The end of a generation with the heart of a lion… A true modern classic
With the release of the all new Holden Commodore VT Series 1 (1997 – 1999), budget, time and emission restrictions would mean that we would see development cease on the locally built Holden V8 and it would be the last time in history that we would see a local built Holden / HSV powered vehicle.
When released in 1997 the HSV VT GTS Series 1 was ahead of it’s time and offered unrivalled performance across Australia and 99% of performance sedans of the world, Top Gear host Jeremy Clarkson stated the VT GTS Series 1 as almost being a twin to the Austin Martin Vantage and a reminder of the Lotus Carlton.
| Quick Details | |
|---|---|
| Years Produced | 1997 – 1999 |
| Number Produced | 399 |
| Manuals Produced | 263 |
| Automatics Produced | 136 |
A True Muscle Car In A Modern Disguise…
The HSV VT GTS Series 1 is the perfect combination of Old School and New School. Old School running gear, with New School looks, luxury, handling and braking. But Most importantly, it is the LAST of the true Aussie Built HSV muscle cars. Sure, the Series 2 and later model LS engines produce more power; but you just can’t deny that the Holden motor is one of the sweetest things you will ever hear and not many can beat the sound of that Lion-Hearted, Aussie Built Holden Stroker.
The VT looks fantastic, with the same body as the 300kw VT Series 2 and similar to VX GTS models, but when you pop the bonnet, there she is, that all familiar engine that we have raced and modified for the past 40 years with a little bit of modern fuel injection on top. Anyone can import or buy cheaper cars with more power. But this car, this engine, has a place in the heart of any true Aussie muscle car enthusiast.
The HSV VT GTS series 1 is the last edition of the GTS to use a locally built Holden GM engine. Starting life with the factory 5.0L 304ci EFI block and fitting a Harrop engineered crankshaft to increase capacity to 5.7L (350 cu.in), the engine receives a bunch of goodies increasing power outputs to 220kw / 475nm with an option to blueprint the engine for an extra 15kw / 25nm.
Years Produced 1997 – 1999
Total Number Built 399 September 1997 – September 1999
Number of Automatics Built 136
Number of Manuals Built 263
Price When New $72,450 AUD – $90,000> with options
Engine 5.7-Litre (Holden Factory Stroker) V8 (5737 cc / 350.1 in³)
Transmission 6-speed manual T56/ 4-speed automatic (optional)
Weight 1741kg
Main Rivals: BMW M5. Jaguar XKR, Mercedes AMG
Engine Holden/Harrop 5.7-Litre. V8 (5737 cc / 350.1 in³)
Valvetrain OHV 2 Valves / Cyl
Bore 101.6 mm / 4.0 in
Stroke 88.4 mm / 3.48 in
Compression 8.55:1
Power 220 kw / 295.0 bhp @ 4800 rpm
Torque 475 nm / 350.3 ft lbs @ 3600 rpm
Top speed = 260 km/h / 162 mph +
0 – 100 km/h = 5.9 seconds
0 – 160 km/h = 14.30 seconds
0 – 1/4 mile = 14.02 seconds
| Powertrain: | Limited Slip Differential (with Hydratrak) | Standard |
| Stainless steel exhaust | Standard | |
| Mechanical: | Rack & Pinion power steering | Standard |
| Independent rear suspension (IRS) | Standard | |
| HSV ‘performance’ brakes with ABS | Standard | |
| HSV ‘premium’ brakes with ABS | Optional | |
| ‘Performance’ suspension tuning package | Standard | |
| Exterior: | Fog lamps | Standard |
| Side skirts | Standard | |
| Rear spoiler with clear stop lens | Standard | |
| Power side mirrors | Standard | |
| Intermittent windscreen wipers | Standard | |
| Electrical: | Electric rear window demister | Standard |
| Electronic Cruise Control | Standard | |
| Digital Clock in radio | Standard | |
| Headlamp auto-off | Standard | |
| Trip computer (3 window) | Standard | |
| HSV 250km/h speedometer | Standard | |
| Tachometer | Standard | |
| Holden “Tech2” diagnosis of all major electronic control systems | Standard | |
| Deadlocks | Standard | |
| Remote 2-stage key for doors and boot | Standard | |
| Theft attempt warning and report | Standard | |
| Audio: | AM/FM radio cassette, electronic tuning, memory, auto reverse, Dolby NR. | Standard 4×20 watts 6 speaker |
| Single CD Player | Standard | |
| Premium audio pack with 540watt power amp and 10 stack CD | Optional | |
| Power antenna | Standard | |
| Seating: | Rocky ‘sports’ front seat design | Standard |
| Coulson ‘performance’ front seat design As seen in GTS Seats photo. |
Standard | |
| Electric front seats | 4-way | |
| Leather trim | Optional | |
| Children: | Power window override switch | Standard |
| Rear door child locks | Standard | |
| Cabin Comfort: | 4 spoke leather covered steering wheel | Standard |
| Fire extinguisher | Standard | |
| Electric sunroof | Optional | |
| HSV ‘Vanity’ pack | Standard | |
| Storage: | Rear seat access to boot | Standard |
| Carpeted boot floor & deck lid | Standard | |
| Luggage restraint system | Standard | |
| Security: | Additional microprocessor based engine immobiliser with encoded key (ISS) | Standard |
| Radio/cassette security electronics using PIN | Standard | |
| Full immersion body corrosion protection | Standard | |
| HSV wheel locknuts | Optional | |
| Identification: | Lion & helmet badge – hood | Standard |
| Model ID badge on boot lid | Standard | |
| Instrument panel badge (exclusively numbered) | Standard | |
| Wheels & Tyres: | 5-spoke 18″ x 8″ alloy wheel 235/40 ZR 18″ SO-2 tyre |
Standard |
- First HSV/Holden to feature 4 piston Harrop Brakes
- First HSV/Holden to feature on a console video game
- The fastest HSV/Holden ever produced in history when released
- The last GTS model to feature a Holden engine
VT GTS Series 1 Images
