Holden Commodore VL

The Holden Commodore VL emerged in 1986, a pivotal moment when Holden boldly partnered with Nissan, swapping its traditional Aussie heartbeat for a silky-smooth Japanese inline-six. This wasn't just any engine—it was Nissan's RB30, a powerplant that quickly became legendary among enthusiasts for its robustness, tuning potential, and unmistakable turbocharged whistle. Frankly, it was a gutsy move, one that initially raised eyebrows but soon had critics eating their hats.

Visually, the VL Commodore was a breath of fresh air, sporting sleeker, more aerodynamic lines that hinted at its newfound performance credentials. Behind the wheel, the VL felt eager, responsive, and surprisingly refined—especially in turbocharged Calais trim, where the combination of boosted power and plush appointments made it a genuine Aussie luxury-performance icon. And let's not forget the Walkinshaw Group A SS variant, whose wild body kit and motorsport pedigree still divide opinions—personally, I think it's gloriously outrageous.

On the racetrack, the VL Commodore carved its name into Australian motorsport folklore, notably at Bathurst, where its potent performance and reliability under pressure earned it a legion of devoted fans. Its cultural impact was undeniable, resonating deeply with a generation of petrolheads who grew up idolizing its turbocharged prowess and distinctive styling. Today, the VL Commodore stands tall as a beloved classic, a testament to Holden's willingness to innovate—and a car that, quite honestly, still makes me grin every time I see one.