Prefix: Q(suffix)
1800 Diesel Comp ratio: 21.0 Output: 40kW Eng#Prefix: I(suffix)
Transmissions:
-M20 four speed manual (petrol engine only)
-M75 five speed manual (petrol engine only)
-M76 five speed manual (diesel engine only)
-M40 three speed Trimatic (petrol engine only)
Final drive ratio:
-3.90 Holden small Salisbury (petrol engine)
-3.58 Isuzu Diff (diesel engine)
Model range:
8TE69 Gemini Four Door
8TE70 Gemini Panelvan
8TF15 Gemini Wagon
8TF69 Gemini SL four door
8TF69 (opt A9H) Gemini SL/X four door
8TF69 (opt A9W) Sandpiper II
Release dates:
Sedans October 1979
Panelvans and station wagons February 1980
SL/X Diesel March 1981
Sandpiper II June 1981
Prices at release:
Gemini four door $6240
Gemini SL/X four door $6890
Total produced: 70,567
TF GEMINI: (March 1982-March 1983)
March 1982 saw the introduction of the fifth T-car, the TF series Gemini.
The TF was similar to the TE but had many interior and exterior upgrades.
The SL/Xs grille and headlight arrangement resembled the VH commodore giving it a big car look.
All other models, including the base sedan and panelvan, had the same rectangular lights and a grille similar in design to the TE SL but with vertical as well as horizontal bars. All sedans recieved tail lights similar to the VHs louvre style lights.
Front blinker lights were mounted vertically each end of the grille and the side repeater lights of the previous models were deleted. The SL/X also had wide side mouldings at bumper height. The bumper bars were a new one piece polypropylene moulding, black in colour.
Changes inside included an all new dash fascia and instruments as well as a fully colour co-ordinated interior trim layout. The steering column and control stalks were shared with the upcoming JB Camira.
A limited edition shadow toned SL/X called the Star Sign Package was released early in 1982SL/X models had a model code of its own. No longer just an option number.
Minor Features:
-SL/X had quartz halogen head lights
-SL door trims went to the top of the door, window sill same as SL/X
-SL/X had a new design centre console
-Window winders were plastic and colour coded similar to Commodore
-New dash fascia had four face level air vents
-All models had dual horns
-Wheels offset 10mm further out making track 20mm wider front and rear
-Petrol engines had mechanical fuel pump (all previous models had an in-tank electrical unit)
-Belt driven air injection pump added to engine to reduce exhaust pollution without reducing performance
-SL/X model had full instrumentation (all in dash)
-Gypsy van had same instruments and steering wheel as SL/X
-Petrol engined manual four and five speed had wider spaced ratios
Specifications:
-Wheelbase 2404mm
-Front track 1321mm
-Rear track 1325mm
-Height 1330mm (1340mm wagon and van)
-Width 1570mm
-Length 4247mm
Engine, Trans & Diff:
-As for TE
Model Range:
-As for TE except SL/X now coded 8TV69, and Star Sign Package based on 8TV69 (opt V6Q)
Release Dates:
Initial Release March 1982
Star Sign Package April 1982
Prices at Release:
Gemini four door $7370
Gemini SL/X four door $8370
Total Produced: 28,326
TG GEMINI: (March 1983-April 1985)
The sixth and final T-car, the TG Gemini series, was released in March 1983. Similar in many ways to the TF, the range was enlarged and many models were upgraded. The new addition to the range was the strangely named ZZ/Z sedan, an SL/X level car with sport alloy wheels, front and rear spoilers, front guard wind splitters and other sports type enhancements.
All cars from base sedan and panelvan upwards recieved SL/X type seats with adjustable head rests and were trimmed in vinyl or cloth to suit the particular model.
The SL models recieved the TF SL/X wheel covers and the SL/X their own new design covers. The SLs also had the SL/Xs grille and headlights.
One other change to the line up was the station wagon which was badged and equipped as an SL. All previous model station wagons had been trimmed above the base sedan level but below the SL trim and equipment level.
Minor Features:
-SL/X used four spoke steering wheel from TD and TE SL/E and SL/X
-All models had analogue clocks standard except SL/X and ZZ/Z which were digital
-Heated rear screen standard on all models
Specifications:
-Engines, Transmissions and final drive as for TF.
Model Range:
-As for TF except for ZZ/Z based on 8TV69 (opt U4E)
Release date:
All models March 1983
Prices at Release:
Gemini four door $7920
Gemini SL/X Four door $9050
Total produced: 24,675
Only took 4 goes at it but there it is the whole article!! Enjoy!!