VL (1986 to 1988)

The Holden VL Commodore was produced between 1986 and 1988, marking a legendary chapter in Australian motoring history due to its controversial yet successful adoption of the Nissan-sourced 3.0L RB30 straight-six engine. In the 2026 Australian market, the VL has reached peak cult status, with market values reflecting its transition from a "P-plater" favourite to a serious investment; a tidy, naturally aspirated Executive or Berlina now fetches between $25,000 and $45,000 AUD, while genuine VL Turbo and Calais Turbo models frequently command $75,000 to $130,000 AUD. The "holy grail" of the range, the HSV VL SS Group A "Walkinshaw", has seen values soar into the blue-chip stratosphere, with pristine examples consistently trading between $350,000 and $650,000 AUD, and rare, low-kilometre survivors occasionally pushing towards $1 million AUD. The desirability of the VL is immense, driven by its unique blend of 80s "sleek" styling, the unmistakable whistle of the RB30ET turbo, and its association with the birth of Holden Special Vehicles (HSV). This has cultivated a massive and aggressive buyer pool of Gen X collectors, drag racing enthusiasts, and modern-classic investors who value the model's huge tuning potential and historical significance. Locally, liquidity is exceptionally high for "un-tubbed" factory turbo survivors in original colours like Evening Blue or Maranello Red, as 2026 buyers increasingly prize mechanical authenticity and documented history over the heavily modified street machines of the past decade.

The Holden VL Commodore was produced between 1986 and 1988, marking a legendary chapter in Australian motoring history due to its controversial yet successful adoption of the Nissan-sourced 3.0L RB30 straight-six engine. In the 2026 Australian market, the VL has reached peak cult status, with market values reflecting its transition from a "P-plater" favourite to a serious investment; a tidy, naturally aspirated Executive or Berlina now fetches between $25,000 and $45,000 AUD, while genuine VL Tu… Read more