Holden VH Commodore - Best Yet?

[@markbehr88]

Here is my latest episode in the Holden Commodore History Series - the VH. Please enjoy and help me out by hitting the Like Button 👍 and Please Subscribe. 👍

[@deanstevenson6527]

🔘✔️

[@Eric-kn4yn]

Improved areodyamics VH slippery thru the air for VH lower bonnet / hood get dress up kit and areodynamics worse as well as looks.

[@markbehr88]

@@deanstevenson6527 😀👍

[@markbehr88]

@@Eric-kn4yn Yes. 👍

[@Eric-kn4yn]

​​​​@@markbehr88 if i had a dollar 4 every guy that regrets selling that certain car id be very wealthy.

[@Seiskid]

The SLEs were one of the smartest looking cars holden made. They've dated well and still look great today.

[@markbehr88]

@@Seiskid Agree. And we love the chrome bumpers too. 👍

[@JimmyShields-z2h]

Of all cars i own its one i miss not for economy but driving experience especially on dirt roads. I had SLX moran red with gold pin stripping, nice tan cloth seats, 202 six with 3 speed automatic which was built proof. Always wanted SLE two tone with 308 V8 automatic, i like how this model had rear seat head rest it complete total looks.

[@markbehr88]

@@JimmyShields-z2h Yes I like those rear head rests. It is one of the aspects I really like on my EB Ghia too. 👍

[@leewright7623]

Lovely. I was lucky enough to own a 5.0 midnight (?) blue over asteroid silver. Adjustable Koni's all round with a warm built blue motor riding on Walkinshaw wheels.

[@markbehr88]

@@leewright7623 Nice. 👍

[@kelvinh8327]

The two-tone SLE was just gorgeous, and that was when you could get different coloured interiors rather than the dreadful black or grey you have today.

[@markbehr88]

@@kelvinh8327 Agree. Very nice cars. 👍

[@Samsgarden]

Calling a Commodore gorgeous is a stretch. 😆

[@markbehr88]

@@Samsgarden Not for a shadow-tone SL/E I reckon. 🤔

[@tonxbezzina7015]

Other than the VL Calais the shadow tone VH commodore is the classiest commodore ever made.

[@markbehr88]

@@tonxbezzina7015 I would agree. 👍

[@lancegraham7722]

I agree, but the vs series 2 calais was an absolute beauty of a car.

[@UncleJoeLITE]

Copy that.

[@markbehr88]

@@lancegraham7722 Yes. I’ll get to those. 👍

[@commodorenut]

@@lancegraham7722 Yes, for sure - that's why I still own my VS2 Calais nearly 25 years on.

[@davidmcnamara8759]

Im with you the VH is my fav Commodore Im still daily driving my VZ

[@markbehr88]

@@davidmcnamara8759 yes, great model in the shadowtone. 👍

[@NealeRyder]

In New Zealand the VH Royale was also available with the 3.3l engine. They were pretty much an SL/E without air con, trip computer and cruise control. I have one in Ice Green with green interior, it has been tucked away in the shed for the last 25 years.

[@markbehr88]

@@NealeRyder Cool. I did not know it came as a 3.3 also? 👍

[@Philly-lq6zr]

Glad you still have it 😊 IT A KEEPER

[@markbehr88]

@@Philly-lq6zr 👍Agree

[@lundsweden]

IMO the VH's seemed higher quality in terms of build, paint and the interior fittings than some of the later Commodores, particularly the VN. Everything on the VH's seemed solid, well and lasted well. My Father had a yellow (!) VH station wagon with bone/brown (!) interior, still looked good inside and out when he sold it around '93 or so.

[@markbehr88]

@@lundsweden Yes, I think that is a fair call. 👍

[@royferntorp]

Thanks again Mark. I was underwhelmed with the VH. Mainly because a friend bought one with the Starfire. I had just bought a little 1.3 Corolla that out-performed it on every level.

[@markbehr88]

@@royferntorp Thanks. With that Starfire engine I can understand that, but I liked the design of the car with the V8 engines. 👍

[@Eric-kn4yn]

​​@@markbehr88V8 cant beat the exhaust note dont forget.

[@markbehr88]

@@Eric-kn4yn That’s right. 👍

[@gb18407]

I had a VH starfire 4 spd man and it was a piece of junk. My VC 202 powered 4 spd manual was way better.

[@markbehr88]

@@gb18407 Yes the Starfire was a boat anchor. 🫣

[@michaelhart5886]

I remember as a 6 year old kid my dad buying his VH commodore vacationer wagon in the same colour as the one in the picture. Great times

[@markbehr88]

@@michaelhart5886 Nice memories. 👍

[@FLT111]

My old man had a Holden Commodore VL SL 1981 (1986-2001). Great car, very reliable. He had Holden Commodore VL Executive hub caps on it. The car was stolen in May/June 2001 and whoever took it, took it for a joy ride. My dad had just put new Bob Jane tires on and sad to say they were basically worn out when we found the car a few days later. A few months later we sold the car.

[@markbehr88]

That’s no good. My next Commodore episode will be VL, so please Subscribe. 👍

[@shaunmillsom557]

Your videos are amazing mate, brings back so many memories. Keep it up!! 🙂

[@markbehr88]

Thanks very much. 👍

[@richardbrimble1319]

Great video Mark thanks

[@markbehr88]

Thanks very much. 👍

[@philip4193]

Owned an '82 VH SL/X 4.2L V8 auto (duel exhaust & 4bbl Quadrajet carb, so had reasonable poke for the time) in the early 00's in metallic green with matching green interior. By then it was a well-worn 20yr old car with over 200K kms plus on the clock & the beginnings of some rust on the underside of the doors, but it was still a great reliable daily driver and the aircon still blew ice cold. Got stolen in the city one night however when it was recovered by the coppers out in the ghetto a week later (unbelievably undamaged overall & good to go minus the busted ignition lock) I had already dropped a deposit down on another replacement car (a '95 EF Futura) so I sold it to the recovery yard for cheap. Wish I still had that car now though as they are worth big $$$ these days!

[@markbehr88]

@@philip4193 Yes, it would be worth quite a few bob. 👍

[@ashleytidd-w9i]

Had a 253 4 speed VH when I was young,40 years ago.Had 304 VN and VS SS later but still missed the old VH .Best model commodore made.Have VF SS at the moment,brilliant car but but still love a good VH.

[@sweet17777]

I remember my dad trading his VB SL for a VH SLE and as a kid being blown away how luxurious it was.

[@markbehr88]

@@sweet17777 Wow. That is a big step up! 👍

[@sweet17777]

@markbehr88 Crank windows and plastic vinyl seats to 308 power, electric windows, and velour seats were a leap.

[@markbehr88]

@@sweet17777 You wouldn’t have known yourself. 👍

[@70XU1]

Thanks for another informative video 👍

[@markbehr88]

@@70XU1 My pleasure. 👍

[@langfordrae2589]

Like the Falcon series I find these videos very interesting.

[@markbehr88]

@@langfordrae2589 Thanks. Glad you enjoy them. 👍

[@mick00000000002]

Anytime i see a upload. Will get a thumps up and a comment. Help your channel. God bless mate. )

[@markbehr88]

Thanks very much 👍👍👍

[@DMT267]

It appears we have a few things in common, Mark. I worked at a Holden dealership 1983 / 84 & 85. The VH SLE 2 tone blue over silver was my absolute favourite and always will be. Our General Manager had one as a demo. When I drove it around the yard and detailed it, I thought I was king of castle. Great memories. Thanks once again.

[@markbehr88]

@@DMT267 Thanks very much. I worked for Holden from 1989 to 1998. 👍

[@kimbo167]

Got my L's in a poverty pack VH , manual. As a 17 yo, I worked in a car yard in Adelaide as the "yard rat" , awful name but got my love of cars there, managed to drive every now and then a blue/silver SLE. Thought I was very special. Got a VB at 18. I still think as others have mentioned, probably the smartest looking (excluding VL Calais)

[@markbehr88]

@@kimbo167 Great memories hey. 👍

[@chuckselvage3157]

A mate of mine had a SL/E with the 308 auto dual exhaust...quite a nice automobile in SL/E trim..we ended up putting a mild cam and a slightly bigger 4bbl carb and it went great. He ended up selling it though and he's now kicking himself a bit. 😮He's always up me to not sell my XR8 ute lol. I said no way. Thanks for the new episode.

[@markbehr88]

@@chuckselvage3157 Thanks. Yes, he should have kept that. Those engine mods would have let it breathe a lot better. 👍

[@Dylan_Mulvaney_OFFICIAL]

Thanks Mark. I used to own a White over silver VK Calais EFI 6. Looking forward to the video on the VK series.

[@markbehr88]

@@Dylan_Mulvaney_OFFICIAL Cool. Yes, that will be next Commodore off the rank. 👍

[@Dico6]

Very interesting, thanks for posting.

[@markbehr88]

@@Dico6 Cheers 👍

[@apostlestumpy]

I was lucky to have a ex Hume Highway Special with what could only be described as a full race pack including a "Black motor" which had 330hp at the wheels. It had a complete Group 3 kit on it and really stood out in canary yellow! That car looked, sounded and went like no other!

[@markbehr88]

@@apostlestumpy I bet you miss it now? 🤔👍

[@apostlestumpy]

@@markbehr88 beyond belief! Unfortunately the young fella that bought it from the car yard that bought it from me, T-boned another car at high speed killing the passenger and putting the engine in the boot!

[@markbehr88]

@@apostlestumpy Terrible. For the person and the car. So many good cars have ended up like that. 🥲

[@danozism]

Love it Mark. The VH was a killer car. Cheers

[@markbehr88]

@@danozism Thanks. Definitely one of my favourites too. 👍

[@LeTessier916]

Another great video Mark. There are a couple of shadow tone SL/Es on carsales at the moment with prices in the $50K+ Amazing for what I thought was a very run of the mill vehicle only recently. Great in their day though

[@markbehr88]

@@LeTessier916 Thanks very much. Wow. That is a lot of money! I really like them but not for $50k. 🤔

[@robdavis4527]

I really like the VH they had the better interior and the two different colours in the SLE , but even the SLX was nice

[@markbehr88]

@@robdavis4527 Yes. I think there were six different two tone colours. Two blues, two greens and two reds. 👍

[@commodorenut]

I think the SL/X fared best with the shadowtone interiors, as they were the only ones to get the 2 colours on the doors in that nice pattern - which stood out well in brown, blue, and less so in red. In SL/E the shadowtone depended on the interior colour - only Indigo (blue) and Tanbark (brown) had the option of the two tones, and what got changed varied too - tanbark kept the same light brown velour, but got dark brown everywhere else. Indigo kept the dark blue everywhere else, but got light or dark velour on the seats, doors & roof. Claret and Spruce (green) only had single tone interior trim.

[@commodorenut]

@@markbehr88 That's correct - there were 6 exterior shadowtone combos (Reds were Claret & Venetian, Blues were Indigo & Tahitian, Greens were Spruce & Rhone). I gave Warren my VB-VL data for his black book, so you can check details like that if you have a copy.

[@markbehr88]

@@commodorenut It’s great to have that kind of source material. 👍

[@markbehr88]

@@commodorenut I agree. I particularly liked the tan and brown in the SLX. 👍

[@martinh9120]

Love your comment about Les Vaggs at Pennant Hills, i spent my best days at that dealership. another great preso Mark, thanks

[@markbehr88]

@@martinh9120 Thanks very much. Years later, when I was a Regional Manager at Holden, I used to visit the same dealership under the Barry Smith Holden id. 👍

[@barrycuda3769]

@@markbehr88 Are you in NSW now , or Victoria?

[@markbehr88]

@@barrycuda3769 Vic. 👍

[@barrycuda3769]

@@markbehr88 I was just curious . In late 1988 and 1989 , I lived in Melbourne , and I worked for "Solar Tint" , Wickham Road , Moorabbin , tinting car windows. As I recall "Perfectune" , "Yella Terra " ,was on the same road . I remember one day , me and another guy were sent to a Holden dealership to pick up two VL Walkinshaw's and take them back to the shop for tinting , I was bristling with the excitement of getting to drive one , but unfortunately it ended up that they only wanted one tinted , and I went back to base in a Toyota van . 😩

[@markbehr88]

@@barrycuda3769 Gee. What a let down. From VL Walkinshaw to Toyota van. What a pain in the Hiace! I lived in Syd until 1994, then transferred as National Sales Manager for Holden NZ, then to Melb in 1997 as Senior Product Planner for Large Cars at Fishermans Bend. Never left Melb after that. 👍

[@brendanmeadors3099]

Another great vid mark. Always loved the vh sl/e as well. The fins on top of the guards on the grp 3 were called wind splitters a nice touch I reckon

[@markbehr88]

@@brendanmeadors3099 Thanks very much. Yes, the SL/E in the VH was one of Holden’s all time best. 👍

[@johno6963]

I had an indigo blue over silver SL/E 1981 model back in 1992 the guy who I bought it off was the original owner. had done a bit of work to it, it was a 5l yellow terra heads and 4 Speed manual m21 had the trip computer which actually worked quite well for memory and my one had the dark blue leather interior I remember winding it out to 200 k's an hour it did quite easily of course I sold the car many years ago but I wish I still had it. I miss that car.

[@markbehr88]

Rare in a manual too. 👍

[@GerardDaly-y1n]

Les vagg holden a life time ago. Red and silver with red interior for me .thanks for the memories

[@markbehr88]

@@GerardDaly-y1n Thanks Gerard. I’ll take dark blue over silver. 👍

[@shaun30-3-mg9zs]

Hi Mark, Hope your well, you can see the difference from the VC to the VH Commodore , bigger head lights and the wrap around tail lights making the car more modern look. I was surprised that the 4.2 and 5.0 V8 still had the 4 speed manual as the 4 and 6 cylinder engines came with a 5 speed. The alloy wheels ( 12:40 ) were and identical design on the new 1982 Vaxhall Carlton CD and CDX ( MK2 Carlton ) a more aerodynamic body. I do like the two tone paint work I like the blue over silver. As always a great video, catch you soon Take care

[@markbehr88]

@@shaun30-3-mg9zs Thanks Shaun. I would say they are the same wheel or a direct licensed copy. 👍

[@commodorenut]

@@markbehr88 Up close they are quite different - the Aussie stuff seems to be "inspired" by Europe, but then refined into a much nicer and more cohesive design. The whole Family 2 theme was being pushed at the time. I'm so glad Leo had his way with the VH tail lights, and we didn't end up with those horrible huge Senator ones.....

[@markbehr88]

Definitely a family theme going on there. 👍

[@gregidour7315]

Top work sir. Next up, the black motor.

[@markbehr88]

@@gregidour7315Thank you. Yes, the VK is quite a big upgrade. 👍

[@ckaparos]

Hi Mark, as you do I also love the VH sle one my my most favourite commodores of all time.

[@markbehr88]

Yes, one of the best ever Commodores for sure. 👍

[@chriss1905]

Another enjoyable vid Mark, really cannot wait for the VN one ( I've got a 1990 series II VN Executive with 134,000kms on the clock. ) Keep 'em coming ❤👍

[@markbehr88]

@@chriss1905 Thanks very much. I joined Holden at VN. That will be a big episode. 👍

[@chriss1905]

@@markbehr88 check out my video of my VN on KZbin - VN Holden Commodore series II November 1990 build. Shes a lovely original example, I've had her just on 6 years now.

[@chriss1905]

​@@markbehr88kzbin.info/www/bejne/bWO4Y36AppatqsUsi=wKWsSNdMOQ6Hcdhu

[@markbehr88]

@@chriss1905 Thanks. I had so many different ones as company cars. From Exec V6 to Exec V8 to Calais manual V8. 👍

[@MitchTube]

So many memories! I’ve been in several of those and they seemed so fast….meanwhile the wife now has a Mazda 3 with more power 😜

[@markbehr88]

@@MitchTube Yes, it is a bit like that but these cars were light and felt more in touch from the road. The new cars seem to distance you from it. 👍

[@peter9117]

Great video Mark. I had VB,VH,VK,VS. VH was easily the best looking of the first series but I loved the Nissan 6 in my mates VL. VS was the best styled version of the VN, fantastic engine with grunt and economy.

[@markbehr88]

@@peter9117 Thanks. You’ve certainly had a few. 👍

[@flightsimman69]

Hi Mark, Thanks for a very informative video. I was fortunate to own a VH SL/E Corinthian Blue/ Silver from 1989 to 1995 until it was stolen. It was one of the most comfortable and plush cars that I’ve ever owned. Any chance you could do a video on the WB Statesman? Thanks. 👍🏼

[@markbehr88]

@@flightsimman69 Thanks. I will definitely do a Statesman series. 👍

[@markbehr88]

@@flightsimman69 That is no good your car was stolen 😢. Glad you enjoyed the video. 👍

[@neilo316]

There was also a 5.8L stroker option on the Group 3 also. Not sure how many were made with this option though.

[@markbehr88]

@@neilo316 I’ve never heard of that? 🤔👍

[@davidthomas9]

An Aunt had a very nice VH SL/X in silver, purchased as an ex-Holden exec car, had the optional VB/VC SLE wheels fitted, which set it off nicely. Was stolen when she was at bingo one night, thieves put it into a power pole & wrote it off... Was replaced with a VK Berlina, which was a bit of a dog early on in comparison, given the issues with the primitive ECU that the non-EFI cars were fitted with.

[@markbehr88]

@@davidthomas9 What a shame. I am sure she was upset about it and what a waste. 😢

[@peterdent7143]

My favourite older model. The same look as the following Vk with the classic bumper look. Feels like a much older car the the Vk. Wish I never sold mine

[@markbehr88]

Yes, they are one of the best Commodore models for sure. 👍

[@Luke-er6pg]

The VH SL/E was a very nice machine and the interior looked and felt, very nice. Big step up from the previous VC model. The two-toned colouring was a beauty too!

[@markbehr88]

@@Luke-er6pg Yes. Agree although I am partial to a black over silver VC too. 👍

[@robertristinge4385]

I had the XE, my best friend had the VH 253 v8, nice years.

[@markbehr88]

@@robertristinge4385 Good times. 👍

[@GRUDGEPERFORMANCE]

I love my 82 vh vacationer, converted to t5 5 speed manual from a falcon 6 drives beautifully

[@markbehr88]

Sounds like a good mod. Is it a six or V8? 👍

[@GRUDGEPERFORMANCE]

@markbehr88 still just a 3.3, goes loads better than the trimatic, which had a hi stall put in as well, super fun to drive, however I do have a lonely rb30 from a vl sitting here I am trying to talk myself from putting in as well 😅

[@markbehr88]

Cool. Sometimes the more simple cars are just as much fun. 👍

[@davidbarnsley8486]

I Agee the two tone sle was and still is a very good looking vehicle 👍👍

[@markbehr88]

@@davidbarnsley8486 👍

[@waynewilkin3582]

It's my favourite and forgotten Commodore.

[@markbehr88]

Yes, one of mine too. 👍

[@michaelhogan2071]

Nicest looking out of all the commodores

[@markbehr88]

@@michaelhogan2071 I agree. 👍

[@jamesfrench7299]

More masculine looking and American in feel over the overtly euro VB and VC. The SL/E taillamps made the car look more upmarket and such a simple way to differentiate so effectively. I'd pick the 3.3 six with auto.

[@markbehr88]

@@jamesfrench7299 I haven’t spoken to Leo Pruneau about it yet, but I reckon his brief was to make the car look wider - to better compete with the Falcon. Hence the use front and rear of horizontal styling themes. 👍

[@louiskats5116]

G'day Mark, Just when I was getting into car I remember the VH when they were new they just looked awesome especially the 2 tone ones. Good mate of mine had a VH SLE , 5 litre back in 86 & I just loved crusing in it. Out of my price range but you felt like royality cruising King St & Chapel st back in the 80's. Cheers Louis Kats 👍

[@markbehr88]

@@louiskats5116 Thanks Louis. They were cool weren’t they? 👍

[@louiskats5116]

@@markbehr88 👍👍👍

[@UncleJoeLITE]

Yep, a 2 tone 4.2 dual exhaust SL\E would be my pick too. Two tone needs a comeback, if we start buying cars again ofc. Haha, Les Vagg, Penno Hills Rd, well known to upper n\s kids, you could see the cars from the train too. I have an og Hornsby Nissan pic as one of my wallpapers & I really loved the Triumph Rover dealer at Hornsby. I looked at BRG 2500TC\S - a girl I fancied family had 2. Thanks Mark. _ps: square gauges are almost here! That will be interesting!_

[@markbehr88]

@@UncleJoeLITE Cheers. Yes, the Square Gauges are coming. 😳

[@DpriaN303]

Thanks for another great informative video Mark. Just out of curiosity, what made the 3.3 manual have worse emissions than the auto to not allow it to be sold in NSW?

[@markbehr88]

@@DpriaN303 Thanks very much. I assume, because it could rev out more, it created higher emissions. I hardly know why NSW bothered really? 🤔👍

[@commodorenut]

@@markbehr88 It was the NOx levels - NSW had a lower threshold, and lean engines create more NOx. This is also why they had an elaborate control system on the vacuum advance - only allowing full advance in top gear. Apart from the advance, the engine tune was the same between manual & auto, so it probably came down to more NOx being created during engine braking with a manual vs an auto. It was such a big deal to Holden they even had an RPO code for it - V7Y I think it was. Even the VK EFI 6 had its vacuum lines plumbed differently for NSW (you can add that to the next in the series😉). The VK still battled with emissions. The BVK chassis number update (for 2 ADRs) brought in difference for the V8 that not many people realise - they removed the vented float chamber in the quadrajet, changing it to a port, and plumbed it back to the new 3-port charcoal canister (an upgrade from the 2-port one used in 84 V8s).

[@markbehr88]

@@commodorenut A lot of effort, given it is all one atmosphere and it is not as if Sydney was really that bad smog wise - at least I never noticed it where I lived for 30 plus years. 🤔

[@commodorenut]

@@markbehr88 I think it was some public servant fat cat in the EPA with a bee in their bonnet wanting to make it harder. Remember, for a long time Sydney has had Harold Scruby and Clover Moore who are both hell-bent on banning cars……

[@markbehr88]

Yes. The less said the better…..

[@raymondschmidtke9721]

I remember the blue 3.3 had crank problems.

[@markbehr88]

@@raymondschmidtke9721 Could well be right there. 🤔👍

[@tedpalmer5552]

Must have been the massive power gains from the (gasp!) 12-port head on the old stone-age 6. Sad that it took so long to happen. I'm sure the engineers were willing but the accounting desire was weak. Heck, Holden could have bought out Yella Terra head designs a decade earlier. Ford showed what aussie engineers could do when the leash was relaxed somewhat.

[@markbehr88]

@@tedpalmer5552 Yes, with the right six and four cylinder engines, Holden could have done better. The size factor though versus Falcon would have still been a challenge. 👍

[@UncleJoeLITE]

​@@tedpalmer5552😂

[@paulsz6194]

They also had propblems with that air injection system they had, to prove fuel burn & fuel economy when the thimble-looking strainer got dirty the car would lose power, misfire& stall on idle …🙄

[@sr20trx]

I had the dark Blue over Silver VH SL/E It was an early 1981 model with a 3.3l six, back around 1989. I later converted it to manual. It had cruise control, but if you pressed it at idle in neutral, it would rev the engine and hold it at redline as I believe it ran on a Vacuum, very strange. The interior I loved but it was extremely susceptible to cigarette burns, and as everyone back then smoked I employed a Definate no smoking rule in the car!.

[@markbehr88]

@@sr20trx Yes, the interior would have been highly flammable! 😳.

[@area51isreal71]

The 3.3 litre and above versions were very good. The steering, supple ride and excellent roadholding were second to none. The Falcon became the choice of the punters for the reasons you pointed out for obvious reasons. The Ford could no way approach the Commodore in terms of ultimate handling, the dead steering saw to that, but it was more than competent in it's own way. Two very different cars with very different characters chasing the same market. There can only be one winner though and the rest is history. Very enjoyable to watch Mark and as usual you dig up facts that have been largely unknown. Cheers .

[@markbehr88]

@@area51isreal71 Thanks very much. Apart from the size of the Falcon, Ford’s work on the engines certainly paid off too. 👍

[@commodorenut]

It’s hard to fit all that info into a short video, but you did it well (again). The Royale’s alloys are 14” UC SL/E wheels to suit the Torana stud pattern used on 4 cylinder cars. The SL/X 4 used the VC SL 13” wheel covers that inspired the VK SL 14” wheel covers. ADR27 was the problem in NSW. If you converted a 3.3 to manual, or brought one in from interstate, they would refuse to pass it for a pink slip (ask me how I know) but by the mid 90s most inspectors had forgotten 😊 Trip comp was initially optional on SL/E, and only standard on 5L and shadowtone SL/Es. Remember this was a time where Holden restricted the 5L and pushed the 4.2 as the main V8, so a 5L SL/E was pretty special, so Holden loaded it up. You could also get an M21 in a 5L SL/E. The only other way the general public could get a VH 5L outside of a loaded SL/E was to order an SS, or buy and ex cop car at auction (and hunt down a rare manual V5H one that was the SS spec motor). Late in 83 they must have been running low on 253s as I’ve come across a Dec 83 SL/X 308/M21 and a Feb 84 308 auto SL/X. In late 82/early 83 they did a marketing upgrade to compete with the XE Falcon, the SL/E got standard central locks, trip comp and family 2 wheels with 205/65 across all 3 SL/E engine options. That same upgrade also replaced vinyl seats in the SL with standard cloth to match the XE GL spec, and put the chrome trim around the tail lights like the upper models. Power windows were still optional in VH SL/E, right to the end, but many packs included them, like V8 shadowtones. You could also delete-option the rear headrests. Dash speakers at the ends were unique to SL/E and VK Calais. Lower specs made do with a single centre speaker, and optional rear shelf one on the left. It wasn’t until VL that all trim specs got them in the ends of the dash. The SS was initially 1250 units based on info from the launch, and it was based on the SL to homologate the big valve heads in the lightest body. Even the radio was optional. This was the problem with the VC Brock - it was too heavy, but they had to run that (heavier) weight to use the big valve heads. SS was really a confusing acronym in VH as even Holden called it a super sport and a sports saloon in their literature. I haven’t been able to find how many SSs they did after releasing white. VH was the last Commodore model made in Acacia Ridge. Many of the 83 Vacationer sedans came from there (with VK spec seat belts). VK saw them drop to 2 plants. One notable point with the VH headlights is they were made locally by Hella, to increase local content over the Bosch units in VB/VC. The louder horn was not only because it was the new design of disc horn (vs snail trumpets) but also because it was moved in front of the radiator, right behind the grille, instead of on the strut tower behind the battery like VB/VC. The VH also had the honour of dumping the Harrison and GM A6 AC system used in prior models - all VH trim levels with AC got the locally made air international setup with the Japanese Sankyo (to become Sanden) compact compressor.

[@markbehr88]

@@commodorenut Thanks. Great additional info. I didn’t realise they used those Torana SL/E wheels. I liked those. Same with Camira SL/E later when they had the VH SL/E style. 👍

[@commodorenut]

@@markbehr88 I just realised I think I made a mistake with the size - the UC wheels were 13”. It was the HZ SL/E wheels that were 14” and resulted in broken studs on 6cyl and V8 commodores because of the 120mm vs 4.75” (120.65mm) PCD difference. Commodore only ever got 15x6 versions of those early SL/E wheels. You could tell the UC and H series wheels from the commodore ones because they had a wider lip at the rim. The Camira alloys looked good on 80s Geminis too.

[@markbehr88]

@@commodorenut When you say HZ SL/E, I assume you mean the Statesman as that is the only HZ SL/E model right? 🤔👍

[@commodorenut]

@@markbehr88 That’s correct. First seen on the HZ SL/E Statesman. I believe that same wheel also made it onto late HZ GTS, as well as WB commercials and WB DeVille as an option.

[@markbehr88]

@@commodorenut Definitely remember it on WB DeVilles. I remember the Honeycombs on the GTS. They looked terrific. 👍

[@Philly-lq6zr]

BEAUTIFUL LOOKING VH BLUE OVER SILVER , TO ALL THOSE YOUR PARENTS HAD ONE FOR THE FAMILY,AND TO THOSE THAT SOLD IT , AND TO KNOW HOW SUCH A GOOD LOOKING CAR , IT IS TODAY , ILL FEEL YOU ALL , 😢 , COME TO SHOW PEOPLES NEED TO TAKE GOOD MAINTENANCE ,AND TAKE CAR FOR IT NO DENTS 😮 KEEP OLDER CAR GOING , ,

[@markbehr88]

@@Philly-lq6zr Yes. Definitely worth keeping. 👍

[@Coastmac2001]

The VL with Nissan's RB3O was a beauty

[@markbehr88]

@@Coastmac2001 Yes. I will get to that model soon 👍

[@ianmccarthy4195]

Please can you do the Holden Commodore Ute guess be hard to keep up with it ❤

[@johnd8892]

No ute model with the early Commodores. I think the later VN was the first Commodore ute.

[@markbehr88]

@@johnd8892 Yes. VG. 👍

[@markbehr88]

@@ianmccarthy4195 I will include them in their respective series models - so VG. 👍

[@davidoneil8003]

I was working at GMH when these were being built. I remember the wiring loom for the trip computer had about 50 wires running to and they were all bright yellow. Heaven the poor guy trying to trace a fault if it had one.

[@markbehr88]

Sounds like a mess? 🫣

[@GavwasInn]

9:52 Maybe I’m missing something - but wouldn’t making the 3.3L available with the manual potentially make it more economical and produce less emissions, not more?

[@markbehr88]

That’s probably true. If you read the comments section, there is more info on this from one of the Subscribers. 👍

[@Eric-kn4yn]

Holden had a HQ SS budget monaro 253 V8 was it using belmont HQ as base to build on.

[@markbehr88]

@@Eric-kn4yn That was a Belmont based car yes. 👍

[@Eric-kn4yn]

Were 4 wheel discs an option on all commodores .

[@markbehr88]

@@Eric-kn4yn Standard on the SL/E. Optional on other models. Brock cars obviously had discs. 👍

[@noelgibson5956]

I read years ago somewhere that the V8 take up rate was about 25% in the VB, 8% in the VC and somewhere around 16% in the VH. The VH SL/E shadowtone V8 would certainly be my pick with this model. It upstages even the red SS 4-2 imo.

[@markbehr88]

@@noelgibson5956 Yes, VC was the height of the Fuel economy focus. Plus, the VH started to really market the V8 too. 👍

[@commodorenut]

In 1995 I faced a dilemma - a guy selling a 4.2L SS, and a 5.0L shadowtone SL/E. Both were a bit rough, and priced at $5k. I bought the SL/E..... The SS would have been a better investment long term, but I never kept them long enough back in the day.

[@markbehr88]

@@commodorenut Either one would have been great. At least you bought one of them. 👍

[@commodorenut]

@@markbehr88 the funny part was I made the comment that who would want a 253 and have to wind up your own windows when the SLE was a 308 (auto) with power options. Now I own a VL group A with wind-up windows!

[@markbehr88]

You’d happily take either but I would have gone SL/E too. 👍

[@Alladin-n5j]

The Starfire engine was also used in the Toyota Corona of the same age, my understanding was that it was a scaled down Holden 186 red motor. Regarding the VB commodore, I came across a fatality involving an SA police VB commodore that had been side impacted by a Chrysler Sigma and the car was basically flattened sideways with 2 dead young police officers inside, I remember it well as I had turned 18 on that day, the accident was on the other side of the Hindmarsh Thebarton bridge on South road that spans the Torrens river

[@markbehr88]

@@Alladin-n5j Yes the Corona used it too. Gee that sounds like a horrible accident. 🫣

[@Andronicus2007]

The whole look was cleaner and less fussy than the VB/VC, IMO still looks great, not like a facelift but how the car should've looked when it was released! The VK is basically the same design, but with fugly grey plastic bumpers/side mouldings and I'm grille plus the HIDEOUS venetian blinds grille! Oh yes, they stuck another peice of glass behind the back doors- fussy looking IMO.

[@markbehr88]

Re the VH. It was a very nice looking model. The VK will be coming up next. 👍

[@gunnarkvinlaug7226]

More or less a Opel Rekord.

[@markbehr88]

@@gunnarkvinlaug7226 Yes, with an available 5 litre V8. 👍

[@gunnarkvinlaug7226]

@@markbehr88 Beets the 2.2I Inline 4 we had!

[@markbehr88]

For sure. 👍

[@barrycuda3769]

Those horsepower ratings seemed remarkably low, until I realized they will be net , and not gross. I had a white VH that was a four cylinder, but was repowered with a hotter cammed 173 , and I repainted it in Malachite green , with the Triden mags, it looked pretty sharp. Those Brock VH 's look really good in red.

[@markbehr88]

@@barrycuda3769 Yes, in standard guise the four and the 2850 were slooooooooowwwwww. 😵‍💫👍

[@barrycuda3769]

Is 2850 cc the 173 ? . It was pretty good for power, I towed a '67 XR Falcon on an A frame about 300 miles behind it once with no trouble, with some steep hills involved.

[@markbehr88]

@@barrycuda3769 Derived from it. That’s a good effort. Manual? 🤔👍

[@barrycuda3769]

Yep , manual , 4 speed as I recall . It was probably helped by the rear end ratio that came with it as a four cylinder, it was actually a bit over revving in top gear on the open road , but that's something I've noticed generally about the old Holdens anyway, keep them screaming to keep them moving , a bit like a 2 stroke motorbike.

[@markbehr88]

@@barrycuda3769 Thought so. I could not see a Trimatic one doing that. It would have been Traumatic! 👍

[@johnblood3367]

Awesome video an the VH SLE was the best

[@markbehr88]

@@johnblood3367 Thank you. 👍

[@PaulHayman-tq5kb]

Mark the Holden Commodore sle is the best i would like to have take to king dig customs and have The Up grades done to look more like a factory options and have modern day mirrors

[@markbehr88]

Fair call. Personally, I like them stock as a rock. 👍

[@PaulHayman-tq5kb]

I like the modern day mirrors on the VK and would make a good Up grade and keep As stock stnard

[@markbehr88]

👍

[@paulsz6194]

The SL/E Commodore’s steering wheel was also used in the WB statesman, which made it stand out and looked a little out of place, since the dashboard & instrument panels were still square and boxy looking, and then you have this single-spoke steering wheel attached to it…

[@markbehr88]

I liked it. One of my ex girlfriends had a green WB Caprice. Nice car but needed more power. The injected 5 litre would have been terrific. 👍

[@paulsz6194]

@@markbehr88 wow, i never thought s lady would want to own & drive such an old School tank of a car! Just my personal opinion about the steering wheel. 👍🏼

[@markbehr88]

She really loved it too and her daughter eventually bought one as well. 👍

[@LevyHappyClapper]

5.0L Dark Blue/Silver shadowtone was 2nd car I bought in my youth ... to bad I did not keep it

[@markbehr88]

@@LevyHappyClapper Exactly how I would want one. 👍

[@user-du8cs8sn2v]

I had an indigo blue/silver 308 SL/E and later a red HDT Group3. Both great cars but i miss the SL/E the most.

[@markbehr88]

@@user-du8cs8sn2vCool. At least you can say you owned them but I get it. 👍

[@PaulHayman-tq5kb]

Mark I like to do the small courtesy lights on the drivers and passengers side would be a good Up grade and opinion of the 4, 2 litre price was $253

[@markbehr88]

@@PaulHayman-tq5kb I only drove a four cylinder Commodore in the VC series and it was abysmal. Handling good though. 🤔

[@Michka1001]

Thanks again for terrific content! 😊 *edit* Do you know much about the HQ SS Mark? I know it came in red as well with blacked out trim and highlights and the 253, but thays about it. My aunt had one a long long time ago, her husband forced her to sell her E type Jag to get the SS, andI've always been intrigued by it. Sorry Mark, I know it's completely off topic to the VH

[@markbehr88]

@@Michka1001 Yes, I have quite a bit of info on them. I will do a HQ Auto History episode once I have finished the Commodores. I will start with HK and work through them. They were a 4.2 litre only model based on the Belmont (low series car) I think they came in three colours incl Green (Lettuce Alone). 👍

[@Michka1001]

@markbehr88 amazing, thanks mate!

[@markbehr88]

👍

[@joellamoureux7914]

Almost looks like they put Mercedes taillights in the sedans! I will note there is a lot of popping in the audio on this one Mark.

[@markbehr88]

@@joellamoureux7914 Yes, I am sure that was the influence. 👍

[@MuscleCarLover]

I've wondered for a while what the 4 cylinder would be like had it been based off the 202, a 2.2 litre just seems like a better fit than a 1.9 in my opinion. The VH is definitely a handsome looking car and did just enough to pull it out of the 70s, looks especially good in the shadow tone. I just never understood that single spoke steering wheel the VC and VH had. Another thing that was changed was the door skin to accommodate the wider strips of trim, I found that out when sourcing a replacement door for a VB. My favourite Commodore though is in the next episode, though maybe not in 6 cylinder form

[@markbehr88]

@@MuscleCarLover GM did lop off cylinders in some of their US engines. Never as good as designing one from the ground up. I like the single spoke wheel but then again, I do own so e Citroen GS’s. 😀👍

[@MuscleCarLover]

@@markbehr88 I generally don't like a lot of GM steering wheels of that time, it's typically the weakest part of their interiors, if not in design, then definitely in material feeling. The cheapest feeling in my Calais is definitely the steering wheel (half the reason I have a cover on mine). I'll likely speak of that car again when we get to the VX episode. As for the VC and VH, I like the HDT steering wheel most

[@markbehr88]

@@MuscleCarLover Fair enough. 👍. You can blame me for the VX Calais woodgrain dash.

[@MuscleCarLover]

@@markbehr88 Nah, I love that about it, the chrome button on the shifter on the other hand...

[@markbehr88]

@@MuscleCarLover Glad you like it. In the Design Dept they called me Mr Woodgrain as I really pushed it. I like the chrome shifter button as long as the chrome isn’t coming off? If it was I would re-chrome it. 😀👍

[@nickl2548]

You could also order a 4.2 litre SS in group 3 trim that ran the quarter mile in 16 seconds.

[@markbehr88]

@@nickl2548 Yes, that rings a bell. They would not have sold many though as, for those $$$, most people would want the 5 litre. 👍

[@twentyrothmans7308]

The marketing people who thought about the Vx naming convention either had a sense of humour, or were simple. In NSW in those times, we had nasty petrol strikes - does anyone else remember them?

[@markbehr88]

@@twentyrothmans7308 Yes I remember them. Not understanding your point about the V designation. It was globally the V car platform? Unless you are talking about VB and the beer? 🤔

[@Ben-r8z6d]

I had a vh sle with 3.3 with three speed automatic.. heads worked to run on unleaded. Bloody miss that car .

[@markbehr88]

I bet you do. 👍🤔

[@Ben-r8z6d]

Payed 4,750.dollers for it bout 20 years ago. Be worth a lot more these day's. Even had a wagon with five speed from the factory and green vh slx. All not at the same time though.

[@markbehr88]

@@Ben-r8z6d Yes. They were cheap……once. 👍

[@RachelEvans680]

I remember getting into the back of a VH SL/E wagon when it was raining once...I was about 17 and the guy made me take off my shoes and told me not to touch anything....he was really pedantic about how his car looked...

[@markbehr88]

He must have had the dealer do that if it was an SL/E wagon? 🤔👍

[@RachelEvans680]

He was a wealthy person for the time and yes,it was definitely an SL/E with the V8 and red velour interior....

[@markbehr88]

@RachelEvans680 Wow. That would have been a 1 of 1 most likely. 👍

[@chrisweeks6973]

The Starfire - widely and rightly referred to as the Misfire. Not the best choice of engine. That said, the VH, particularly in SL/E format, was a really nice package. 👍

[@markbehr88]

@@chrisweeks6973 Yes, in V8 form I would not knock any of them back. 👍

[@Philly-lq6zr]

That two tone blue silver makes that car stand out , first time seeing iti thought it was ugly but then realized people's should look after their cars , 😅😅 after being inside and gone for a drive , many years later kind of wished family still had it ,buying used cars sucks , or private , car manufacturers should off have law that they must keep all cars maintained new , it their project , not ours , lower income earners it hard to keep older cars specifically ones you favour going , especially parts and maintenance repairs , Workshop can be expensive on a tight budget , and they should had put in the effort , to stop cars from rusting ,

[@markbehr88]

@@Philly-lq6zr Hard for some people to afford the maintenance 🤔👍

[@OLDS98]

Thank you again Mark. The interesting thing is where Holden Commodore was exported. This is more of midsized car than large car. This more on compact side by American standards. I know it was international in size. What was interesting was the Royale trim level. That is a Oldsmobile Eighty Eight trim level name. The badges shown in the video are the same exact Royale badges placed on Oldsmobile Eighty-Eights for years. It is interesting that had more international interiors on this Commodore than they had on American GM cars. That interior could pass for any Asian or European car. I see they had rear seat head rests and should belts before we did in the United States. Holden was doing its thing. Ford was still winning. Thank you Mark. 1985 Oldsmobile Eighty Eight Royale Brougham: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hn7Zkmx-h7Bkb9U

[@markbehr88]

@@OLDS98 Thanks Olds98. Yes, very interesting re the Oldsmobile badges. I remember when I was in NZ and I launched a special edition Astra. I had this book of all these available GM name badges I could use that were available to limited run GM cars. I chose “Club” as it had a nice Oldsmobile like font on the badge. I don’t recall any GM cars that used that name though. Only Ford with its Econoline vans? 🤔👍

[@OLDS98]

@@markbehr88 I thought there was a Club sport trim used at GM. I think it was Vauxhall. It was Vauxhall Corsa Club Sport. No American brand used Club other than Ford on the Econoline vans. Another Oldsmobile Eighty Eight Royale from the 1990's : kzbin.info/www/bejne/mKCWd3-EgZJgmtE

[@markbehr88]

@@OLDS98 We had the HSV Clubsport but this badge was just Club. 🤔

[@OLDS98]

@@markbehr88 Indeed, There was no "Club" other the one you created. Ford had the other one. Wasn't there some Commodore models in New Zealand that had Caprice front end styling with a Commodore body? I guess that will come later in your series.

[@markbehr88]

@@OLDS98 I think they were redirected Singapore market cars from memory?

[@Eric-kn4yn]

Towing capacity for ford and commodore for these series.

[@markbehr88]

@@Eric-kn4yn I would have to look it up. Ford = more. 👍

[@aus80srockradio94]

The "lemon" on the front passenger seat sits appropriately in that NZ "Royale"version running with the awful 1.9ltr...

[@markbehr88]

@@aus80srockradio94 Ha. Fair enough. 🍋

[@marklittle3551]

STARFIRE and 2850 273 also got an air injection pump in the VH. The VH SS looked the business. Rare as rocking horse shit now.

[@markbehr88]

@@marklittle3551 Yes. But once so common. 👍

[@marklittle3551]

@@markbehr88 Really enjoy your channel Mark and your trips to America with Fletch on Classic Restos. Another legend!

[@markbehr88]

@@marklittle3551 Thanks very much. 👍

[@marklittle3551]

@@markbehr88 your welcome.

[@markbehr88]

👍

[@mrivantchernegovski3869]

Had a blue VH 173 and 5 spd with rear discs and Lsd ,electric windows was about it ,15 x 8 ,225 all round ,surfed in the wet big time but on a hot day like a go cart ,Aoo8 semi Yokos great sadley some scumbag decided he needed it more than me one day at the supermarket sad never saw it again

[@markbehr88]

@@mrivantchernegovski3869 Sad you lost it. 😢

[@mrivantchernegovski3869]

@@markbehr88 Yea got it at the auction for $600 smashed front screen ,flat tires no carb or dizzy but like 35 km on it ,had it a few years as i built my LJ and my HR lol neither got really finnshed then got early RX7s and Skylines and Laurals lol

[@markbehr88]

@@mrivantchernegovski3869 Can’t do that these days. 🤔

[@mebeasensei]

VH Commodore..your favorite Commodore? Really? Well, one thing I find amazing is its long production run of 29 months! (VC was 20 months, and the VB was 18 months) Why the long production run? Especially considering it had the ancient push rod engine from 1963, albeit with mods AND it was the lowest selling Commodore. 1983 was the nadir of Commodore sales. My guess is that Holden were indeed worried about the engine and it's future. I wonder if the GMH honchos considered dropping the Commodore at this point. They replaced it with a much better Nissan powered model for the next series. Can we say that this finally brought the car into the '80s. But the Aussie Aussie Oi Oi factor is even less here. I think people like the VHs becasue of the better headlights, the Brock cars and the canary coloured Police highway patrol cars they saw on Victorian highways. (maybe interstate too?)

[@markbehr88]

@@mebeasensei It was a reasonable facelift ahead of what was to be a much bigger facelift. I would say part of the elongated production run was also to amass sufficient investment to pay for VK. 👍

[@commodorenut]

@@mebeasensei they were already looking at the RB30 as early as 82, which is likely when the VL facelift was being buttoned down too. All carmakers were given plenty of advance warning about the ULP introduction due in ‘86, to prepare for it. They already knew the 202 wasn’t going to cut it, even in one of its best forms - the VK EFI. Even in VH Holden already knew they were in decline and had a tough battle ahead - they upgraded the VH midway through its life, to stay competitive with the XE that offered a very strong package for families and fleets alike. The XE “levelled up” with things like standard cloth seats on the GL when the VH SL still had vinyl. The visual enlargement of the VK was desperately needed, but didn’t fool people. They even changed the profile on the back of the front seats in mid and luxury level from VH, to look like you got more rear legroom. The VK took this further by making the rear seat squab shorter, suggesting more space between the front and rear seats, which in fact remained unchanged. They pulled out all stops, including a much lighter interior colour palette compared to VH, and the most obvious one - the see thru headrests oh, and the 6th window on sedans, which is not a direct copy of the Opel - it’s uniquely Australian, with a smaller glass (that’s inset into the pillar more) and a more robust D-pillar compared to the Opel origins. The VK was some of Leo’s best camouflage design work, second only to the WB sedan.

[@noelgibson5956]

​@@commodorenut The first three Commodores were better than the XD, but not as good as the XE. I've owned a VB, an XE and a very early Kingswood so can speak from experience. I drove a mates XD to Orange years ago and found it's driving position very uncomfortable. The boot was too shallow and the suspension design unchanged from about 15 years earlier. The vinyl bench seat was totally at odds with it's new, crisp design.

[@markbehr88]

Yes, I have spoken to Leo about the VK and WB. The Opel engineers couldn’t believe how we did the sixth window on the VK. 👍

[@markbehr88]

I must admit, I like the XD. The extra width is very noticeable versus the Commodore. With the alloy head and V8’s, they were a nice car. My friend had a 5.8 police interceptor and it cornered very flat. Vinyl was still heavily used on base cars then. You could pay a little extra for an S pack and get the cloth trim. Certainly worth it. I had an XD wagon. 3.3 manual, no alloy head. I actually liked driving it, despite the lack of power. It was fine if you didn’t try to go over 100 kph. 👍

[@mick00000000002]

Watch to the end helps )

[@mick00000000002]

Ps keep a hard copy of up loads. Derogation. You can not keep history. So will need update the feed. In time. God bless mate.

[@raceyrache8463]

I thought the main reason for the update was the engines. They went from red to blue motors. Being the twelve port head and electronic ignition 🤔.

[@markbehr88]

@@raceyrache8463 The VC had the upgrade more so than VH. Check out the VC episode for more details. 👍

[@Steveaustin007]

Looks like the Opel Commodore from when I was in Germany . Well I suppose they all did since the Opel was the car they were copied from.

[@markbehr88]

@@Steveaustin007 Yes, that was the basic design but our cars had unique grilles, lights etc plus engines and transmissions, including V8s.

[@Steveaustin007]

@@markbehr88 yes just a few cosmetic changes . Same chassis , same platform : same layout . Nearly half the parts were imported. Which is why in 1985 the Group A commodore VK was not homologated for Bathurst because of the wharf’s strike in Victoria . Even the VF 2 nearly 50 % of the parts were imported to the Australian car . Which Holden had to keep quiet , because Ford only imported 28-30% of the FG Falcon. But Ford didn’t pretend to be all Australian .

[@markbehr88]

Yes, definitely the Falcon was more Australian. 👍

[@pgilb70]

The v8 power outputs were pretty hopeless. Oz malais era

[@markbehr88]

@@pgilb70 Emissions restricted. Next decent power came from injected V8. 👍

[@sentimentalbloke185]

It's still difficult to work out why Ford gave Holden a free kick in that era by discontinuing the V8, and then why it took so long to bring it back.

[@markbehr88]

@@sentimentalbloke185 Yes, it was a big mistake. And you are right. Why did it take so long to get it back. Should have been back by Series 2 XF. 👍

[@oktayhsn5747]

Mazda 929 cup varmı ülkenizde 1984 ❤

[@luznit]

i thought every SL/E had them black plastic add on's on front & rear chrome bumpers, why doesn't your pictures in your video's show any of these when you uploaded SL/E photos from where ever you sourced them from?

[@markbehr88]

@@luznit My images are mainly from brochures or Holden images so…..?

[@waynewilkin3582]

forgot the Papaya model

[@markbehr88]

@@waynewilkin3582 I actually really like that colour! 😀👍

[@commodorenut]

@@markbehr88 Papaya's were pretty obscure, and if you went that deep you'd have to look at other short runs like the white NZ SS model that used the indigo blue version of the Australian SS's claret tweed diagonal stripe trim. The same trim we saw here in the Gemini ZZ/Z. Someone in GMH must have liked that a lot, as the claret/indigo theme carried into 85 VK Vacationers that had unique tweed trim in either claret or indigo (with an RPO code assigned to it). Not the same pattern though. I had a NSW Vacationer wagon and the model code on the tag had 3 suffixes after it - XY8 for Vacationer, A9M for the trim, and V7Y for NSW emissions!

[@markbehr88]

@@commodorenut I am pretty sure the Camira SJ was available in Papaya too? 🤔

[@commodorenut]

@@markbehr88 I recall it being quasar orange. A bit lighter than the TNT orange fleet colour that my dad’s mate had as a company Camira back in the day. The worst company car he ever had!

[@markbehr88]

@@commodorenut You could be right. Very similar colour though. I have the brochure. 👍

[@michaelguerin56]

Thank you. These cars have dated well.

[@markbehr88]

Cheers 👍

[@bossdog1480]

Absolutely not a fan of the early Commodes. WAY too small. They look like oversized Camiras to me. I don't know why they offered the 4 cyl as well as a V8. lol

[@markbehr88]

@@bossdog1480 There was a huge focus on fuel economy when they were being planned. As the fuel got cheaper the desire for bigger cars also grew. 👍

[@noelgibson5956]

They're actually longer than all pre HK models. Inside, rear seat legroom is massive. They do lose out in width. How often does a car carry five fully grown adults during it's service life? Not that often I'd guess. It was big enough for most, most of the time.

[@markbehr88]

@@noelgibson5956 The width was quite noticeable to me. Many of my American cars are a full foot wider! 😳

[@mick00000000002]

KZbin failing

[@billmago7991]

still to small on the inside......holdens got it right with the VN

[@markbehr88]

@@billmago7991 Definitely a big step change with the VN. 👍