A significant piece of Australian motorsport history, the 1990 Holden VN Commodore ‘pilot’ race car, utilized as a prototype for touring car racing, has recently been sold at auction for a price exceeding $135,000.
Auctioned through the online platform Collecting Cars, this HSV Commodore VN Group A served as one of the two ‘pilot’ engineering prototypes employed by the Holden Racing Team for developing the VN race car intended for the 1991 Australian Touring Car Championship.
Built upon the VN-series HSV Commodore SS Group A, this vehicle was meticulously crafted by the factory-backed Holden Racing Team, collaborating with Tom Walkinshaw Racing, to challenge the dominant European Ford Sierra RS500s and Nissan Skyline R32 GT-Rs of its time. A distinguishing plaque beneath the bonnet commemorates this car’s pivotal role as a ‘pilot’ vehicle.
Powered by its original 5.0-liter V8 engine paired with a manual transmission, the car served the team in testing and promotional activities and laid the groundwork for future VP and VR Commodore touring cars.
Notably, it featured in a televised news segment, showcasing its prowess as it raced through the newly opened Sydney Harbour Tunnel in 1992, with legendary racer Allan Grice behind the wheel and reporter Liz Hayes as a passenger.
The auction listing highlights a significant mechanical restoration that returned the car to its original black-and-white HRT livery.
In addition to the vehicle, the sale encompasses a curated collection of parts and documents relevant to its illustrious history.
Bidding for the vehicle surged from $61,000, reaching a peak bid of $127,500, culminating in a final price of $135,915 after accounting for the buyer’s premium of 6.6 percent. As a nostalgic nod to the VN Commodore era, viewers can enjoy a glimpse of Peter Brock qualifying in the Top 10 Shootout at Bathurst in 1991.
