1978 Holden Gemini Panelvan (base model) review from Australia and New Zealand

Like most Geminis with fat tyres, the torque tube has suffered with repeated abuse off the line - however, that said, their differentials are extremely good, so torque tube breakage is easily dealt with.

The seats often work themselves loose - every six months or so...

The high beams turn on when I indicate with the headlights on.

The rear bumper needs some help to stay on - panel van bumpers are prone to abuse being commercial vehicles.

The head gasket blew recently, 10 years after it was last attended to - that's not bad!!!

While my Gemini may be a van, it handles like an absolute demon. It runs 205/60 14 rubber on BMW steel rims, and is equipped with Pedders after-market lowered shocks and springs.

I race it frequently at Mallala raceway and am very happy with the handling (wish I had some race tyres though...).

The seats are very comfortable and I have no problems spending all day in them when I travel to Sydney from my home town (about 1800km away). They are wearing, but good-condition replacements are cheap. The interior is very worn, but this is normal for a 1978 Gemini - it has plenty of room, and can accommodate a 6 foot person sleeping in the load area (just).