1983 Holden VH Commodore HDT Improved ADP SL/E Sedan

Description

Holden’s third generation Commodore was introduced in September 1981, with a facelift that included new front guards, bonnet, grille, headlamps, and taillights plus various other detail changes. Improvements under the VH Commodore’s skin included more fuel efficient and better performing four- and six-cylinder engines, along with the option of a five-speed gearbox across the range. The interior was revised, featuring new trim designs and a redesigned instrument binnacle, while a digital trip computer was optional on some models. Holden revamped the model line-up as well, with the SL the new base trim level, the SL/X the mid-level offering and the SL/E once again the luxury model. There was also the new SS performance option, introduced at the beginning of 1982, with special colour-coded bumpers, blacked-out windows, special alloy wheels and interior. The SS was initially sold only with a 4.2 litre V8, but this was soon replaced with the 5.0 unit, forming the basis for Peter Brock’s second Holden Dealer Team modified Commodore. Launched at the 1982 Melbourne Motor Show and offered in Group One, Two or Three guises, the HDT Commodores proved successful on the track, winning Bathurst in 1982 and again in 1983. In addition to the SS-based models, it was possible to order an HDT improved Commodore through Holden’s dealer network, with the Australian Dealer Pack (ADP) option. These cars could be based on anything from a base SL through to the luxury SL/E and were equipped with either 4.2 or 5.0 litre V8s and both manual and automatic transmissions were available. Mechanical improvements included a four-barrel Rochester carburettor, gas flowed inlet manifold, high-capacity cold air induction system, plus disc brakes all round and Irmscher 15 x 7 alloy wheels (with 16 x 7 Centra alloys optional). Colour, trim and equipment levels were all left up to the buyer, along with any modifications to the bodywork – some left HDT as sleepers while others sported full house VC-type flares. All ADP Commodores were allocated official HDT build numbers/plates and are recognised as genuine HDT cars today.