1999 Holden HSV VT Clubsport R8 Sedan

Description

Established in 1987, Holden Special Vehicles (HSV) was Holden’s officially-designated performance vehicle partner. It produced a series of low-volume performance models across the Holden range, though most commonly based on the Commodore platform. One of HSV’s best-known badges was the Clubsport, which debuted as a VN-model in 1990 and continued through to the Gen-F of 2017. As the performance brand’s entry-level model, it was also its biggest-seller. The VT-model Holden Commodore was the first iteration of the third generation of this Australian-made model and the last one to be powered by a locally made cast-iron V8 engine. Launched in 1997, the HSV VT Clubsport variant was larger and heavier than its predecessors, sharing its 5.0-litre V8 engine (producing 195 kW) as an option with Holden’s more mainstream sporty Commodore SS model. The VT Clubsport of course incorporated a number of HSV luxury and sports differentiators including optional leather trim, a CD player and fog lights. Only 1505 Series 1 VT Clubsports were built, before the imported Chevrolet LS1 engine became standard with the Series 2 variant. The VT Series II represented a major update for HSV through the introduction of the new 250kW, 473Nm 5.7 litre GENIII LS1 V8. For the first time, a more performance-oriented Clubsport model was launched, known as the Clubsport R8. It came standard with HSV’s “Performance” suspension and braking package, which were offered as optional extras on the Clubsport. Production of the VT Clubsport model ceased altogether in 2000. All Clubsports continue to be popular among Australian muscle car enthusiasts, and interest is continuing to grow in all models.