Holden Commodore VB
1978 saw Holden develop a new, more diminutive car model and , so begin the production of small cars. Smaller cars, which were being imported from Japan at the time,were gaining popularity in Australia. The fuel crises of the 1970s influenced Holden to tap into the small car market,launching the Commodore series . The cars in this series followed one after another and swept all of Australia away with their versatility and effectiveness.
To develop a robust and optimum platform for the Holden Commodore VB , Holden invested more than $110 million in the production of cars which combined a modern German body design, an Australian engine, and local mechanical components to create the perfect blend of local and international auto flavour! And no wonder that the resulting VB Commodore met with immense success—it was awarded the coveted Wheels ‘Car of the Year’ award in 1978. The production of the VB Commodore was extended until 1980 before the next model in the Commodore series was introduced.
Design features of the Holden VB
The design of the VB Commodore is believed to be inspired by the Opel Commodore, the V-car sold by General Motors in the United Kingdom. The most significant aspect of the VB Commodore ’s design features was the inclusion of MacPherson strut front suspension, which was superbly suitable for harsh Australian road conditions. The use of rack-and-pinion steering and a four-speed manual gearbox added more versatility to the car, while people liked its wholesome body design. Some customers’ reviews even suggest that the VB Commodore was one of the best cars ever made in Australia at the time.
Different models in the Holden VB line
The cheapest model offered in the VB commodore line was powered by a 2.85 L six-cylinder engine, which had front power-assisted brakes, carpets, front bucket seats, a clock, a radio, and a heated rear screen- a rare combination of value for money and advanced features.
The SL model of the VB Commodore had a 3.3 L six-cylinder engine combined with T-bar automatic transmission, cloth seat trim, a height-adjustable driver’s seat, a rear centre armrest, retractable rear seat belts, intermittent windscreen wipers, and a left hand remote-control mirror.
The SL/E model was a luxury sedan offered by Holden, employing a 4.2 L V8 engine combined with T-bar automatic transmission, four-wheel disc brakes, power steering, 15x6 alloy wheels, integrated air conditioning, an AM/FM radio cassette player, and headlight wipers and washers. This car was a stunning success and its performance was even compared to that of a mid-sized Mercedes Benz.
In addition, a Wagon version of the VB Commodore was offered in 1979, in both the regular and SL classes.
Engines |
|
|
|
|
Transmissions |
|
|
|
Power (Maximum) |
|
|
|
|
|
Models |
|
|
|
|
|
