1986 Holden VL Commodore Berlina – Today’s Tempter

By: Alex Affat, Unique Cars magazine

Date: 23.10.2019

We can’t remember the last time we saw a VL Berlina this original!

Holden’s VL Commodore arrived in 1986 and was met with strong criticism and scepticism mainly aimed at its range of ‘bought in’ Nissan inline-sixes. V8s were still option-able but with new unleaded fuel, were significantly in the minority.

There ended up being a lot to like with the new overhead-cam fuel-injected alloy-head RB30, and it eventually won back the fans, and made the VL Commodore a fan favourite amongst young modifiers for generations to come.

Beyond their appetite for big turbos and big boost; more extensive sound deadening gave the VL an NVH advantage over the preceding VK and even the XF Falcon – the VL’s main fleet rival.

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

Mass aftermarket appeal has resulted in clean original examples extremely few and far between.

This ’86 Berlina appears to be one of those rare untouched unicorns.

It’s fitted with the RB30ET turbo coupled to the four-speed auto, and is said to bear the very desirable madeira red interior (though unfortunately no interior photos have been attached).

The car has covered 220,000kms since new and is said to be in 100% original and untouched condition, paint and all.

It certainly looks the part, with sought-after 15" hubcaps and original manifold. We can’t remember when we last saw a VL Turbo this original! We'd love to see more photos, but unfortunately this is all we have to go on.

The car is based in Victoria and is listed for $32,000.

Check out the full listing here!

Classic Australian Family Car Value Guide home page

Muscle Car Value Guide home page

Japanese Classic Car Value Guide home page

Recent auction results

Unique Cars magazine Value Guides

Sell your car for free right here