1991 Holden HSV VG Maloo Utility (No 99 of 132)

Unveiled in 1988, Holden’s second generation VN Commodore was a significant milestone in the history of GM-H and a big step forward over the outgoing VB-VL series.  Based on its European counterpart, the Opel Omega, the latest Commodore boasted an aerodynamic new body that was bigger inside and out, while two fuel injected engines, the 3.8-litre V6 and 5.0-litre V8, were introduced and Holden sourced new transmissions to go with them, offering buyers the choice of the Australian-made Borg-Warner T5 manual or American Turbo Hydra-Matic auto with overdrive.  Other notable features of the latest Commodore included four-wheel disc brakes across the entire model range, along with a European inspired interior dominated by a one-piece dash, while big news for ute lovers was the reintroduction of a commercial from August 1990, christened the VG.  With the demise of HDT, Holden Special Vehicles in Clayton, Victoria (under the direction of Scot Tom Walkinshaw) assumed the role of building high performance Commodores and produced a wide range of individual models based on the new VN platform, including several with the V6 engine for the first time.  Alongside models like the SV5000 and Group A, HSV produced a limited number of Maloo utes based on the VG Commodore between October 1990 and April 1993.  Powered by an uprated 5.0-litre V8 similar to that found in the SV89, albeit with the SV5000’s cold air intake, power was rated at 180kW and the lighter body of the ute provided a distinct performance advantage over the sedans.  Offered in either Maranello Red or Alpine White, most of the 132 VG Maloos built have accumulated high mileages or been thrashed, making the car offered here perfect for serious HSV collectors.