HDT, the famous race and road-car operation that became synonymous with Peter Brock, has a new owner and new energy – and will soon have new facilities, too. The brand that was purchased by enthusiast, Peter Champion, in 2007 is now owned by Kenny Habul. The Australian-born, US-based businessman and multiple Bathurst 12 Hour winner is investing in the brand and will relocate operations to Bathurst in New South Wales.
At a launch event for the new HDT in Bathurst’s CBD on 12 October, Habul announced that plans are underway to construct a new facility in Bathurst to restore and refurbish original HDT Special Vehicles cars, and develop a new range of performance parts and modifications to suit these classics.
“This is about building world-class performance vehicles in Bathurst, the home of Australian motorsport and the spiritual home of HDT,” Habul said. “We are respectful of what this brand means to people, and we recognise these cars need to be preserved and improved.
“If you own an HDT you will be able to come to us for parts that we will have on the shelf. Plus, we will also be offering performance upgrades that will be HDT-approved, with increased power outputs, better brakes and enhanced safety.”
HDT History
While HDT – Holden Dealer Team – was founded by race engineer Harry Firth in 1969, it became closely connected to Peter Brock in the 1970s and ’80s. When Brock purchased the team from Holden in 1980, he launched ‘HDT Special Vehicles’ to develop performance-modified road cars based on current Commodores.
Approved by Holden, but officially funded by selected Holden dealers, HDT Special Vehicles served two purposes – supporting the race team and giving Holden dealers a hero model to sell following the demise of the Torana and Monaro.
From 1980 to 1987 a run of 4,246 HDT Special Vehicles cars were built before Holden and Brock’s acrimonious split over the infamous Energy Polarizer, and more specifically, the VL Commodore-based HDT Director.
Today, these original ‘Brock Commodores’ have become highly collectable, with genuine examples selling for hundreds of thousands of dollars at auction. In 2021, Brock’s own HDT VK Commodore Group A SS sold for more than $1 million - a record price for a Holden.
Following Champion’s purchase of HDT, a range of wheels, body kits, parts, accessories and HDT merchandise were produced to meet enthusiast demand, followed by a series of heritage-styled tribute cars based on VE and VF Commodores.
“After nearly 20 years of owning HDT Special Vehicles, I felt it was time for me to move on and sell it to someone who is just as passionate as myself,” Champion said. “And that person is Kenny Habul.”
Multi-Purpose Facility
The new home for HDT in Bathurst will include a world-class workshop with panel and paint repair facilities to allow original cars to be restored.
Additionally, the site will include a museum dedicated to the Holden Dealer Team’s many achievements with its race and road cars, as well as a showroom offering HDT cars for sale.
An all-new HDT
At the launch event, Habul also revealed that a modern take on HDT, in the form of a “Reimagined” car, is currently under development.
“We have prototype cars being tested here in Australia, as well as in Germany and the USA,” Habul added. “There is a lot of work to do before we have a HDT Reimagined car to present, but there is a fundamental recipe that I think will be very impressive.
“We will confirm more details about this stage of HDT’s next chapter in due course.”
