Holden Commodore VN SS
The Holden Commodore VN-VS series, produced from 1988 to 1997, represented a fundamental evolution of Australia's most popular car. The introduction of independent rear suspension, a first for the Commodore, transformed the handling characteristics and created a platform that would serve as the basis for Holden's most successful touring car racing programs.
The SS variant was the performance flagship of the standard Commodore range (above which sat the HSV-modified models). Powered by the 5.0-liter V8, known affectionately as the '304,' the SS produced 224 horsepower in SAE net figures. While not massive by international standards, the torque-rich V8 delivered strong low-end pull that suited the Australian driving style perfectly.
The introduction of independent rear suspension was the defining engineering change of the VN generation. The previous VL's live rear axle had limited the car's cornering ability and ride quality. The new IRS setup, with trailing arms and coil springs, provided a dramatic improvement in both areas, making the Commodore competitive with European rear-wheel-drive sedans for the first time.
The VN through VS series evolved steadily over their nine-year production run. The VR (1993) and VS (1995) updates brought significant improvements in interior quality, engine management, and overall refinement. The VS model, with its revised styling and improved Getrag gearbox option, is considered the best of the series.
In HSV (Holden Special Vehicles) form, the VN-VS platform spawned some remarkable machines. The HSV GTS used a stroked 5.7-liter version of the V8 producing up to 300 horsepower, while the limited-edition HSV GTS-R was a genuine homologation special for touring car racing.
The VN-VS Commodore SS was the everyday enthusiast's car. Available with either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic, it offered genuine V8 performance at an affordable price. The car was equally at home on the morning commute, the weekend sports drive, and the occasional track day.
The touring car racing achievements of the VN-VS platform are legendary. Peter Brock, Mark Skaife, Craig Lowndes, and many other Australian racing heroes drove Commodores to victories at Bathurst and throughout the ATCC. These racing successes cemented the Commodore's position as Australia's most iconic performance car.
The VN-VS generation established the template that subsequent Commodores would follow for another two decades: V8 power, rear-wheel drive, independent suspension, and enough room for the family. It was the car that proved the Commodore could be both a practical sedan and a genuine performance machine.
Rust can appear in the lower body, particularly around the sills and rear wheel arches. The 304 V8 is extremely durable but check for oil leaks from the rear main seal and valve cover gaskets. Manual transmission T5 boxes can be weak behind the V8; the later Getrag unit in VS models is stronger. IRS bushings wear and should be inspected. Unmodified, original examples are becoming increasingly valuable. VS models with the Getrag box are the most desirable standard SS models.
Produced at Holden's Elizabeth plant in South Australia. The VN (1988-1991), VP (1991-1993), VR (1993-1995), and VS (1995-1997) were progressive updates of the same basic platform. The 5.0L V8 was based on the Holden 304 block. IRS was new for the VN generation. HSV models were converted at the HSV facility in Clayton, Victoria.