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Holden Commodore 1981
The 1981 Holden Commodore carries a braked towing capacity of up to 1200 Kg, but check to ensure this applies to the configuration you're considering.
Holden Commodore 1981 Price and Specs
Pricing guides
| Holden Commodore Model | Body Type | Specs | Price from | Price to | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| L | Sedan | 1.9L Leaded 3 SP AUTO | $2,310 | $3,630 | |
| L | Sedan | 3.3L Leaded 3 SP AUTO | $2,420 | $3,850 | |
| L | Sedan | 4.1L Leaded 3 SP AUTO | $2,640 | $4,070 | |
| L | Sedan | 1.9L Leaded 4 SP MAN | $2,310 | $3,630 | |
| L | Wagon | 1.9L Leaded 3 SP AUTO | $2,310 | $3,630 | |
| L | Wagon | 4.1L Leaded 3 SP AUTO | $2,640 | $4,070 | |
| L | Wagon | 3.3L Leaded 3 SP AUTO | $2,640 | $4,070 | |
| L | Wagon | 1.9L Leaded 4 SP MAN | $2,310 | $3,630 | |
Holden Commodore 1981 Q&As
Check out real-world situations relating to the Holden Commodore 1981 here, particularly what our experts have to say about them.
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Ask Smithy Xtra Fuel for rebuilt VH Commodore
The VH was built in the days before we had unleaded fuel. In standard form the 202 cubic inch six had a compression ratio of 8.8:1, so it would have been running on the Super fuel of the day. Fitting an aftermarket head is probably going to increase the compression ratio, and you’ve got a sports cam, so I would tend to run it on 98-octane fuel, and it will need an additive like Flashlube of Valve Saver if you don’t have hardened valves and valve seats. If you don’t have those I would recommend you fit them in the rebuild, that way you could use unleaded fuel without an additive.
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Salute to the Commodore
THE V8 SL/E is the most desirable of the VC Commodores so will appeal to enthusiasts, but earlier Commodores are on the cusp of being collectable and values are somewhat depressed. In good condition you could expect $2500-5000, and the value will be determined by the amount of rust. Advertise in classic-car magazines or try an auction house such as Shannons.
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Metal makes a Memento
IT'S hard to say how many are left, but one thing is certain, many have gone to that automotive graveyard in the sky. Given their numbers are thinning it's fair to say they will become collectable, and their value should go up. If you're thinking of buying one as a classic with the potential to increase in value, buy an SL/E.
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What to use once Lead Replacement Petrol is phased out?
The Commodore will need an upper cylinder lubricant added to the fuel if you run it on ULP. The Toyota should happily run on ULP without any additional lubrication.
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Holden Commodore 1981 Wheel size
Wheel size for the 1981 Holden Commodore will vary depending on model chosen, although keep in mind that many manufacturers offer alternate wheel sizes as options on many models.The wheel size available will alter the range of tyres available to be fitted. Standard wheel sizes on the Holden Commodore vary from 13x5.5 inches to 14x6 inches.
| Holden Commodore Model | Body Type | Front Tyre Size | Front Rim | Rear Tyre Size | Rear Rim | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SL | Sedan | — | 14x6 inches | — | 14x6 inches | |
| L | Sedan | — | 13x5.5 inches | — | 13x5.5 inches | |
| SL | Sedan | — | 13x5.5 inches | — | 13x5.5 inches | |
| L | Sedan | — | 14x6 inches | — | 14x6 inches | |
| L | Wagon | — | 13x5.5 inches | — | 13x5.5 inches | |
| SL | Wagon | — | 13x5.5 inches | — | 13x5.5 inches | |
| L | Wagon | — | 14x6 inches | — | 14x6 inches | |
| Vacationer | Wagon | — | 14x6 inches | — | 14x6 inches | |
Holden Commodore 1981 Dimensions
Dimensions for the 1981 Holden Commodore are dependent on which body type is chosen. The maximum width and height is 1736mm x 1457mm and can vary on the basis of model.
| Holden Commodore Model | Body Type | Height x Width x Length | Ground Clearance | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SL | Sedan | 1375x1722x4706 mm | 143 mm | |
| L | Sedan | 1363x1722x4706 mm | 143 mm | |
| SL | Sedan | 1363x1722x4706 mm | 143 mm | |
| L | Sedan | 1379x1722x4706 mm | 143 mm | |
| L | Wagon | 1391x1722x4732 mm | 140 mm | |
| SL | Wagon | 1391x1722x4732 mm | 140 mm | |
| L | Wagon | 1407x1722x4732 mm | 140 mm | |
| Vacationer | Wagon | 1457x1722x4732 mm | 140 mm | |
Holden Commodore 1981 Fuel consumption
Fuel consumption for the 1981 Holden Commodore is dependent on the type of engine, transmission, or model chosen. The Holden Commodore is available with the following fuel type: Leaded.
| Holden Commodore Model | Body Type | Specs | Fuel Consumption | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| L | Sedan | 1.9L,Leaded,3 SP AUTO | — | |
| L | Sedan | 1.9L,Leaded,4 SP MAN | — | |
| L | Wagon | 2.8L,Leaded,4 SP MAN | — | |
| L | Wagon | 4.1L,Leaded,3 SP AUTO | — | |
Holden Commodore 1981 Towing capacity
The Holden Commodore’s towing capacity ranges from 900kg to 1200kg. Some models also offer heavy-duty or towing option packs which can increase towing capacity, as well as options which can hamper towing capacity. Towing capacities can vary wildly on a large number of factors. These include engine, transmission, model, and options chosen. Always check with the manufacturer or in your vehicles handbook before attempting to tow anything.
| Holden Commodore Model | Body Type | Specs | Braked Capacity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SL | Sedan | 4.1L,Leaded,4 SP MAN | 900kg | |
| L | Sedan | 1.9L,Leaded,4 SP MAN | 900kg | |
| SL | Sedan | 1.9L,Leaded,4 SP MAN | 1200kg | |
| L | Sedan | 2.8L,Leaded,4 SP MAN | 900kg | |
| L | Wagon | 1.9L,Leaded,4 SP MAN | 900kg | |
| SL | Wagon | 1.9L,Leaded,4 SP MAN | 1200kg | |
| L | Wagon | 1.9L,Leaded,3 SP AUTO | 900kg | |
| L | Wagon | 2.8L,Leaded,4 SP MAN | 900kg | |