Rare 'Brock Director' heads Commodore trio at Shannons Melbourne Auction

SYDNEY – April 17, 2013: A very rare 1987 'Brock' Director Sedan heads a trio of desirable HDT and HSV Commodores going under the hammer at Shannons upcoming Melbourne Autumn Classic Auction on Monday, April 29.

The VL Director was the last project of the combined Brock/Holden Dealer Team/Holden partnership and was intended to take on the high-end European imports with its emphasis on crushing performance and ultimate luxury.

Based on the VL Calais, the Director's specification included leather or cloth/velour seats, wood-grain trims, pile carpet floors, a car phone and sophisticated four-speaker stereo system with CD Player.

Under the skin the Director was the most advanced Holden yet with its independent rear suspension and while its 4.9-litre V8 produced 223kW, a 5.6-litre 'stroker' package offering even more power was also available.

The Director with its bespoke aero kit certainly stood out visually from all the other HDT Commodores built by Peter Brock from early 1980, however while it was shown and well-received in Europe and the United States, the project was doomed from the start.

The rift between Brock and Holden that climaxed in 1987 over his insistence on fitting an ‘Energy Polarizer’ resulted in just nine Directors being built (according to HDT records) before the relationship ended.

The Director being auctioned by Shannons in Melbourne is one of those cars and wears HDT Build Number 4231.

Fitted with the optional Momo Star Wheels, the Director comes from long-term ownership, with its odometer showing just 71,350 kilometres from new.

Because of its exceptional rarity and collectible value, Shannons expect it to sell in the $70,000-$85,000 price range.

An appealing alternative for HDT enthusiasts in the auction is the ‘bookend’ 1988 Holden HSV VL Commodore Group A SS Walkinshaw Sedan – the first product of the new Special Vehicles collaboration with the Scottish businessman/racer.

Build Number 614 out of 750 produced, this Walkinshaw has been in its present ownership for the last nine years, with its odometer showing 81,000km from new.

A reluctant sale – the vendor used the Walkinshaw as the bridal car for his daughter's wedding – it comes with its original owner's handbook showing it was delivered to Drinnan Holden in Coloundra, Queensland and wears the Victorian number plates 'HSV-614'.

Offered in very original condition, it is expected to sell in the $60,000 - $65,000 range.

Finally for serious Brock HDT enthusiasts there is rare two-owner ‘Decal delete’ 1981 Holden Commodore VC 'Brock' HDT Sedan that been in its current ownership last 20 years.

Sold new by Garry & Warren Smith of Oakleigh to a Mildura enthusiast, number 12 of the 500 built was optioned with a full protection package, but with the model’s distinctive HDT decals deleted.

It has since been in the hands of an HSV/HDT car club member for the past 20 years it has always been garaged and retains its original Palais White paintwork, while its interior was retrimmed in the correct velour.

Offered with some original papers it is expected to sell in the $34,000 - $38,000, making it a potentially affordable and enjoyable part of Brock/Holden history.