Chevrolet Lumina SS

4/5 seats, 408 litres 6 airbags, ABS, EBD, stability control R 20 900 April 2007 (Chevrolet Lumina 6,0 SS manual)

0–100 km/h: 5,84 seconds Top speed: 238 km/h Power: 270 kw Torque: 530 N.m Fuel consumption: 17,71 L/100 km

This old-school American V8 was based on the Australian Holden Commodore. Some decades ago, GM used the Holden name here in South Africa. In January of 1972, CAR tested the Holden Monaro GTS, although the name had been switched to Chev SS to concentrate on the Chevrolet brand. In April 2007, we tested the Lumina SS. Six litres of pushrod power and, believe it or not, a six-speed manual gearbox.

In August 2010, we tested a Lumina CSV CR8 in full Australian Police livery. GM was considering reintroducing the model. This one had 317 kw and retained the manual. Sudhir Matai and I were even pulled over by the “real police” on our way back from testing. Though they accused us of impersonating police officers, they did buy our story and asked us not to do any further trips. At the time of testing in 2007, it was considered a bargain, at R349 000. It seated five and also featured a large boot. Of course, the problem with a hugeengined car is filling the tank. For a weekend car, it’s an alternative to the flashier Cobra V8 replica.

With pushrod valve operation, there are no cambelts to worry about, but keep an eye on cooling and the state of the radiator, hoses and water pump. There are just a few manual versions on sale; the rest are less-involving automatics. The Utes have quite a following, too.