1993 HSV VP CLUBSPORT 5000i

In 1993, HSV took a handful of ‘regular’ VP ClubSports and stuffed VP GTS running gear in them, creating the VP ClubSport 5000i in the process. This gear most notably comprised the GTS-sourced four-bolt mains block and bottom end, with a reprogrammed engine control unit (ECU) providing a power figure of 200kW (268hp), backed by a four-speed auto and LSD rear. The VP ClubSport 5000i was available only in Alaskan White paint, with grey accenting. Perhaps most notable, however, was the inclusion of the build number on the exterior of the vehicle, included as a boot-mounted decal — an interesting departure from HSV’s convention of interior and engine-bay badging. This particular example is owned by Julian Stone, who has been its custodian for about four years. The attraction of the 5000i stems from his interest in them when they were new. Julian explains: “I used to work at Schofields when these cars were new, and I got a bit of a liking for them.” While it would be around 20 years before he got his hands on one, it was simply a matter of hitting ‘Buy Now’ when the right one popped up on Trade Me — Julian knew this was the one when he saw it. It doesn’t look as if he was wrong, either.