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In Australia the SS badge is synonymous with factory built performance Holdens. Photo Gallery
SS Commodore Sedan: the family muscle car.
In Australia the SS badge is synonymous with factory built performance Holdens, but it's roots were founded in Holdens parent company General Motors.
The SS (Super Sport) was introduced to the American Chev Impala range in 1961 and it is credited as the first factory built muscle car. The reputation of the Impala SS quickly grew and the model became a sales success.
GM marketing saw the kudos attached to the SS badge and it was subsequently introduced to other models across the range, the most successful being the Camaro.
General Motors Holden introduced the SS badge to the Australia market with the HQ Kingswood and built a limit number of SS specials between 1971 and 1973. These were powered by the 4.2 litre (253 ci, 185 bhp) and all used a four speed manual gearbox.
Production of the Commodore SS began in 1982 with the third series, the VH. The VB of 1978-1980 came with optional 4.2 and 5.0 L V8's but no SS version. The single year of production VC saw the introduction of the first Brock Commodore.
The VH SS used 4.2 L V8 as standard with three upgrades available 'Stage 1', 'Stage 2' and 'Stage 3' (which used the 5.0 L V8). These were built at Peter Brock's HDT factory. Power for the different Stage VH SS ranged between 100 and 126 kW.
The VK (1984) saw the replacement of the long serving L31 5.0 L V8 with the new LV2 4.9 L. The new engine was 75 kg lighter which greatly helped the Commodore to win Bathurst in 1986. The VK SS was available in upgraded versions through HDT (Holden Dealer Team) dealers as the SS Group 3 and SS Group A , of which only 502 were made.
With the VL (1986) came the SS Group A SV. Introduced to meet the Group A racing regulations. It's body kit left many unimpressed. Built by Tom Walkinshaw and his newly formed Holden Special Vehicles, which replaced Peter Brock's HDT. The Walkinshaw SS Group A saw engine output raised to 180 kW and 380 nM of torque.
The completely new VN (1988) saw the SS variant released in March '89 with 165 kW as standard. Further ugraded SS variants were produced and available through HSV. This included a new SS Group A version with 215 kW and 411 nM of torque and a ZF 6-speed manual transmission
The VP (1991) saw the introduction of another SS derivative, the V6. This variant was built in limited numbers primarily to meet requirements for entry into production car series racing.
VR and VS versions followed with power remaining at 165 kW.
The second major revision to the Commodore range came in 1997 with the VT. Introduced in August 1997 with a completely new body style the VT also saw the introduction of the Gen III Chev 5.7 l V8. The Gen III produced 220 kW and 446 nM of torque.
September 2000 brought the VX SS with 225 kW and some very bright colour schemes and introduced colur coded interior trims and instrument fascia.
The VY brought another incremental power bump to 245 kW and 465 nM of torque and introduced further refinement
VZ continued the trend increasing the power to 260 kW and saw the base SS pass the $50,000 mark.
An then came the VE ..... You can find our latest VE articles from the links on the left of this page.
The SS Commodore has become an iconic car in Australian motoring history. Along with GT, GTS & GTHO it is a set of letters that motoring enthusiasts hold in great regard. The SS is car a car for an Australian worker to aspire to and for those that have reached their goals to enjoy ...... with their family.
