HOLDEN VQ-VSIII STATESMAN/CAPRICE

THIS PAIR OF UPMARKET HEAVIES SHOWED THAT HOLDEN COULD PRODUCE DECENT BIG PRESTIGE CARS WHEN IT PUT ITS MIND TO IT

When Holden ditched its Statesman in 1984 the move was aimed at ending V8 production in Australia and a belief that buyers didn’t want big cars any more.

Three years later the V8 came back and then in 1989 a brand-new prestige Holden arrived that was much more than an elongated version of the Calais.

Designated VQ, the new Statesman echoed the VN Commodore’s shape but shared very little with the mainstream model. The floor-pan was intended to come from the Commodore wagon, however a different structure was needed to accommodate Holden’s first Australianproduced independent rear suspension.

IRS gave the Statesman and up-market Caprice an edge in handling and ride quality over the dominant Ford Fairlane/ LTD duo. Boosting the big Holden’s appeal even further was the choice of V6 or V8 power.

The 5.0-litre V8 was no powerhouse, with 165kW available on 91 Octane ULP fuel. Output increased very slightly in 1995 when the VS arrived however it would take a switch to imported, 5.7-litre muscle before the Statesman showed any interest in becoming a performance car. The 5.0-litre cars still went well enough though.

Using their four-speed T700 automatic transmission to good effect, the cars got off the line in a haze of rubber smoke and reached 80kh/h in six seconds and were claimed to be capable of 225km/h.

With performance, decent handling and lots of space a 1990s Statesman or Caprice represents practical buying for people who also appreciate the historic significance of these cars. Because they were sold new to fleet buyers or financially secure individuals, these cars in early years at least were usually treated decently and with their service schedules followed.

Statesman and Caprice had impressive and reasonably durable interiors. The cloth-finish the seats were comfortable with sufficient adjustment for very tall drivers. The three-spoke steering wheel had a good feel and a fast ratio for greater control. It also displayed the dash without forcing drivers to crick their necks.

Cars that have been properly maintained for the remainder of their lives will be more difficult to source but these are the ones to track down if you are interested in long-term ownership. Even in exceptional condition, a V8 Statesman will be worth less than $15,000.