2008 HSV VE CLUBSPORT R8 ‘MURPH’

Colleen McLeod is far from the person you’d expect to see behind the wheel of an HSV VE ClubSport, but, then again, she is full of surprises — we bet you wouldn’t pick that this is also her first and only V8! “I’ve been a petrolhead since the age of 12, growing up as a farmer’s daughter,” she told us. Although it has taken her a while to get the car of her dreams, she’s more than making up for lost time. “Whenever we [the HSV Owners Club] have a cruise, I’m one of the first to know, because I’m always keen to get out and drive. I’ve taken her down the Meremere drag strip, and around Hampton Downs and Taupo, but I haven’t done Pukekohe yet!” So, what exactly is a ‘Murph’ edition? It’s effectively an HSV VE ClubSport R8, complete with 317kW (425hp) GM LS2 6.2-litre V8 and 6L80E six-speed Tiptronic auto, with Sport mode, and a special Greg Murphy theme. This takes the form of a black and orange colour scheme, with special ‘Murph’ stickers and upholstery, and production limited to 51 units — representative of Greg Murphy’s No. 51 race number. Colleen’s is one of 41 sedans, with the other 10 being HSV Maloo utes. How does she like it? “It’s beautiful — I love it! I’ve owned it since it was brand new. When my stepdad died, Mum handed me some money and told me to buy myself my first brand-new car. I bought a VY SV6, which I gave to my daughter a few years later, and, with my inheritance money, I bought the Murph.” Suffice to say this is one car that Colleen has no plans to relinquish.