Holden VU SS ute - today's tempter

By: Guy Allen, Unique Cars magazine

Date: 07.01.2018

This generation SS ute was a major step up in the handling stakes.

This generation SS ute was a major step up in the handling stakes.

This was a major step up for Holden utes

Sedan-based monocoque sports utes have become something of an Australian speciality - when you look at the rival offerings from Ford and Holden over recent times, there really isn't anything that quite matches them anywhere else in the world.

Certainly the USA used to do them - el Camino and the like spring to mind - but the local designers gradually raised it to an art form.

Though always in demand, there is nevertheless some good buying out there. For example, this Commodore VU SS at $14,500. Assuming it lives up to the owner's description, it seems like decent bang for the buck.

The VU was a significant upgrade for Holden utes, picking up independent rear suspension, upgraded front end from the sedan range, ABS, and a remarkable range of powerplant and transmission options.

The SS offered the 5.7lt Gen III V8, with a choice of four-speed auto or six-speed manual. Power and torque claims were 225kW @ 5200rpm and 460Nm @ 4400rpm.

Performance was lively while the handling came in for a lot of praise. The downside? A 665kg payload for the SS.

Lots of people use these things as an alternative to a sports coupe and you can see why. They offer good performance while offering a ton of load space for the odd trip away.

This example claims to be in good condition with just 75,000km on the clock and is in Qld.

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