Holden Commodore VH

After the phenomenal success of the two earlier Commodore models, the Holden company launched its third model in 4 years—the VH Commodore—in October 1981. A choice of 5 engines was offered, along with – for the first time - 5-speed manual transmission.. The Holden VH also gave the look of a “big” car—the previous smaller models were reworked at the front, imparting a longer and lower appearance to them. To increase the appeal of this model, a choice of seven exterior colours was provided, which was specially offset by the newly-designed leather interior. The charm of the Holden Commodore was deeply-rooted in Australians’ minds, so the VH model did not disappoint. Its production lasted until 1984, before Holden launched another Commodore model.

Design features of the Holden VH

The features of the VH revolved around earlier two models—the VB and the VC—some were enhancements, while some were throwbacks, as the VH’s grille was modelled on the VB’s grille, which itself had been previously changed in the VC. However, the style of the headlights was redesigned on both models—they were pointier at the ends. The VH SL/E model also had rear seat headrests, which were not part of the previous VC model.

Holden was more concerned about the urban performance of the Commodore models, so engine improvements focused on the 1.9 L four and 2.85 L six, to improve their fuel economy. With these modifications, a gain of 12.5% and 14% was achieved in both the engine types, respectively. The technology was further developed by introducing a central locking feature, seat height adjustment, and cruise control. But there was something even more exciting than these features: the first-ever local installation of advanced computer electronics to a mass-produced passenger car. These included the electronic spark selection black box on the four-cylinder engine, and the seven-function trip computer on the SL/E model. This resounding success for the model won the Holden Commodore all the laurels that it  had enjoyed for its previous models.

 

Engines
  • 1.9 L 4 cyl. – 58 kW
  • 2.85 L 6 cyl. – 73 kW
  • 3.3 L 6 cyl. – 83 kW
  • 4.2 L V8 – 100 kW
  • 5.0 L V8 – 117 kW
  • 5.0 L V8 (VH5) – 122 kW

Transmissions
  • MC6 four-speed manual Torquemaster
  • M20 four-speed manual
  • M21 four-speed manual
  • M76 five-speed manual
  • M40 three-speed Trimatic automatic
  • M41 three-speed Turbo Hydromatic 350  

Model Range

  • Commodore SL sedan
  • Commodore Vacationer sedan
  • Commodore SL/X sedan
  • HDT Commodore sedan
  • Commodore SL wagon
  • Commodore Vacationer wagon
  • Commodore SL/X wagon
  • Commodore SL/E sedan

Power (Maximum)
  • 1.95L – 54 kW at 4400 RPM
  • 2.85L – 73 kW at 4400 RPM
  • 3.3L – 83 kW at 4000 RPM
  • 4.2L – 100 kW at 4200 RPM (Single Exhaust)
  • 4.2L – 115 kW at 4400 RPM (Dual Exhaust)
  • 5.0L – 117 kW at 4000 RPM (Single Exhaust)
  • 5.0L – 126 kW at 4400 RPM (Dual Exhaust)

Performance
  • 0 – 100 kmph - 12.3 s (3.3L)
  • Quarter Mile - 18.1 s (3.3L)

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