THE STORY Based on the Opel Rekord E, Holden launched the VB Commodore in October 1978 as a successor to the HZ Holden at a reported cost of over $ 110 million.
The new car was significantly smaller than the Kingswood it replaced and visually the same size as a Torana/Sunbird sedan. It won Wheels Car of the Year award in 1978 and was praised for its value for money. The factory backed Holden Dealer Team finished 1,2,3 in VB Commodores in the 1979 Repco Round Australia Trial (20,000 km) lead by Peter Brock.
There were four engine options from the 2.85 litre straight six to the 5.0 litre V8 and either a 4-speed manual or 3-speed automatic transmission.
It became the number 1 selling car in Australia in 1979 and there were three variants: Commodore, Commodore SL and Commodore SL/E.
The SL/E was the top-of-the-line luxury model and had a 4.2 litre V8, 3-speed automatic transmission, air conditioning, velour trim, cut pile carpet, 4-wheel disc brakes, 15x6 inch alloy wheels, burr walnut dash, chrome exhaust and door handles, electric aerial, headlight washers/wipers, power steering and reading lights.
Production of the VB only lasted for 17 months and over 95,000 examples were produced.
THE CAR This car was delivered new on 8th March 1979 to its new owner in Gilles Street, Adelaide via United Motors Limited.
This is a 3-owner Holden Commodore VB SL/E that has been recently resprayed in its original, beautiful Atlantis Blue Metallic (paint code 567-30525) and has its original Light Blue velour interior (trim code 23Y).
This is an unmolested, numbers matching SL/E that is equipped with the 4.2 litre Red V8 engine coupled to its original Trimatic 3-speed automatic transmission. All SL/E standard options are present including power steering, air conditioning, cut pile carpet, walnut dash facia and correct alloy wheels.
The car presents extremely well mechanically with good power, a smooth transmission change and smooth comfortable ride. Inside is all original in great condition. All plastics are in great condition, however the dash does have some cracking and is covered by a dash mat. New chrome door handles, scuff plates and window winders have recently been fitted.
It has its original delivery books and the odometer shows 188,020 kms travelled.
