Review: HSV VL Commodore SS Group A SV (1988)

Overview

Released in March 1988, the HSV VL Commodore SS Group A SV was a limited-run performance sedan (also known as ‘The Walkinshaw’ or ‘Walky’). Produced to satisfy Group A homologation requirements, the Group A SV was powered by 5.0-litre pushrod V8 engine with fuel injection (a first for Holden V8s), a reinforced cylinder block, four-bolt main bearing caps, a nodular crankshaft, reinforced cast-iron cylinder heads, roller rocker arms, a harmonic balancer and a 16k GM-Delco engine management system. The engine was mated to a five-speed BT5G Borg-Warner transmission and a heavy-duty clutch. HSV claimed that the SS Group A SV could accelerate from rest to 100 km/h in 6.5 seconds.

The SS Group A SV was fitted with MacPherson strut front suspension and a live rear axle, which included an ‘FE2’ suspension package with Bilstein dampers. Furthermore, the VL Commodore SS Group A SV had a coefficient of drag of 0.32, while kerb mass was 1415 kg.

The SS Group A SV was the first vehicle produced by HSV, which was formed following the split between Holden and Peter Brock’s HDT. Production was limited to 750 vehicles. In 1990, racing version of the Group A SV won the Bathurst 1000 with Alan Grice and Win Percy.

Features

Standard features for the SS Group A SV included 16 x 7-inch alloy wheels with 205/55 VR 16 Bridgestone RE71 tyres, a four speaker sound system with a radio and cassette player, air conditioning, contoured front sports seats, tweed and cloth velour upholstery, a Momo leather-wrapped steering wheel, central locking, power windows, a height adjustable driver’s seat, tinted windows and a Cobra alarm.

The SS Group A SV was also fitted with disc brakes for all four wheels, including ventilated front discs with finned alloy calipers, and a limited slip differential (LSD) with shot-peened gears.

Related links

• Holden Special Vehicles: HSV VL SS Group A
• Wikipedia.org: Holden VL Commodore – SS Group A SV
• Wikipedia.org: HSV – VL