1985 Holden VK Commodore '134 Pack' 4.9 Sedan

Holden announced its fourth major facelift - and certainly the most significant to date - for the Commodore range in February 1984, the VK model being a major step forward in styling. With colour-coded bumpers, grille and rear tail lights and the addition of rear quarter windows, the VK Commodore was the sharpest looking yet and was the first to feature deformable bumpers made from polypropylene. Holden revamped the model line-up, replacing the old SL, SL/X and SL/E badges with Executive, Berlina and Calais names. Additionally, there was the high performance SS sedan and HDT released their own versions of the SS, with Group 3 and Group A models plus the Calais-based Director. Inside, the VK a new dashboard was the main feature (with LED digital instruments on the more upmarket models). Mechanically, there was a choice of the 3.3-litre in-line six-cylinder in either carburettor or EFI versions, or the V8 with either manual or automatic transmissions available across the range. The fuel injected six was a good performer, being smooth, reliable and with plenty of power. However for those wanting more grunt, the L31 5.0 V8 (replaced by the LV2 4.9 mid-way through VK production in June 1985) was the pick of the engines. The LV2 was derived from Holden's latest racing engine, often still referred to as the 5.0-litre, but weighed a not insignificant 75 kg less than the old motor. All V8-equipped Commodores came with better stopping power thanks to four-wheel disc brakes and bigger brake booster. The VK Commodore had a great track record at Bathurst, winning there in 1984 and 1986 and narrowly missing out in 1985.