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2015 Shannons Sydney Winter Classic Auction
Lot
20

1979 Holden Commodore VB 'Brock' HDT Sedan Prototype (No 001)

$125,000

Sold

Specifications

Engine V8, 4987cc
Gearbox 3-speed automatic
Body Work Sedan
Colour Malachite/Sage Green
Interior Green
Trim Cloth
Wheels Cast Alloy
Brakes Discs

Description

This lot is no longer available

The history of the Brock Commodores began with Holden's official withdrawal from motor sport by the end of the 1979 season. Lacking a major sponsor, racing legend Peter Brock and the remaining Holden Dealer Team personnel hatched a plan to fund their motor sport activities by producing specially modified road cars, to be sold through 57 carefully selected dealers. Holden agreed to supply brand new SL/E VC Commodores to HDT's facilities in Melbourne to be transformed into bespoke high performance road cars, each taking approximately 20 man hours to modify. Designed to compete with the best European sports sedans, upgrades to the Commodore's engine and suspension, combined with exterior enhancements and luxurious interior, resulted in an Aussie muscle car with a touch of class. Under the bonnet Holden's hottest engine of the day, the 5-litre V8, benefited from L34-type heads with bigger valves, matched inlet manifold and gas-flowed head porting, along with a dual exhaust, raising power output to a healthy 160 kW at 4500 rpm. Bilstein front strut inserts and shock absorbers tightened up the handling, while a heavy-duty limited slip diff got the power to the ground, enabling the Commodore to complete the 0-100 km/h dash is just 8.4 seconds. The Brock Commodore sported a unique appearance thanks to flares, spoilers and stripes (all designed by Holden's own styling guru Leo Pruneau) along with German-made Irmscher alloy wheels. Inside, refinements like the Momo steering wheel (with individual build numbers), footrest and black column shroud were complemented by distinctive HDT badging on the glove box. Using the SL/E as a base ensured the Brock Commodore boasted numerous luxury items like air conditioning, power steering, electric windows, four-wheel disc brakes, dual exhausts, a premium stereo and more. After receiving overwhelming support for the project from the Dealer Council, HDT commenced production of a limited run of 500 Commodores and they were released in three colours only; Firethorn Red, Palais White and Tuxedo Black, all with deep carmine burgundy velour upholstery. The runaway success of the VC Commodore ensured a healthy future for HDT and interest in these early cars has never been stronger, with values climbing all the time.