1988 HSV VL COMMODORE SS GROUP A SV

The first HSV ever produced is also the most famous. The ‘Walkinshaw’ or ‘Walky’ models gained fame through their enormous bodykit — legitimately designed and used to reduce aerodynamic drag and increase downforce. Group A homologation requirements required 500 street equivalents to be made available to the general public, and the HSV VL SS Group A SV enjoyed a total production run of 750 cars. The VL SS Group A SV was powered by a Holden V8, marginally de-stroked to 304ci — to meet displacement below 5000cc — with a nodular cast crankshaft and with four-bolt mains for bottom-end longevity. The heads were a new, high-flowing design that would become standard on the subsequent VN Commodore, featuring roller rockers for high-rpm valvetrain stability. Most notable, however, was the twin-throttle-body intake manifold, including individual bell-mouthed runners to each intake port, with a sequential throttle-body system. The 65mm primary throttle body would actuate first, with the larger 80mm unit opening at higher engine speeds, although this was fitted with a restrictor plate from factory. It is said that removal of this restrictor offered an immediate power increase, although factory output was still respectable at a claimed 180kW (241hp). The vehicle was available only with a BorgWarner T5 five-speed manual transmission with heavy-duty clutch, LSD, four-wheel disc brakes, and Holden’s FE2 suspension package, including Bilstein shock absorbers.