HSV VR-VS Clubsport - Best Aussie Buys #2

By: Guy Allen, Cliff Chambers, Photography by: Unique Cars Archives

Date: 22.07.2020

The market for collectible Aussie cars may hve gone nuts over the years but that doesn't mean all the bargains have gone. We've chosen our top five and at number two is the VR-VS HSV Clubsport

HSV VR-VS Clubsport

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 entry into the brand was the brilliantly-named 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 technology 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.

| Buyers' Guide: HSV GTS 1992-1996

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."

| 2019 Market Review: HSV VN-VE 1990-2008

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 ordinary with a sporting edge.

| Reader Ride: HSV VR Senator

1993 VR HSV Clubsport specs

Engine 5.0lt V8
Power  185kW @ 4800rpm
Torque 400Nm @ 3600rpm
Gearbox 4-speed manual
Suspension
Front: MacPherson strut, coil springs.
Rear: Independent semi-trailing arms and coils.
Brakes Four-wheel discs
Weight 1760kg

Best Aussie Buys:

#1 - FPV GT BA-BF
#2 - HSV VR-VS Clubsport
#3 - Chrysler Centura
#4 - 2002-2007 BA-BF Ford Falcon XR6T
#5 - 2002 Mitsubishi Ralliart Magna

From Unique Cars issue 441, June 2020

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