VR-VS HSV CLUBSPORT
“YOU CAN GET SOME PRETTY CONVINCING BANG FOR YOUR BUCK”
For a time there HSV was pumping out a dizzying array of variants on local Holdens and could be regarded as a niche manufacturer in its own right. For many customers their entr y into the brand was the brilliantlynamed ClubSport (a bit of inspiration by John Harvey) and the nametag remains emblematic of the entire HSV ethos.
By the time the VR Holdens rolled in to be worked on, HSV stipulated that its entire range would feature ABS and independent rear suspension – hardly earth-shattering technolog y even back then, but an important line in the sand when it came to the dynamics of these cars.
For the VR the company’s formula was multi-faceted: upgrade the interior, restyle the body with their own ‘go fast’ panels, revise the suspension and wheel package for a more sporty unit, and alter the ECU and breathing of the 5.0lt powerplant.
Over the next couple of generations, the packages were refined and the list of options grew considerably so that, by the time the next-gen VT came around, there was a very real chance no two cars would be exactly the same. Certainly there was loads of opportunity for customisation.
Wheels mag summed up HSV’s abilities, in August 1993, this way: “This company’s genius is in synthesis; in the selection of elements which create a whole which is somewhat greater than the sum of the parts.”
Unfortunately for the owners, HSVs haven’t always held their value well. That of course is good news for buyers, as you can get some pretty convincing bang for your buck.
VR-VS ClubSports have typically sold in the $20-25k range in recent times, though exceptional examples may command extra and will probably be worth it in the long run. Condition rather than year should dictate your choice. Definitely worth a punt if you want Aussie-made but something a little out of the ordinar y with a sporting edge.