Australian Group C Racers

The 'star' of this trio is undoubtedly the genuine 05 HDT Commodore, as driven by Peter Brock and Jim Richards to victory at Bathurst in 1980. As much as this car is a story of Brock, it's also a story of a 'rock', two of them, in fact! If you know your Bathurst history, you'll know the 1980 race featured the famous rock on the track that knocked the leading - and seemingly uncatchable Dick Johnson out of a likely race win and out of the race. Without it, it's unlikely the Commodores could have reeled in Johnson's runaway Falcon. Although the Commodore had already proven itself in ATCC competition for its debut season, success at Bathurst was by no means assured. The Holden Dealer team not only had the fast XD Falcon of Johnson to contend with at Mt. Panorama, but also the equally quick Chev Camaro of Kevin Bartlett, plus an homologation change from VB to VC spec, completed just before the 1980 Bathurst 1000 enduro. As well as giving 'Brocky' his fifth Bathurst win, this car delivered another seven outright victories and three runner up placings in ATCC competition for the 1980/81 season.

For the 1982 season, it was campaigned as the #25 HDT car, driven by John Harvey, before being sold to a privateer who continued to race it in ATCC competition for several seasons, including three more Bathurst 1000s. The other rock in the story is John Rock, GM-Holden's Marketing Director at the start of the 1980s, who was instrumental in getting Brock's HDT Special Vehicles business off the ground. Rock ensured a prototype HDT VC Commodore was built, so Brock had a 'sampler' to show the dealers, whose support he needed to fund the race team, after GMH withdrew 'official' support at the end of 1979. Take both 'rocks' away, and it's unlikely the 05 HDT car featured would have the icon status it enjoys today. This multiple race winner has been subject to a comprehensive restoration and, although suitable for historic competition, would arguably be best appreciated as part of a static collection, or for display laps. Let's face it, a true Brock fan would never forgive themselves if they wrote off this unique piece of Australian motor racing history at the track!

'Pre-Commodore' Aussie race cars have been collectors items for some time, and it now seems that '80s' era racecars are starting to find similar favour with restorers & collectors. The Brock association obviously adds significantly to this car's value and its long term investment potential. Itcertainly drew a lot of attention at November's 'Brocky's Big Day Out For Charity' where these shots were taken. The Torana A9X featured also has a Brock connection, as this ex-Bob Forbes racer was campaigned by Peter Brock in historic competition in 2005 & 2006. Testament to the quality of its workmanship & engineering, this is still a very fast car. It currently holds the Group C lap record at both Phillip Island and Oran Park, both records set with Brocky behind the wheel. A genuine GMP&A body A9X, this car was originally raced by Forbes and Kevin Bartlett in 1977 and 1978 (including Bathurst). It has since been fully restored prior to its return to racing in the Garry & Warren Smith livery. With a proven race winning history, this car is more than ready to take to the track and would still be competitive in Group C competition in the right hands.

Full history, log book and CAMS COD is available on request. Even though its been belted round the track for the past two seasons, this Torana is in superb condition - comparable to the immaculate 05 HDT Commodore. A9X Toranas - especially those with genuine, verified competition history - are worth big bucks nowadays, and this one is no exception. As with the HDT VC, the Brock association adds to its value and collectability, although the new owner may feel a little more comfortable campaigning this one on the racetrack than the 05 HDT Commodore. The other Commodore featured is another genuine Group C racer, the ex-Steve Harrington/Garth Wigston VH Commodore, as raced at Bathurst in 1982 in the distinctive STP livery. While never achieving results like Brock or Bartlett, Wigston and Harrington were both solid, long term privateer campaigners at Mt. Panorama, achieving a best result of fourth overall in 1983.Also raced by Allan Grice (who partnered Harrington in this car for the 1984 Bathurst 1000), this VH Commodore-based racer is fresh from a comprehensive restoration.

All work was actually overseen and approved by John McCarthy, the car's original 'Roadways' race engineer back in the 1980s. In turn-key, ready-to-race condition, this car would also be a strong contender in Group C historic competition. Would it beat the A9X? Hmmm, maybe you'll have to take the pair to the track and try that out for yourself! If the attention this trio received at 'Brocky's Big Day Out For Charity' was any indication, they're unlikely to stay on the market for long, despite the dollars being asked.Genuine Brock cars now represent solid long term investments as well as being great museum or car collection centrepieces in their own right. If your pockets are deep enough, these Group C racers would definitely be worth close consideration. Contact Steve at Rob Roy for an appointment to view these immaculate pieces of Aussie motor racing history.

WHAT, WHERE, WHEN & HOW MUCH
Model: Group C collection
Year: Various
Dealer: Rob Roy Historic Garage
115 Heidelberg-Kinglake Rd,
St. Andrews, VIC, 3761
Ph: 0417 564 524Price:

Starting at $195,0000-100 kph: Varies, but they're all quick!
Best point: Irreplacable one-offs. . .
Worst point: . . . with prices to match
Recommendation: Long term investments you can really enjoy!
Trivia: To promote the then-new HDT Special Vehicles company in the early 1980s, a one-make race series, exclusively for HDT VC Commodores, was organised. The series featured current & past racing stars like Peter Brock, Colin Bond & Jack Brabham.