1985 holden hdt calais director 3 sp automatic 4d sedan

THE STORY
An exclusive and iconic Australian muscle car.

Conceived by Peter Brock’s Holden Dealer Team (HDT), the Holden HDT VK Calais Director was the pinnacle of luxury and performance in 1985. Brock wanted to extend the success of the race-focused SS models to the prestige market without sacrificing HDT performance or DNA.

Production numbers are unknown but it is believed only 100 Directors were built between 1985 and 1986 and that only 60 – 70 were made in the initial 1985 production run.

All HDT Directors were bespoke and custom built to order. There was a long list of options for cashed-up buyers, all cars were ordered through HDT and very few were the same.

Under the hood was either the standard 5.0 litre or the HDT homologated 4.9 litre V8 (304ci) that was built to either SS or Group Three performance levels with large cylinder heads, custom exhaust headers and a special cold-air induction system.

In keeping with the luxury theme, most cars had a heavy-duty Tri-matic automatic transmission but some did have a 4-speed manual.

The cars also featured HDT tuned suspension, leather Scheel seats, digital dash, leather wrapped Momo steering wheel and Aero wheels.

THE CAR
This outstanding number’s matching VK Director is HDT Build Number 3268 (model 333) and was built and HDT plated in December 1985.

The original delivery books reveal this car was delivered new by the Balmoral Holden dealership from Cheltenham, Victoria to a Mr Chivell from Frankston on 20th August, 1987.

Finished in iconic Asteroid Silver Metallic (code 2J 013-B), this car has only travelled 68,430 kms. The car’s trim code (3039-15Y) indicates the highly sought-after SS/Group 3 interior package from the Holden Dealer Team in light grey.

Being a late-1985 build, this car is fitted with the highly desirable 4.9 litre V8 engine (LV2) that was built to either SS or Group Three performance levels. It has its Rochester carburettor and port matched inlet manifold with the HDT Cold Air induction system.

Power is put to the road via a silky smooth heavy-duty Tri-matic automatic transmission (M40) and stopping power is provided by 4-wheel disc brakes. This Director sits on HDT Aero alloy wheels.

Inside the car has its original, luxurious grey leather Scheel seats, digital dash, power windows, power mirrors, power steering, air conditioning and Momo steering wheel.

Outside the car sports HDT’s distinctive but understated body kit including original HDT and Director badging.

It is believed this is a 3-owner car that has spent the majority of its life in Victoria before coming to South Australia in 2024.

The car’s documents show it originally treated with a swag of protective options at the time of delivery supplied by Truseal Chematic Systems. This included paint sealant, fabric and textile protector, leather and vinyl protector, sound seal and Truguard rustproofing.

This car has retained its factory GMH Micro Command cassette stereo player and the original operating instructions are amongst the documentation.

This car is fitted with the infamous Peter Brock Energy Polarizer which was developed between Brock and Dr Eric Dowker in 1985.

On the road, this Director does not disappoint displaying a smooth and powerful ride coupled with a glorious exhaust note.

An incredibly rare and stylish piece of Australian automotive history.