Holden Special Vehicles' 85,000th vehicle hits the market

FANS OF hard-core performance Holdens and potentially collectible cars should get their wallets ready, as purveyors of tyre-torturing lions – HSV – rolled the 85,000th car off its Clayton production line yesterday – and it’s heading straight to the showroom!

The supercharged GEN-F2 ClubSport R8 LSA will be delivered to HSV’s oldest dealership, Garry and Warren Smith (GWS) Holden in Oakleigh, Victoria.

The dealership confirmed to Which Car that the milestone vehicle will be put on display in their Melbourne showroom. Discussions between GWS and the HSV Owners Club to have the car put on display at one of their functions are also on-going.

The 85,000th HSV will be endowed with a unique build plate paying homage to its unique status, while the lucky owner will receive a “letter of authenticity” signed by HSV Managing Director, Tim Jackson.

As some extra incentive for prospective buyers, GWS itself will be arranging additional custom benefits for the new owner, including a Vicroads custom number plate ’85-HSV’, a photo of the vehicle signed by the technicians who built the car, and an opportunity for the new owner to meet V8 Supercar driver and HSV ambassador Jason Bright.

The dealership says interest has been high for the unique vehicle, and they intend holding a media day where customers can get up close and personal with the special ClubSport.

But despite the vast number of people keen to make the car their own, GWS is required to sell the iconic car at its Recommended Retail Price as set by HSV, meaning there won’t be any big dollar bidding war on this tyre-frying lion. The automatic R8 LSA sells for $83,490.

Tim Jackson says the milestone vehicle is a special one for the brand.

“From humble beginnings at our Notting Hill production facility in 1987, with just three employees, a single desk, two chairs and one telephone, to the production of our 85,000th vehicle, we are constantly reminded of the dedication and passion our employees, dealers and owners continue to show” he said.

“This is a milestone that can be proudly shared by them all.”

If you miss out on nabbing this special HSV, fear not. HSV spokesperson Damon Paul suggests the ‘regular’ models produced by the performance brand could still be considered collectable.

“We have got a fairly enviable social media and fan base that seem to be very, very passionate,” he told Which Car.

“You would have to ask them, but certainly the demand and the passion seems to be continued unabated.”