The HSV Story & Next Generation HSV's: Classic Restos - Series 40

In this week's episode, Fletch tells the story of Holden Special Vehicles (HSV) and the long term association with Tom Walkinshaw Racing (TWR) a motor racing team and engineering firm founded in 1976, in the UK. It was only in 1985 when Tom Walkinshaw entered Bathurst in a Jaguar, that he appreciated Australian's passion for performance V8's and the association began with Holden and the Holden Racing Team. After the demise of the Holden Dealer Team (HDT) in 1987, Tom Walkinshaw and Holden joined forces to create Holden Special Vehicles (HSV) in 1988, taking a standard production V8 Holden Commodore and building the first Holden HSV VL SS Group A SV, a purpose-built vehicle for Group A touring car racing. In 1990 TWR took this HSV to Bathurst 1000 and won.
HSV in conjunction with TWR went on to modify a range of Holden vehicles including the SWB Commodore, the Holden Caprice and spiced up the Holden Ute for the domestic and overseas markets.
Global economic conditions and motor manufacturing changes in recent times have had a significant impact in Australia and around the world. But HSV and the Walkinshaw Group took the situation head-on with an aggressive program to import American performance brands, convert them to RHD and re-engineer them for the Australian market to the delight of HSV enthusiasts. The results are models like the HSV Colorado SportsCat, the Chevrolet Silverado Pick Up and the much awaited Chevrolet V8 Camaro (rear wheel drive) a joint project for Holden & GM requiring re-engineering and manufacturing In Australia. The Camaro is still to be released, but sales projections indicate that 75% of the initial 550 vehicles to be produced are already pre-sold.
HSV lives on.

[@garyrielly1955]

Having owned a Brand New VZ HSV CLUBSPORT in 2006 in Fusion. It is truly a sad time especially seeing that the HSV name will be no more. I will never forget my HSV CLUBSPORT and the 5 years I had and enjoyed the car.

[@bigfairy321]

woe to anyone that hasn't got a HSV in their garage right now... its like the early 00's and old holdens...repeating.. :)

[@Kirk-dw5ok]

So unbelievably sad how Holden and HSV’S story ended it breaks my heart💔

[@villiersman951]

good to see hsv is still going strong i never thought i would say that because im a ford man but give credit where it is due

[@ShaneMcGrath.]

Don't worry, I'm from the opposite camp(Holden) but every time a Ford Mustang drives past, I say to myself damn that is one nice car! ;)

[@d_a_nguyen4027]

As a BMW & Ford motorsport fanatic myself, I always had a fascination with HSV ever since I was a young 6 year old first looking at the genesis of HSV, the VL SV88 with its beefy radical body style that got my attention & grew my passion for fast cars & motorsport. HSV always had the inspiration engineering from Chevy & BMW with the V8 powerplant inside a very well balanced solid chassis body then formed into sharp handling four door sports saloon modern Aussie muscle car. So sad to see this Australian motoring division icon discontinue manufacturing great world class sports sedans which was unique in styling & design sports appeal that can rival the rest of the world. To me, HSV is the Aussie equivalent to BMW M or Benz AMG, even the GM brands Chevy & Pontiac never had the sports appeal like Holden Special Vehicles did thats only available in one region of the world production built in limited numbers.

[@elrud5964]

Why dont they just send them over half completed for hsv to finish?

[@rossball647]

now stick a V8 in a road going "rear wheel drive" ZB commodore. i believe it will sell.

[@tommurray8312]

but they dont? thats why they dont sell them?

[@GoombaMuffins]

Couldn't agree more

[@neild3074]

They looked at it, didn't fit, they looked at a turbo V6, didn't fit. They barely squeezed in the N/A V6. This car was designed for a transverse FWD 4 cylinder.

[@neild3074]

@Merv Stent Same reason Toyota races RWD V8 NASCARS in the US. The general public are too stupid to realise that these cars don't exist. They think they are watching the same car they see at a dealership.

[@rossball647]

@@neild3074 i wonder what plat form they are using on the zb in the V8 super car. and it;s rear wheel drive. back in the day, they had to be a production version eg v8 model, and had to sell to the public, be for it can go in the race.

[@gmac2068]

Hsv tags/badges don’t belong on American vehicles.

[@timothymartin9224]

You don't find HSV badge on a Camaro at all when you just to say it was it was converted to right hand drive they still have the Chevy badge on the bag that's on there to say that is just a compliance plate that's all

[@dancer_k_127]

It’s Holden special vehicle not Chevy special vehicle

[@nhraandnascarfanatic5907]

Las Vegan the falcon went down the shit shoot too buddy so..

[@tommm.1538]

@@timothymartin9224 thats a lie.. went to a holden dealership last week and both camaros in the showroom had hsv decals on the back window..

[@howardfrankenberg1305]

Fletch is from the old school used car salesman era ….however still love his old school delivery and videos . Although he is not as old as I thought. If you love quirky over the top salesmanship then he is your man …but the content is decent….and his old dad jokes well this is perfect Keep that sun tan going mate and the old school talk over in the background spin off just beautiful

[@ShannonsInsurance]

Glad to hear you like Fletch's style Howard, he definitely has great experience in the field. Do you have any classics at the moment? - Andres.

[@howardfrankenberg1305]

@@ShannonsInsurance yes I have a few my dads HT monaro made front cover and featured in AMCM I did a small editorial from request in following editions. All good guys we owned and drove original GTs and Aussie muscle cars before they become trailer queens and shed queens for people who drove hillam hunters and Japanese cars before Gts we drove slept worked played met our future partners before wealthy wanna be,s owned our cars ….thx for asking and still own VF HSVs and dad has a black VZ Monaro featured in the magazine. Great to see our Aussie muscle cars preserved no doubt , however we owned and drove these cars as daily’s I hate getting old however loved we owned these cars for not as investments. We owned these cars because they had balls , look forward to fletch sand his presentations very awesome however which is perfect for the presentation and I say this in total respect…..Used car salesman. Keep up the good work guys

[@damnationswarhead8005]

Nice vid Fletch,love the slow deep talk heheh :)

[@GoombaMuffins]

Bring back the Aussie V8's. I'm glad to see HSV still going on after the Commodore left our shores, but I don't really think a HSV badge belongs on a Chevy.

[@reggiewho6539]

Is HSV, Still a Holden company still going hot and strong?

[@bigfairy321]

no.. but resale values of all HSV's are crazy ;)

[@sambenenge]

Is that Billy Birmingham doing the voice over?

[@menatworklanddownunder3955]

I just want one

[@RolandElliottFirstG]

Fletcher! To much talk in this one, what would have been more in line is a decent tour of the Chevrolet conversation factory, this is Australians future now. I still quander that it would be better to import raw base components for the Chevrolet and build them here from the ground up, maybe even using some Aussie manufactured parts.

[@coopsnz1]

No taxes on Mrsp retail price in Usa , some states add taxes why heaps cheaper

[@jeepdude7359]

How about this? We will adapt to the metric system if you can agree to drive on the right side of the road. That sounds fair.

[@micksmobilemechanics]

Was hoping for an in depth look at the past hsv models Not an extended AD fpr the new camaro

[@7071t6]

I believe that walkingshaw in this upload is from kevin dennis motors in sunshine, lol :)

[@kennethjones6650]

Wasn’t the sv88 the first car they made

[@AdamBusing]

HSV - Uh so I guess there is now a hacked up Chev Camaro to accomodate RHD but rename it just a Camaro, or it's proper name Chev Camaro or the happy fit and turned out Holden Camaro, sorry I am incorrect there, as that would be Holden Special Vehicle Camaro, not too be confused with the old Holden Dealer Monaro series! Screw that I'd rather have a left hook Camaro any day of the week although the 1969 RS SS Camaro would be the only car left on bucket list, and luckily GM USA produce an actual build it yourself kit job apparently for about 90K

[@TheHonro]

What will happen if GM does sell Holden to Inchcape? Would these still be able to be imported? Last I saw, the sale is VERY likely to happen :(

[@clint.2309]

I had a vs clubsport and would never have another hsv, everything to do with hsv is triple the price.

[@aidenlepore]

To be honest I think HSV as a brand should of stopped at the W1. They should keep importing USA vehicles and converting them to RHD but it doesn’t make sense because it’s not a Holden which HSV is a Holden Special Vehicle.

[@KiedisHaze]

They've switched to GMSV now... that better?

[@aidenlepore]

@@KiedisHaze actually sounds alright.

[@guntherhunter5231]

no HSV will come close to a Brock era HDT though. At least value wise.

[@peterbrady5273]

Interesting Segment Fletch...........Ive been extremely lucky to own 3 HSV'S in my lifetime 1 I still own a Series 3 GTO Coupe which ill never get rid of unfortunately manufacturing in this country is over....U can thank politicians in this country and unions to for killing the industry. I worked for a major Automotive manufacture (one of the big 3) for 20 years in this country and I think I have some idea in relation to this topic. I think its a noble thing HSV are doing for the motoring enthusiast however time will tell I guess.....I wish them all the success in the future. Great episode as usually..

[@Jledcustoms]

Peter Brady the market has changed bro. Big V8’s arent selling like they were. They are not viable anymore and so GM decided to stop manufacturing in Aus. Not really to do with politicians.

[@peterbrady5273]

And this is Coming from your industry experience I take it?@@Jledcustoms

[@Diode5]

@@Jledcustoms So how come I see a Mustang on every street corner? There is a V8 market, but perhaps not as a daily driver family car. It seems a V8 sports car is still a desirable purchase.

[@Jledcustoms]

Robert most mustangs you see are V6 and you cant compare a sedan with a coupe. Yes there may still be a V8 market but it doesnt have any australian assembled cars in it due to sales.

[@Jledcustoms]

Peter Brady yes it sure is and also from watching what happens around me

[@bobsdeadarse]

HSV and Holden died in late 1997 with anything post VS Commodore.

[@rwd323]

Bobs Deadarse seriously?

[@Jledcustoms]

The VE is Holdens crowning achievement.

[@TheAlmightyClipse]

Lol no it didn't.. The VT was huge when it released.

[@coopsnz1]

No taxes on Mrsp retail price in Usa , why its cheap . In Australia and uk in Lhd its more than $145000aud

[@thalminator7663]

Eh.. Next... I'll stick with my Calais built here until it gives me enough grief to put to to the wreckers, by that time I don't think I'll be seeing many V8's around, if any :(

[@user-fx2sh6pk9u]

Wouldn't it be CSV?

[@jimclarke1108]

I think its only time before GM build RHD cars for the Australian market

[@truthseeker8483]

A lot of HSV parts are made in Taiwan..like lights, body kits and most wheels. The workforce are casuals who are rotated often i.e sacked and replaced...bodgy supervisors (do as I say not as I do)...not the greatest company around especially since it isn't even owned by Aussies....what's the point?

[@Rexy888]

Get back on your meds mate hsv is a great aussie story of sucess.

[@truthseeker8483]

@@Rexy888 If you worked there you might have a different opinion...What is Aussie about it actually? British owner..GM products..Taiwanese parts..Vietnamese supervisor..pretty crap...

[@Rexy888]

@@truthseeker8483 stop whining and start winning .

[@Rexy888]

@Merv Stent probably a ford fuckboy?

[@truthseeker8483]

@@Rexy888 GO and give HSV your $90,000 for a Taiwanese enhanced Comaro then...

[@davidr4332]

I own 1 of 662 ever made 94 Model VR HSV SENATOR 185i with a Very Rare Factory 5 Speed Manual , Now that like finding a needle in a hay stack with a Manual in it like Rocky horse poo..

[@7071t6]

WOW just found HOLDEN Utester bright green rear window stickers, if you want one just pay for it, lol :)

[@jimclarke1108]

I just want one))

[@jeffrey5718]

Why couldn't the yanks bring their pick ups down here? I've been long waiting for Silverados and F-150s

[@cyz44]

dodge has a few dealerships in oz, selling right hand drive pick ups right now..

[@jeffrey5718]

cyz44 I'm afraid none of em is in Canberra.

[@tommm.1538]

They just said on the video they are converting silverados!

[@lengerer]

HSV was never going to survive. In 10 years most car sales will be electric or hybrid. Petrol vehicles will be taxed, fuel will be expensive. Only the odd rich enthusiast will drive fuel guzzlers. It’s sad, buts it’s evolution unfortunately

[@tommm.1538]

Umm? HSV is doing better than Holden lol...

[@danielsargent4461]

Shouldn't it be wsv now?

[@7071t6]

Basically the man who stole Brocky's idea and behind brocky's back, what because of the polarizer, really, what a load of crap, brocky's were the best looking cars, i remember when the walkingshaw came out it looked so ugly its not funny ?

[@kempmartin]

How can you say that it started with TWR. Do you remember a guy named Peter Brock. Such a slap in the face when he was the first and set the example of "taking a standard production car a bit further". Wankers

[@7071t6]

WOW pinnacle of production, yet they could not use all those australian rubber and plastic moulding local victorian companies to produce the right hand side center console, you would think when they made the parts for the ss camaro, to make sure the center console was made for the ZL1 and then ask the current owners to come in free of charge to get the center console replaced, insead of having you elbow sit in a cup holder, lol :) Even USA chevy send right hand drive units already to other places around the world, so i wonder if chevy made sure the cup holders are on the right side and the padding is suited for right hand driving, lol :)

[@troymarchant8466]

I'm so god damn happy with my HSV supercharge holden.....Camaro is just to small

[@TheSslover]

Bit of a poorly put together video and when the host says the line “life is too short to drive boring vehicles”... well clearly has never heard that actual saying be said before. It is “Life’s too short to drive boring cars”. If you’re going to say it, say it right, haha.

[@littletopar]

Also the numerous references to "V8" Supercars, while showing the new Commodore, which competes in the "Supercar" series. They dropped the V8 bit at the end of 2017 didn't they?

[@redbackspider]

Why can't the Yanks build right hand drive for us in Australia - we had to build lefties for them?? That is why the Camaro costs SOO much - it has to be built twice.

[@coopsnz1]

No taxes on Mrsp retail price in Usa , why its $65000usd , some states its 80000usd with taxes

[@RolandElliottFirstG]

@@coopsnz1 Mrsp?

[@coopsnz1]

53000 taxes on the camaro zl1 in Australia $172,000aud drive away in nsw when you add stamp duty and dealer delivery tax . $120000aud before taxes

[@RolandElliottFirstG]

@@coopsnz1 would be interesting to see EXACTLY where the 53k is channelled, not roads, not police, not safety. We have too many charges and taxes. Fuel tax is excessive, now we have private toll roads . I am thinking it must be going to parliamentary funds and polly retirement kitty.

[@coopsnz1]

Luxury car tax pays for lower class free health , working class pay medicare levy 2% on income . So how much tax does middle class pay towards the medicare a lot in Australia that's where the money goes pay for bums @@RolandElliottFirstG

[@petewitt2867]

Jaguar. Bahahaha. Say it like an Aussie.

[@saltydog888]

Jahhguarrrr. Ha ha What’s Oz coming to fair dink😡

[@bobsdeadarse]

Surely they're not going to put a HSV badge on it, surely they can't be that spastic, can they?

[@Jledcustoms]

Bobs Deadarse the camaro cannot be called anything other than a chevy camaro anywhere in the world. Its written in the contract. It will not be a HSV

[@Hsv1556]

Yeh if was a actual HSV 2 door,rwd v8 and not an american car people would want them

[@sonofthesoutherncross1836]

I just want one 😉

[@sambo3832]

😩😩😩

[@connorbesson488]

They should have thought about the corrvette instead

[@hammeredhemi1223]

Hi Fletch GM betrayed the Australian tax payer's for decades only to have Holden have it's legs cut out from under them just as Holden built one of its best cars to date the VF Series Commodore's. Holden and HSV died in 2017 so it will be a cold day in hell before I part with my cash to buy a cut and shut Camaro, and to call it a HSV is an insult to Holden's history. F.U GM

[@craigscott1987]

What on earth was that? Written by HSV and narrated by Siri post-sex change? Jagwaaar? WTF?

[@PookieLoc]

Why y’all cars always have so many damn names!

[@tommm.1538]

Stupid america.. the GM range in america was about 100 times the size as Strayas GM/holden range.. therefore my point is americans had more GM cars which means more names and models...

[@Crazylife069]

Because we love them like our own children😊

[@moussa.s376]

The New Cars look like my shit

[@robbieninja]

great company...boring and superficial/sales video. More about the cars please

[@H0LDENSUX]

It would be funny if financial crisis hits again and like the one in 2008, Chevy cancels Camaros imports to Australia like it did with Cadillac.

[@damianjohnson5985]

Shannon’s is a bad choice for insurance don’t do it

[@ShannonsInsurance]

I'm sorry you feel that way Damian. If there was anything you'd like to discuss with us or a complaint you'd like lodged, you're welcome to email [e-mail]. - Jess

[@alexandercuomo3066]

the camah-roe

[@cronos1911]

I don't think the Camaro will be as successful as the Mustang. It is a fugly car compared to the Commodore.

[@rossprivate5456]

peter harvey canberrrraaaaaah

[@Bertholemu]

And now the walkinshaw brand have dropped it all and support the competition , sellouts

[@TheWowowo]

Camaro is an ugly bloody thing. From the crap looking alloys to the bicycle reflector either side of the front apron this first entry to the AUS market from this iconic car is fucking pathetic. Did GM not get the message from the absolute clean sweep of the SSV Commodore. Make it look classy and tough. Not cheap and nasty.

[@coopsnz1]

Australia 13% -51% tax on cars since Bob Hawke , Usa has taxes on cars in some states $1000usd -$4000usd destination charge , $1500usd gas guzzler tax , 8% gst

[@timobrien9123]

HSV is dead, stop fooling yourself

[@ImThAtGuY90]

What a disgrace to the Camaro name an Legacy

[@Jledcustoms]

RATED R how so?

[@ImThAtGuY90]

Jeremy Elford cause its classified as a HSV 😷

[@Jledcustoms]

RATED R where? Carsales has it as a Chev

[@michaelwyres]

Sorry, that voice is so irritating, stopped watching within a minute...sounds like a cartoon character...