1983 Holden VH 'Brock' Commodore Group 3 SS Sedan

Description

Brock's second HDT modified Commodore, based on the face lifted VH range, was launched at the 1982 Melbourne Motor Show and was offered in four levels of tune, ranging from the Groups One, Two and Three with the 4.2 V8 to the full house Group Three 5.0 V8. In reality, of the 322 VH Commodores built by HDT only a handful left the factory with the 4.2 under the bonnet, as most punters were looking for the hottest performance package available. Mechanically, HDT used the L31 with new cylinder heads of their own design, a gas-flowed inlet manifold, cold air intake, exhaust headers and a blueprinted ignition system to boost power from 185 bhp to a peak of 246 bhp at 4750 rpm. To cope with the added grunt, HDT installed a limited-slip diff and rear disc brakes, along with a bigger radiator and heavy-duty alternator. Visually, the Group Three stood out thanks to a new body kit with side skirts, front and rear spoilers, a massive bonnet scoop and distinctive splitters on top of the front guards. HDT fitted heavy-duty suspension with uprated springs, Bilstein gas shock absorbers and revised geometry, while the brakes featured a heavy-duty master cylinder and the package was rounded off with a set of 15-inch alloys by Irmscher. Inside, signature HDT touches included the Momo leather steering wheel, special SS trim, an optional Brock sound system and driver's foot rest. The press loved the HDT's newest weapon, praising the ability to provide near race levels of performance in a civilised package. The Group Three SS could reach 100 km/h in 6.7 seconds and did the standing quarter-mile in 14.9 seconds, both times matching the best high performance cars from Europe. In their comparison test with a Falcon ESP, Modern Motor succinctly concluded "It's a racing car for the road you say? No, the Group Three SS is much, much more than that. It's a sports sedan, a blend of accomplishment and accommodation, or purpose and practicality. And if it's not the best sports sedan for the money in the world, I'll stand rooted."