19/06/2026
The Holden Commodore (VL) SS Group A SV, commonly known as the "Walkinshaw" or simply the "Walky", is one of the most iconic and highly collectible Australian performance cars ever manufactured. Released in March 1988, it was the very first vehicle produced by the newly formed HSV - Holden Special Vehicles (HSV) operation in Melbourne.
Designed in partnership with Tom Walkinshaw TWG Racing (TWR), its explicit purpose was to homologate Holden's racing vehicle to compete under international Group A regulations against dominant turbocharged rivals like the Nissan Skyline and Ford Sierra.
Key Specifications & Mechanics
Engine: Modified 5.0-litre (304 cubic inch) Holden V8.
Power Output: 180 kW and 380 Nm of torque.
Innovation: It introduced Holdenβs first electronic fuel injection (EFI) system.
Gearbox: Borg-Warner T5 five-speed manual transmission.
Production Run: Exactly 750 units were built between 1987 and 1988.The Polarising Aerodynamics
The car is instantly recognisable by its massive, wind-tunnel-developed bodykit consisting of 26 separate fibreglass components designed by Peter Stevens (who went on to design the legendary McLaren F1).
The kit included an extended front spoiler, a prominent bonnet bulge, side skirts, and a massive dual-layer rear wing setup.
While it succeeded in reducing aerodynamic drag by over 25% to improve high-speed stability on the racetrack, the extreme look divided fans.
It earned affectionate but polarising nicknames like the "Batmobile" and the "Plastic Pig".
Every single official road-going model left the production line finished in a single signature colour: Panorama Silver.
Motorsport Legacy & Collectibility
The Walkinshaw program achieved its ultimate goal on the track when the racing version won the 1990 Bathurst 1000 at Mount Panorama, driven by Win Percy and Allan Grice.
Originally priced at around $45,500 in 1988, the VL Walkinshaw is now a holy grail for Australian muscle car collectors.
While high-kilometre or restored examples reliably trade for over $200,000, pristine, untouched survivor cars with low mileage have fetched well over $500,000 to $1 million at auction houses like Lloyds Auctions.
As seen at Trafalgar Holden Museum Ex Employee's Day π¦