The story of the Holden Commodore begins in 1978, during a time when Australia was feeling the effects of the global oil crisis. Holden needed a response to changing market demands. The company took a bold step by replacing their popular full-size HZ Kingswood with a smaller, more fuel-efficient model – the VB Commodore.
This decision wasn’t taken lightly. The development process was extensive and expensive, with costs reportedly blowing out to around A$110 million – a figure that was close to developing an entirely new model from scratch. This massive investment demonstrated Holden’s commitment to creating a vehicle that would truly resonate with Australian drivers.
The Foundation of a Dynasty
The first-generation VB Commodore wasn’t just a car; it was the beginning of a 14-model dynasty that would span more than four decades of Australian automotive history. Based on the Opel Rekord E and Senator A platforms, the original Commodore required extensive modifications to handle the harsh Australian conditions.
Engineers reinforced the structure, overhauled the suspension, and replaced the steering system. These changes resulted in only 35 percent commonality with the original Opel design. The modifications paid off dramatically, with the VB Commodore winning the prestigious Wheels Car of the Year award in 1978.
Evolution Through the Decades
The Early Years (1978-1988)
The Commodore didn’t simply appear fully formed. It evolved through a series of iterations, each addressing the wants and needs of Australian drivers. The early models – VB, VC, VH, VK, and VL – established the Commodore’s reputation for reliability, performance, and value.
The VC model introduced the now-legendary “Blue” engines, replacing the earlier “Red” units. These engines featured significant improvements including new cylinder heads, redesigned combustion chambers, and improved intake and exhaust systems. These changes improved efficiency and driveability – critical factors for Australian motorists.
The VL Commodore marked a significant turning point, featuring a Nissan-sourced six-cylinder engine. This move was initially controversial but proved highly successful. The engine was more refined and fuel-efficient than its predecessors, helping cement the Commodore’s position in the market.
The Golden Era (1988-2000)
The second and third generations saw the Commodore truly come into its own. The VN series, introduced in 1988, brought a more muscular design language and powerful engine options, including a 5.0-liter V8 that produced 165 kW (221 hp). This model helped Holden recover financially, posting an operating profit of A$157.3 million in 1989.
The VP, VR, and VS models that followed continued to refine the formula, adding safety features, improved interior appointments, and enhanced performance. By the time the VT Commodore arrived in 1997, the model had become Australia’s best-selling car and a genuine cultural icon.
The VT series won the Wheels Car of the Year award in 1997, marking the fourth time a Commodore had received this honor. Its success was so profound that it became the best-selling Commodore model to date, cementing its place as Australia’s favorite car.
Modern Evolution (2000-2017)
The VX, VY, and VZ models introduced more sophisticated technology, improved safety systems, and even more powerful engines. In 1999, the venerable Holden 5.0-liter V8 gave way to the imported 5.7-liter Generation III V8, which initially produced 220 kW (295 hp) but would eventually be tuned to deliver 250 kW (335 hp).
The fourth-generation VE and VF Commodores, built from 2006 to 2017, represented the model’s peak. Unlike earlier generations that were based on Opel platforms, these cars were entirely designed and engineered in Australia on the Holden-developed Zeta platform. The VE featured sophisticated independent suspension all around and near-perfect 50:50 weight distribution.
The final VF II models, introduced in 2015, featured the powerful 6.2-liter LS3 V8 engine, producing an impressive 304 kW (408 hp) and 570 N⋅m (420 lb⋅ft) of torque. This engine, combined with refined handling and excellent dynamics, made the last Commodores truly world-class performance vehicles.
Racing Heritage and Motorsport Success
The Bathurst Connection
No discussion of the Holden Commodore would be complete without mentioning its illustrious racing pedigree. The Mount Panorama Circuit at Bathurst became the spiritual home of the Commodore, where it fought legendary battles against its perennial rival, the Ford Falcon.
The Commodore’s first Bathurst 1000 victory came in 1980, with Peter Brock and Jim Richards piloting a VB Commodore to victory. This began a dynasty that would see the Commodore become the most successful nameplate in the history of Australian touring car racing.
The racing versions of the Commodore didn’t share many mechanical components with their road-going counterparts, but the visual connection was strong, and success on the track translated directly to sales in the showroom. Australians loved their motorsport, and winning at Bathurst was the ultimate endorsement.
Holden Special Vehicles (HSV)
The creation of Holden Special Vehicles (HSV) in 1987, in partnership with Tom Walkinshaw Racing, took the Commodore’s performance credentials to new heights. HSV produced a series of high-performance variants that combined racetrack capability with road-going practicality.
Models like the VL SS Group A SV (nicknamed the “Walkinshaw”) featured aerodynamic body kits, uprated engines, and improved handling. The Walkinshaw’s distinctive styling and powerful performance made it an instant classic, and today these cars command premium prices among collectors.
Later HSV models like the GTS, Senator, and ClubSport continued this tradition of excellence, offering performance that could rival European sports sedans at a fraction of the price. The ultimate expression came with the HSV GTS of the VF era, which packed a supercharged 6.2-liter LSA V8 engine producing a staggering 430 kW (577 hp).
Cultural Impact and Legacy
An Australian Icon
The Commodore transcended its status as just a car to become a genuine cultural icon in Australia. It represented Australian ingenuity, toughness, and the ability to create world-class products in a relatively small market. For many Australian families, the Commodore was the vehicle of choice for decades.
From police cars to taxis, from race cars to family cruisers, the Commodore was everywhere in Australian society. Its versatility and reliability made it the backbone of many fleets, while its performance capabilities ensured it remained desirable to enthusiasts.
The End of an Era
The Australian automotive landscape changed dramatically in the 2010s. Rising costs, a strong Australian dollar, and changing consumer preferences made local manufacturing increasingly difficult. In December 2013, Holden announced that it would cease manufacturing operations in Australia by the end of 2017.
The last Australian-built Commodore, a red VF II SS-V Redline, rolled off the production line on October 20, 2017. It marked the end of an era not just for Holden but for Australian manufacturing as a whole. The Commodore name continued briefly on an imported front-wheel-drive model based on the Opel Insignia, but this car shared nothing with its predecessor except the badge.
In February 2020, General Motors announced that the Holden brand would be retired by 2021, bringing to a close over 160 years of history. The Commodore, once Australia’s favorite car, had reached the end of its journey.
The Commodore’s Technical Evolution
Engine Development
At the heart of every great muscle car is a powerful engine, and the Commodore was no exception. From the original “Red” and “Blue” straight-six and V8 engines to the final LS3 V8, the Commodore’s powerplants evolved dramatically over the years.
The early VB models offered a choice of 2.85-liter six-cylinder or 4.2-liter and 5.0-liter V8 engines. These were robust, if somewhat unsophisticated, powerplants that delivered decent performance by the standards of the day. The 5.0-liter V8 in particular became a favorite among enthusiasts for its torquey character and tuning potential.
A major milestone came in 1988 with the introduction of fuel injection on the VL Commodore SS Group A. This technology, which replaced the carburetors used previously, improved power delivery, fuel efficiency, and emissions. By the VN model, multi-point fuel injection had become standard across the V8 range.
The introduction of the imported Gen III V8 in 1999 represented another quantum leap. This all-aluminum engine was lighter and more powerful than its predecessor, and would eventually evolve into the Gen IV and finally the LS3 V8 used in the last Commodore models. The final 6.2-liter LS3 V8 produced 304 kW (408 hp) and 570 N⋅m (420 lb⋅ft) of torque—figures that would have seemed unimaginable in 1978.
Chassis and Handling
While engines often get the glory, the Commodore’s chassis development was equally impressive. From the beginning, Holden engineers understood that the European-designed Opel platform would need significant modification to handle Australian conditions.
The VE Commodore, introduced in 2006, represented the pinnacle of this development. Built on the Australian-designed Zeta platform, it featured sophisticated multi-link independent suspension at all four corners, near-perfect weight distribution, and a rigid body structure. These attributes gave the VE and subsequent VF models handling that could compete with European sports sedans costing twice as much.
Collecting and Appreciation
Rising Values
As with many discontinued performance cars, certain Commodore models have begun to appreciate in value. Early HSV models, especially the VL Group A SV “Walkinshaw,” command premium prices at auction. Limited-edition models like the VS GTS-R and W427 are also highly sought after.
The final VF II models, particularly the SS-V Redline and HSV GTS, have already begun to appreciate. As the last Australian-built performance cars, they represent the end of an era and will likely continue to increase in value in the coming years.
Preservation and Restoration
A growing community of enthusiasts is dedicated to preserving and restoring significant Commodore models. From early VB SS models to final VF II examples, these cars are being maintained in original condition or sympathetically restored to ensure they survive for future generations to enjoy.
Clubs and events dedicated to the Commodore provide a social aspect to ownership, allowing enthusiasts to share their passion and knowledge. Online forums and social media groups help owners solve problems and find rare parts for their cars.
FAQs
When was the first Holden Commodore produced?
The first Holden Commodore (VB series) was introduced in October 1978 as a replacement for the Kingswood.
What was the most powerful factory Commodore?
The most powerful factory Commodore was the HSV GTS Gen-F, which featured a supercharged 6.2-liter LSA V8 producing 430 kW (577 hp).
How many generations of Commodore were produced in Australia?
Four generations of Commodore were produced in Australia from 1978 to 2017, spanning 14 model series from VB to VF II.
Why did Holden stop making the Commodore?
Rising manufacturing costs, changing consumer preferences toward SUVs, and economic factors led to Holden ceasing Australian manufacturing in 2017.
What was the Commodore’s biggest racing achievement?
The Commodore is the most successful nameplate in Australian Touring Car Championship/V8 Supercars history, with multiple Bathurst 1000 victories.
Is the Holden Commodore still being made?
No, production of the Commodore ended in 2020 when General Motors announced the retirement of the Holden brand.
What makes the Commodore a muscle car?
The Commodore’s combination of rear-wheel drive, powerful V8 engines, performance-oriented models, and racing heritage qualify it as a true muscle car.
Which Commodore models are the most collectible?
Limited-edition models like the VL Group A SV, VS GTS-R, W427, and the final VF II SS-V Redline are among the most collectible.
The End of a Legacy, But Not the Memory
Though production has ended, the Holden Commodore’s legacy lives on in the hearts of Australian car enthusiasts. For over 40 years, it represented the best of Australian automotive engineering and design, creating memories that will last for generations.
From family road trips to Bathurst victories, from first cars to prized collectibles, the Commodore has touched the lives of millions of Australians. Its story is intertwined with the history of Australia itself, representing both the triumphs and challenges of manufacturing in a global economy.
The Holden Commodore may no longer roll off production lines, but its spirit continues in the preserved examples that grace our roads and the stories shared among those who loved them. In this way, the Commodore’s journey isn’t over—it’s simply entered a new chapter as a beloved classic.
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