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1987 Holden Commodore VL Calais – Todays Tempter

VL HDT LE clone: Factory LW5 turbo and five-speed manual car, numbers-correct

Holden’s VL of 1986 marked a massive departure point for the traditional brand, and was met with strong public criticism and scepticism aimed at its range of ‘bought in’ Nissan inline-sixes.

V8s were still optional-able but, with new unleaded fuel, were significantly in the minority.

Over time, people found there was a lot to like about the overhead-cam fuel-injected alloy-head RB30, and it won a large legion of fans – especially with young modifiers over the succeeding generations.

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Beyond the powerplants propensity to accept massive turbos and massive boost; the Holden factory treated the VL Commodore to more extensive sound deadening and improved NVH, both over the preceding VK as well as the rival XF Falcon – the VL’s main fleet rival.

Suspension tunes were more comfortable too thanks to softer springs and a faster steering-ratio.

This 1987 Calais example has been built up into what is said to be an HDT LE clone.

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The seller states that the Calais is a factory LW5 3.0lt RB30 turbo matched with its original five-speed manual gearbox, all numbers-correct.

It is a factory red car as well, and is said to present immaculately with lots of money spent and all work done professionally. It’s supposedly a country car and free of rust.

It’s covered 170,000kms but looks incredibly well-kept. We would guess that it’s not wearing its original paint, though any one interested may have to get in touch with the seller to ask a few more questions.

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As it stands, the car presents very well, and would be a tremendously fun thing to have in the shed.

The VL Calais is based in New South Wales and is listed for $42,000.

Check out the full listing here!

 

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