Upgraded V8
HSV was arguably ahead of the market when it first introduced the Maloo ute, but it did eventually gain market traction.
In a feature on the series we note: “During the Maloo’s first decade only 1000 were made, but then came V8 ute racing and a cultural shift reviving interest in recreational commercial vehicles.
“March 2000 saw HSV begin fitting Chevrolet-sourced, 5.7-litre LS1 engines with 255kW.
“Also new was the six-speed manual transmission fitted to a Maloo, allowing HSV to fit a lower final-drive ratio (3.77:1 vs the four-speed automatic’s 3.07:1) for superior off-the-line and mid-range acceleration.”
This 2003 example claims a little under 91,000km, features some Harrop upgrades, and is with John Conroy in Brisbane. It’s priced at $52,990.