1998 HSV VT CLUBSPORT

“I always wanted a VT ClubSport,” Annemarie Craggs says. “It’s because of the shape — I still think it’s one of the best-shaped HSVs.” There’s no denying that claim, with the VT series marking a distinct change towards a more European-inspired design. The series presented a Commodore revolution, with an all-new body design masking significant mechanical changes — most notably the inclusion of independent rear suspension (IRS) throughout the Commodore passenger-car range. Even bigger news was the second-generation Holden Commodore VT, which utilized the then-new GM LS1 engine — a revolution in overhead-valve V8 engines. The all-alloy LS1 provided significant weight savings over the old cast-iron Holden V8, as well as immense power potential, with factory six-bolt mains and priority mains oiling, as well as a more advanced Delco engine-management system. Annemarie’s series-one HSV VT ClubSport is powered by the last of the cast-iron five-litre Holden V8s, rated at 195kW (261hp), with a fourspeed automatic transmission, and, while there are faster and more powerful HSVs out there, she feels no desire to ‘upgrade’ to a later model HSV, having owned this one for 10 years. Considering the car’s condition, despite it pushing 20 years of age, she’s clearly a loving owner. “It’s in pretty much mint condition,” she says. “I recently put the standard wheels back on, as we had it at CRC Speedshow. We really only use it for HSV Owners Club events.”