Holden’s RB Gemini is an often ignored, overlooked and even hated car. But, it fills an interesting niche in Holden’s history.
Owner: Richard
- Easy to work on
- Great value and low car club scene entry price
- 80s retro style and feel
- Rarity
- Appreciation potential
- Can struggle on Highway hills
- Front end niggles
- Parts supply
- Misunderstood by quite a few
- Lack of AC in summer
Out of all models across all the nameplates, it would have to be one of the slowest selling, with only around 16,000 ever produced from May 1985 to April 1987 (and new ones still for sale in November 1988). After rear-wheel drive Gemini production wound up at Acacia Ridge in the summer of 1984-85, and WB production wound up at Elizabeth at the same time, the RB was brought in to fill the space at Elizabeth on Holden’s first mostly automated assembly line – this line went on to produce the much loved VN Commodore. It was a financial disaster, and would have contributed to Holden’s 1986 near death experience. But despite this, there are a handful of enthusiasts who cherish their beloved RB Geminis.
Engineered primarily by Isuzu as a genuine world car, it was launched globally in early 1985. Styled by Giorgetto Giugiaro, the creator of the Lotus Espirit, DeLorean and Mk1 Golf, it was sold in the EU as an Isuzu Gemini, and in the US as the Chevrolet Spectrum and the Isuzu I-Mark.
Offered only as a sedan with a 52kW 1.5-litre motor, it was available in an everyday SLX trim, or a more luxurious SLE trim. Basic equipment on the SLX included heater, AM/FM radio, 13-inch steel rims with hubcaps and cloth trim, with optional air con. The SLE added 14-inch alloys, colour coded bumpers, full instrumentation, and the option of power steering. Buyers had the choice of a 5-speed manual or a 3-speed auto. A 3-door hatch was offered overseas, but not here.
The layout for the RB was a switch to front-wheel drive – this did not endear it to most driving enthusiasts, despite the improved packaging and weight reduction.
It went against the Toyota Corolla, Ford Laser, Nissan Pulsar and even Holden’s own Astra – and with 16,000 sold over 2 years, came off second best. It means that surviving examples are hard to come across, as few were treated well and preserved, due to lack of popularity.
With rarity come particular headaches – parts can be very hard to find, with certain low volume items unobtainable – lower control arm bushes, for example. Other parts are available from US/EU where the RB Gemini was sold under other names (my rear motor mount came from US). To date, no Australian aftermarket workshop manual has been produced for the RB Gemini, however lucky owners find the factory workshop manual somewhat useful.
But – onto the car itself. This is a review after all!!
This RB Gemini rolled out of Elizabeth in December 1985, and was first owned by an elderly couple from Port Pirie SA, delivered via Newitts of Crystal Brook SA on around the 3rd of February 1986. The car stayed in the one family for 33 years before I purchased it in July 2019 in Adelaide for $2200 and promptly drove it over 1000km back to Forbes, NSW.
From the outside it is a tiny car by today’s standards. A kerb weight of 870kg and boxy styling mean you feel every breath of crosswind. The paint is Alpine White. By 1985 standards it’s a very modern design with flush fitting glass, and gutter-less roof rails.
Under the bonnet lies an Isuzu 4XC1 1.5-litre motor, producing 53kW and 117Nm of torque. It is very easy to work on, until you need to change the timing belt, which can be an engine out job.
Behind the wheel, the seat comfort is reasonable, but rear space is a bit cramped. The controls and instruments are very easy to read and use. This example is just on 111,000km. As minimal as the seats appear, they do offer all day driving comfort.
There is no air conditioning in this car, so it is hot motoring in the summer time. The original AM/FM radio sits in the dash for appearance’s sake – it died, so an aftermarket unit was wired in and sits in the glove box, bringing Bluetooth connectivity to 80s motoring. The heater works well enough but overall it is difficult to keep the glass de-fogged on cold and humid days.
Out on the road, the motor is eager enough, with adequate performance around town and a nice little exhaust note. Highway driving is quite enjoyable if it’s flat enough. Throw in some hills at 90-110km/h, and you’ll find the 3-speed auto hunting between gears. Whilst this is a December 85 build, with the wide nozzle hole for leaded/super fuel, it will run 100% fine on regular 91 (though I’d never put e10 in it). Highway consumption is 7.5-8 litres per 100 kilometres, rising to about 9L/100km in town.
Steering is not inspiring, but does the job. Handling can be quite nimble when it needs to be. The brakes pull up the car strongly.
Reliability has been hit and miss, as a car in the fourth decade of its life can be. A faulty ignition system saw me break down on the Alpine Way, with a two-night wait for parts and repairs in nearby Corryong. Also there has been a front end vibration that keeps coming back, no matter what I do!
Whilst even cars at the bottom end of the historic car market have moved up considerably of late, cars such as the RB Gemini still present a great value entry into the car club/show scene, especially when you consider how much a VK/VL Commodore of the same vintage goes for these days. Its rarity ensures it turns heads, and to date I’ve yet to see another RB Gemini in the flesh outside of a wreckers. Today UTV031 lives on as one of my special interest cars, accompanying me on my “Used to be a Holden Dealer” road trips, and recently retracing the Hume and Pacific Highways of its period.
Owner: Richard
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