This Holden Commodore is a remarkably rare prototype vehicle, which is believed to be one of just two pre-production ‘pilot’ cars. It is powered by its original ‘matching numbers’ 5.0-litre V8 with twin throttle bodies, driving the rear wheels through the original ZF six-speed manual transmission. The car has covered less than 100 kilometres since being mechanically rebuilt and returned to HRT VN Group A specifications. As part of its interesting history, it has been used as a ‘pilot’ vehicle for testing, as a display car accompanying the racing vehicles, and driven by former Australian racing drivers Allan Grice & Peter Brock This Commodore is reported to be one of just two ‘pilot’ vehicles produced as part of the model’s testing for Group A racing, and it features an under-bonnet ‘pilot’ plaque riveted to the bulkhead. The GMH model plate decodes VN8VL19-XV2 as a VN Group A, The paint 1J052 as white, the engine LB9 as V8, transmission ML9 is ZF six-speed, and the axle GM3 is 3.45 ratio. The seller notes that these options only came out on VN Group A. The bodywork was reportedly then converted to VP and then VR specification by the Holden Racing team, and was used as a display car alongside the race vehicles. It was also possibly retained to use as a spare shell if needed. It was driven by Allan Grice through the Sydney Harbour Tunnel when it opened, and was accompanied by news reporter Liz Hayes. It was then upgraded as an HRT Brock VR Commodore, and was reportedly used as a display vehicle for publicity events, including making an appearance on Peter Brock’s TV show. It was also employed by the Holden Racing Team to practice pit stops at the famous Bathurst racing circuit, where it won the Pitstop challenge on several occasions. The car is finished in white and black, and wears various sponsor decals and logos as it was when used by HRT as a display vehicle The stripped-out cabin houses a white HRT roll cage and a black driver’s seat, secured with blue harnesses. It rides on the original TWR white centre-lock wheels, fitted with new 285/35/17 Nitto tyres. Equipment includes Bilstein suspension, a metal driver’s floorboard, toggle switches for various vehicle functions, and a combination of Stack and VDO gauges. Accompanying the sale are various items of paperwork, spare parts, photographs and history relating to the vehicle, Brock HRT body panels, Racer Industries wheels, a rear window, the original race seat, VN Group A seats and door trims (complete with new-old-stock material to retrim them), and a set of new VN Group A replica wheels. The seller reports that the bodywork was changed from VN to VP and then VR specification by Holden Racing Team, and subsequently back to its current VN configuration. The original interior was removed by the Holden Racing Team; a roll cage was fitted, and the body has been prepped to be a spare race shell with the fitment of air jacking points and a race seat. The seller notes that the car has been resprayed and reupholstered. Please refer to the photo gallery to assess the exterior and interior condition. The seller reports that the pressure in the fuel lines drops if the vehicle is left to sit for a few days. Once the pressure rises again, there are no reported problems in starting or running the engine. The vehicle has been modified to display and function as a race car and therefore only basic functions work such as the wipers, indicators, and lights. The seller notes that the vehicle was rebuilt less than 100 kilometres ago, which included rebuilding the engine, as well as replacing the clutch, engine mounts, starter motor, gearbox mount, and radiator. It was also fitted with new suspension bushes, rear shock absorbers and coils springs, brakes, front end bushes, rear trailing arm bushes, differential, door rubbers and seals, windscreen, fluids, radiator, steering rack and pump, tie rod ends, and front and rear wheel bearings and other associated fittings. This Holden VN Commodore is reported to be one of just two pilot vehicles used during the development of the Group A racing car, and boasts an interesting and varied history which includes an appearance on TV with Peter Brock driving, being used as a practice vehicle for pit stops by the Holden Racing Team at Bathurst, and even a trip through the Sydney Harbour Tunnel during its opening with former Australian racing driver Allan Grice at the wheel. Accompanied by a raft of spare parts and documentation, it is sure to be an exciting find for any dedicated Holden collector, and would make a superb addition to a collection of motorsport and track machinery. The description of this consignment is, to the best of the seller’s knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Collecting Cars requests a range of detail about the lot from the seller and performs a level of due diligence. However, potential buyers must independently satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description. Potential buyers should view or arrange inspections as well as conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to bid or buy. Please note that it is not uncommon for classic or collectible vehicles to have received cosmetic repairs in the past, either to rectify damage or refresh appearance, and this work may be undetectable even upon visual inspection. Unless there is an explicit statement by the seller to the contrary, please assume that any vehicle could have had bodywork or paintwork during its life. Furthermore, photographs may not reflect the true colour or full condition of the vehicle. 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