Holden Commodore (VB)

Holden Commodore (VB)
Company type	Car model
Industry	Automotive
Predecessor	Holden HZ
Founded	26 October 1978
Defunct	March 1980
Successor	Holden VC Commodore
Area served	Australia
Products	Mid-size car (sedan and station wagon)
Parent	Holden

The Holden Commodore (VB) represents a mid-size car manufactured by Holden between 1978 and 1980. As the inaugural generation of the Holden Commodore series, it utilized the General Motors V-body (V78) chassis, originally designed for the Opel Rekord E.

Introduced on 26 October 1978 with deliveries commencing in November, the VB experienced the briefest production span among Commodores, lasting just seventeen months. It replaced the Holden HZ, which remained available until the refreshed VC Commodore was unveiled in March 1980.

Production totaled 95,906 units, with the VB becoming Australia's best-selling vehicle in 1979. That same year, it earned the Wheels Car of the Year award, praised for its engineering and value.

Design

While based on the 1977 Opel Rekord E, the VB incorporated a front fascia derived from the Opel Senator A to accommodate Holden’s larger six-cylinder and V8 engines, aligning its appearance with international models such as the Opel Commodore and Vauxhall Carlton. The body structure was strengthened to withstand Australian driving conditions, and the interior closely resembled that of the Opel Rekord but was modified for right-hand drive. Development expenses surpassed A$110 million.

This model signified Holden’s strategic move from the full-size Kingswood to a more economical mid-size vehicle in response to the 1973 oil crisis. Initially produced alongside the Torana and Sunbird ranges, only the Sunbird continued after mid-1979 following the Torana’s discontinuation. The VB was offered in three trim levels: Commodore, SL, and SL/E. A station wagon variant was introduced in July 1979 featuring a spacious cargo area and a single-piece lift-up tailgate; however, it incorporated unique components due to sheet metal imported from Germany.

Engine choices were carried over from the Kingswood’s overhead valve range: a 2.85-litre straight-six producing 64 kW, a 3.3-litre straight-six rated at 71 kW, a 4.2-litre V8 delivering up to 96 kW with dual exhausts, and a 5.0-litre V8 generating up to 125 kW with dual exhausts. These Red motors, named for their painted engine blocks, were mated to either a four-speed manual gearbox or several three-speed automatic transmissions including Trimatic and Turbo-Hydramatic options for V8 variants.

Specification levels

Every V8 variant came equipped with power steering. The wagon model did not offer 15x6 inch alloy wheels.

Commodore

The base-level Commodore trim was available as both sedan and station wagon, with the sedan priced from A$6,513.

Key standard equipment on the VB Commodore included:

2.85-litre Red I6 engine producing 64 kW
Four-speed manual transmission
Tail panel painted to match body colour
Silver-trimmed instrument surrounds
Vinyl upholstery
Steel wheels

Available options encompassed:

3.3-litre Red I6 engine rated at 66 kW
4.2-litre Red V8 engine delivering 87 kW
Three-speed automatic transmission
Air conditioning system
Corded cloth interior trim
Power-assisted steering
European Pack (available with 3.3-litre I6) including full instrumentation, four-wheel disc brakes, headlight washers/wipers, and 15-inch alloy wheels
Sport Pack (manual transmission only with 4.2-litre V8) featuring full instrumentation, four-wheel disc brakes, headlight washers/wipers, and 15x6-inch alloy wheels

Commodore SL

Positioned as the mid-range option, the Commodore SL was available in both sedan and station wagon formats, with the sedan starting at A$7,813.

Key specifications included with the VB Commodore SL:

3.3-litre 71 kW Red inline-six engine
3-speed automatic gearbox
Chrome wheel trim rings and bright door moldings
Corded velour fabric upholstery
Additional instrumentation for volts and oil pressure
Vertical accent bars on the grille
Inertia reel seatbelts for outer rear seats
Rear center armrest
Rosewood finish on dashboard and silver tail panel
Dual exterior mirrors
Variable intermittent windshield wipers
Steel wheels

Available optional upgrades:

4.2-litre 87 kW Red V8 engine
Power steering and air conditioning
Complete instrumentation and four-wheel disc brakes
Headlight washers and wipers
4-speed manual transmission
Vinyl seat coverings
15x6 inch alloy wheels

Commodore SL/E

The SL/E represented the premium trim level, offered exclusively as a sedan, with pricing beginning at A$10,513.

Standard equipment featured:

4.2-litre 87 kW (117 hp) Red V8 engine
3-speed automatic transmission
Air conditioning system
Black door frames and tail panel accents
Blacked-out front grille
Burr walnut dashboard finish
Chrome exhaust tip and door handles
Extended rear bumpers for enhanced protection
Blaupunkt stereo cassette player equipped with an electric aerial
Headlight washers and wipers
Power steering included
Reading lights and retractable seatbelts for added safety
Reversing mirror and tachometer gauge
Velour trim complemented by cut pile carpeting
Four-wheel disc braking system
15x6 inch alloy wheels

Optional features offered:

3.3 L 71 kW (89 hp) Red inline-six engine as a budget-friendly alternative
5.0 L 114 kW (153 hp) Red V8 engine paired with Turbo-Hydramatic 350 or 400 transmissions
4-speed manual gearbox option
Central locking system and power-operated windows

Motorsport

During late 1979 through most of 1980, the VB Commodore held a significant presence in Australian motorsport events.

In 1979, the factory-supported Holden Dealer Team entered three VB Commodores in the demanding Repco Round Australia Trial. Opting for the lighter 3.3-litre straight-six Red engine rather than the more powerful V8, these vehicles were expertly prepared to endure rough conditions. The team achieved a remarkable sweep by finishing first, second, and third, with lead driver Peter Brock securing victory alongside co-drivers Matt Phillip and Noel Richards. This triumph was considered a pinnacle moment in Brock's career, overcoming skepticism despite his rallying expertise.

The introduction of Group C regulations by the Confederation of Australian Motor Sport in 1980 mandated low-emission engines, which reduced Holden’s racing-spec 5.0-litre V8 output from approximately to . Despite this setback, the HDT—now owned by Brock and supported by Holden dealers following Holden’s exit from racing in 1979—prepared a competitive VB Commodore to succeed the A9X Torana. Brock clinched the 1980 Australian Touring Car Championship, winning half of the eight rounds and securing pole position at every race. Former champion Bob Morris also claimed a round victory driving his Craven Mild Racing VB Commodore.

Brock went on to win the 1980 CRC 300 at Sydney’s Amaroo Park before transitioning to the VC Commodore by the time of the Hang Ten 400 at Sandown Raceway. The VB’s final outing in Australian touring cars was a third-place finish by Ian "Pete" Geoghegan and Paul Gulson at the 1980 Bathurst 1000 held at Mount Panorama Circuit. Subsequently, Brock and Jim Richards secured their third consecutive Bathurst victory driving the VC model.

Notably, the VB is one of only two Commodore generations (alongside the VN) that never achieved a win at the Bathurst 1000.

References

Bebbington, Terry (2009). Holden: Six Decades. Padstow, New South Wales: Haynes Manuals. ISBN 978-1-876953-58-4

External links