1991 HSV SV5000 – Today’s V8 Tempter

By: James Robinson, Unique Cars magazine

Date: 06.06.2017

It was a rarity new and it’s rarer still today

The Holden Special Vehicles SV5000 was a proper V8 bruiser and was built in very limited numbers (359 in total) between 1989 and 1991.

Based on the VN Commodore, the SV5000 started life in Holden’s Elizabeth plant in South Australia before being transferred to the boffins over at HSV, who were located in Notting Hill in Victoria at the time.

Slotted into the SV5000’s engine bay was the 5.0lt ‘LB9’ V8, which was then heavily fettled by HSV to crank out 200kW and 410Nm. HSV accomplished this extra oomph thanks to flat-top pistons, a higher compression ratio (9.0:1), larger valves, a new camshaft, unique throttle body, knock sensor, trick induction kit with cold air intake, custom extractors and a ECU tune.

This power was sent to the rear wheels via a 4-speed torque converter automatic gearbox, which strangely, was the only transmission option for the SV5000.

HSV also worked on improving the stopping power of the SV5000 by fitting performance oriented two-piston front calipers and 327mm vented discs that had essentially been nicked off the Corvette ZR1. Rear brakes were single piston calipers and 278mm discs, which, funnily enough, were actually the regular VN Commodore’s front brakes with a special cast so they could fit on the rear.

The SV5000 tipped the scales at 1460kg and, to accommodate the wider wheels and rubber at the rear, was fitted with a slimmer rear axle that was originally made for the VL Commodore. The HSV also got a 28mm front anti-roll bar which was said to increase rigidity by 16 per cent.

The SV5000 wasn’t short on creature comforts either, standard luxury equipment included 16-inch alloy wheels, four-speaker sound system with radio and cassette player, leather trim, central locking, power windows, power mirrors, climate controlled air conditioning and a trip computer.

This particular SV5000 is a ’91 model and looks to be in pretty good nick. The seller is asking $18,000, which actually seems like a pretty good deal considering these things will most likely never drop in price again.

Anyone who likes the look of this V8 brawler can check out the full listing here. 

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