1980 Holden Commodore VC SL/E – Today’s Tempter

By: Alex Affat, Unique Cars magazine

Date: 19.10.2020

Affordable early Commodore: basic 202/Trimatic combo, unmodified in fair original condition

The VC Commodore arrived in 1980 with only minor visual adjustments to distinguish the new model. The big news, however, came under the bonnet with Holden’s all new line of ‘blue’ motors.

More than a simple new choice of colour for the rocker covers, underneath the new Blue motors represented an evolutionary step adopting 12-port heads, two-barrel carburettor and a new manifold.

The two V8s (4.2 and 5.0) also gained new heads plus electronic ignition and new intake and exhaust manifolds. The 4.2 also received the four-barrel carburettor previously reserved for the 5.0lt only.

The VC is also unfortunately remembered for its lamentable Starfire four-cylinder which, while touted and sold as the ‘economical’ option, was quickly bemoaned by buyers for its woeful power output.

This one on sale today comes in SL/E trim, although specified with the basic 3.3lt/202ci Blue-motor inline-six matched to the Trimatic three-speed auto.

The early Commodore presents highly original and virtually unmodified save for an aftermarket stereo. The sellers explain that the car is in fair condition throughout and looks to be an honest survivor with the usual paint bruises and minor rust observed.

The interior looks remarkably good for its age however, and looks to be intact with no sign of excessive wear and tear.

Affordable old Holdens are getting harder and harder to find and this Commodore looks like a fantastic candidate to preserve and enjoy well into the future.

The VC Commodore is based in Victoria, and is listed for $11,000.

Check out the full listing here!

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