THE STORY

Launched in 1986, the Holden Commodore VL SS Group A was the second car built for Group A racing purposes. Only 500 were built to comply with the Group A racing rules of the day and only 173 of these were the “Plus Pack”.

The Plus Pack included the controversial “Peter Brock Energy Polariser”, revised springs, anti-roll bars and improved front suspension geometry. It also has improved cylinder head cooling with the introduction of an extra water passage to the head and a higher-pressure fuel pump.

Brocks’ insistence regarding the validity of the Polariser caused a rift with Holden that was never fully healed.

Powered by a 4.987 litre V8 overhead valve engine with 2 valves per cylinder, fuel delivery was via a 4-barrel Rochester carburettor with cold air induction.

Also, in the engine department there were heavy duty con rods and crankshaft and gold Crane roller rockers and a lighter flywheel. The free-flow headers were designed to Group A racing specs and a low restriction, big bore exhaust was fitted.

Power was put to the road via a manual Borg Warner T5G 5 speed transmission and the differential had a 3.08 ratio. Front suspension was fully independent, and rear was a live axle located by trailing arms. Power assisted front and rear disc brakes rounded out the mechanical package.

Inside, Scheel seats graced the cabin and each car had a build number plaque attached to the glovebox. The leather wrapped steering wheel was supplied by Momo as was the gear knob.

All cars were painted “Permanent Red” and the body kit featured a new radiator grille, colour keyed bumpers, racing specification spoilers and a small, grooved induction scoop attached to the bonnet to assist with the cold air induction.

 

THE CAR

The final official Peter Brock Holden Dealership Team model.

This is build number 157 of 500 (3,701) authenticated by HDT.

The car has its HDT original books including owner’s handbook with service records, service manual supplement, Australian Power Steering warranty, additional owner’s information card, key ring engraved with the build number, Peter Brock’s business cards and HDT compendium and “birth papers”.

Built on 26 November 1986, the car was delivered to Estuary Holden in Mandurah, Western Australia. The original build sheets including GMH factory quality control documents and delivery documents are to hand.

There is a copy of a letter from Melville Motors Pty Ltd documenting the car’s odometer on 13^th November 1990 at 18,576 kms.

The service records show that on 7^th September 1999, this car had travelled 92,011 kms. In the subsequent 22.5 years, the car has been stored and used sparingly having travelled only 3,688 kms.

The current odometer shows 95,716 kms travelled in total.

The Permanent Red paint work is immaculate and the interior is in wonderful original condition.

The engine bay is in outstanding condition and the engine has great power and a glorious exhaust note.

Handling and ride quality are both excellent.

A significant piece of Australian motoring history – these rare cars continue to climb in value.