Auction Highlight: 1988 Holden Commodore VL SS Group A SV

While roadgoing homologation specials aren’t hard to find in the market, ones with four doors are much less common than coupe counterparts. Among their numbers are certain versions of the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, the Citroen BX 4TC, and of course the Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5-16 Evo II.

However, it’s not just the Europeans and Japanese that can claim to have form with this particular niche. In 1987, Britain-based Tom Walkinshaw Racing teamed up with Australia’s most famous vehicle manufacturer to establish ‘Holden Special Vehicles’. While this sub-brand would go on to create some remarkable cars over the next 30 years, it all started with the subject of this week’s Auction Highlight – the four-door Holden Commodore VL SS Group A SV.

Not strictly badged as ‘a HSV’ (that would come soon afterwards with the Calais-based SV88), this special Commodore was nonetheless the first offering from the brand, and was built to homologate the model for Group A touring car competition.

The boxy shape of the practical family car was given a dramatic makeover with a deep front bumper, side skirts, and a substantial rear spoiler over the bootlid. Under the bonnet was a 4.9-litre V8 producing up to 180kW, with twin throttle body and electronic fuel injection.

While just 500 cars were planned, a further 250 examples were built to satisfy demand from customers. All of them were finished in Panorama Silver, and the factory specification included a Momo steering wheel, air conditioning, and electric windows.

Believed to have had just three owners from new, this Commodore VL SS Group A SV was reported to remain in highly original condition. It had also been freshly serviced prior to the auction, by a mechanic who was factory-trained to work on these cars when they were new.

By the time the auction drew to a close, this very rare consignment had attracted more than 15,000 views, reflecting its status as a true Aussie ‘cult classic’. It went on to secure a winning bid of A$221,000, making it one of the most expensive Holden vehicles ever sold on the platform.