HSV CLUBSPORT VN-VT

HSV’S CLUBSPORT began life as a test exercise intended to keep sales ticking over within a network of HSV dealers who during 1990 were struggling against inflation and high interest rates.

- WORDS CLIFF CHAMBERS * PHOTO HSV

Early cars differed only slightly from Holden's own SS Commodore, with a revised grille, rear spoiler, FE2 suspension and 16-inch alloy wheels. An order of 80 cars, all in Asteroid Silver, was initially produced, with a further 350 built in a variety of paint and trim combinations during the lifespan of the VN Commodore.

As dealer support for HSV blossomed, demand for entry-level cars increased and Clubsport production grew. VPs remained in the market for 21 months with a total 452 made, including 65 of the 5th Anniversary version.

With 180kW pushing the bulky VN-VP body and 1487kg of unladen weight, Clubsports were no match for the lighter HDT VK SS but could still hit 100km/h in 8.0 seconds.