The first prototype of what became a legion of famous ‘‘Brock’’ HDT Commodores is already on pole position with Holden enthusiasts before it crosses the block at Shannons Winter Auction in Sydney on Monday.
Starting life as a 1979 Holden VB Commodore SL/E, the two-tone Malachite and Sage Green sedan was given to the Holden Dealer Team for racing legend Peter Brock to develop into a sophisticated, high-powered road car to challenge the best from Europe.
Brock and his HDT team totally transformed the car and given its high-performance brief, the car’s original 4.2-litre V8 was replaced with a 5.0-litre V8 mated to a Turbo 350 three-speed automatic transmission, while this was matched to a bigger rear end housing with limited-slip differential.
To ensure that the HDT Commodore was a BMW beater, its engine was suitably warmed-over and the suspension uprated with Bilstein shock absorbers. Distinctive Irmscher wheels, two-tone paintwork and a full body kit completed the conversion.
By the time the HDT prototype was completed, the original VB Commodore had given way to the VC model, so the grille and tail lights of production models were updated although the prototype uniquely retains its original VB side mouldings.
As a result, this unique Commodore has a very special place in the history of the Holden Dealer Team and Peter Brock in particular.
The current owner's long-lasting relationship with the car dates back to 1982, when he was employed at Les Vagg Holden in Pennant Hills, one of the founding HDT dealers.
While racing at Sydney’s Amaroo Park in August that year, Peter Brock and John Harvey left ‘‘001’’ with the Vagg dealership to be sold on their behalf. The current owner was the sales person responsible for the sale to a mate's stepfather.
Eleven years later he bought the car back and subsequently carried out a total restoration over an extended 15-year period. This included an engine rebuild and repaint in the original two-tone colour combination using correct two-pack paint.
Among the extensive documentation included with the car is a Certificate of Authenticity from HDT confirming the car as the original ‘‘VB HDT Prototype’' along with all numbers (including the engine change) and several magazine articles featuring the car.
Because of its unique place in both HDT and Brock history, Shannons expect this very special Commodore to sell in the $85,000-$95,000 range.