1985 Holden VK SS Commodore Sedan

Description

Regarded by many as the most desirable Brock Commodore of all, the HDT VK was initially launched as just two models, the SS and Group 3, on the 28th of August, 1984 with the Group A and other variants like the Calais Director arriving later. The SS gained a rear spoiler and unique 15-inch alloy rims (but could be ordered with 16-inch wheels) and the same aggressive bodykit as found on the Group 3, featuring large front and rear spoilers, side skirts and a new grille - a bonnet scoop and splitters on the front wings were also popular options. The SS was sold in two colours only, Asteroid Silver and Alpine White, with SS stripes and logos. Inside there were sports Scheel bucket seats, a Momo steering wheel and HDT gearstick knob. Under the bonnet the SS came with the usual tough 5-litre V8 with a four-barrel carburettor, developing 177 kW at 4800 rpm and 419 Nm of torque at 3500 rpm. With enlarged cylinder head ports and gas-flowed combustion chambers, the V8 was also treated to larger inlet and exhaust valves. HDT offered at choice of three transmissions - a three-speed auto box, the M21 four-speed with the option of Borg-Warner's T-5 five-speed, with a 3.08 limited slip differential. The Group 3 suspension package consisted of Bilstein shock absorbers and a front sway bar. Although official build figures for the SS aren't known, just 200 Group 3 and 500 Group A VK Commodores were made by HDT. The VK SS cost $17,995 with the five-speed gearbox a costly $2,850 option. Performance figures were largely the same as the Group 3, with 0-100 km/h taking 7.6 seconds and the quarter-mile dash some 14.9 seconds. As the period ads said, 'Body by Holden - Soul by Brock.'