This 2000 VTII Holden Commodore was one of around 2500 Commodores that Holden built for use at the 2000 Olympic Games. Its a V6 Executive model fitted with the 1SO option pack - meaning it has 15 inch Series 1 Berlina alloys, power windows, cruise control, air conditioning, special badging, a plaque in the engine bay and a certificate of authenticity. It has covered 276,000km thus far, and I bought it 4 years ago at 233,000km for $2000.
After the games, all 2500 Olympic Commodores were handed back to GMH and distributed amongst its dealer network as low km used cars, or auctioned off to employees. This particular example rolled off the line at Elizabeth on 4th August 2000, and was with SOCOG by 17 August 2000. After the games it went back to Holden on the 8th November 2000, and wound up at the Holden Dealer in Mudgee. This vehicle was purchased by a man from Orange on the 20th November 2000.
I bought it as I was on the lookout for a low cost, practical, special interest vehicle. I did have a VTII S-pack supercharged, but it was a purchased sight unseen eBay horror story. Whilst the Olympic Commodore was more or less original, it did have quite a few issues - It had been hail damaged, and both front and rear bars required repainting. A local panelbeater took care of this, hail damage being removed via 4 days of intensive PDR. While I was at it I also got the brakes and suspension rebuilt, as this area was also pretty tired. Despite all this, I saved significant money in virtually giving the S-pack away and getting stuck into this.
I used the vehicle as my main special interest vehicle for 2 years. In the process it became a centrepiece for a facebook page and photographic project where I track down and document as many former Holden Dealer sites I could find. It is an absolute pleasure to drive on these long trips - everything works, and with AC, power windows, cruise and auxilary input - it has all you really need.
I perform all servicing and most repairs on the vehicle myself. Parts are abundantly available online or through your preferred auto parts store. In my time of ownership some significant repairs have been required. The largest was the lower intake manifold gaskets, which took a solid weekend to complete (taking my time with long breaks). I've also replaced the steering rack mounting bush, and a tie rod end. The car is very easy to work on; I have access to both a factory workshop manual and a quality aftermarket item. Dashboard light bulbs have been a source of concern - new from Holden they are $30 each, leaving owners to scurry about online for suitable alternatives. One time a Holden dealer regassed and repaired the leaking AC for $240.
Starting from the outside, I feel that VT Sedans are just about one of the best looking sedans to come out of the Holden design centre, perhaps for the exception of the HQ. 21 years on its still as fresh as ever, but also starting to look very retro and 'rad'. The colour is Bermuda Mica - difficult to keep looking pristine due to the dark colour (dust and swirl marks).
On the inside - the cockpit is surprisingly ergonomic, and the seats are very comfortable. The fabric has come away from the cushions - every single commodore of this vintage has this issue, even low mileage minters. The seat has lumber support, and has a degree of electronic adjustment. The sound system is a period 6 speaker radio/cassette unit I sourced from a wrecker (car had a 2002 vintage CD player in it when I bought it!), includes an auxiliary jack for iPhone connectivity through an appropriate adapter. The cabin is huge and will fit 5 large adults with ease. The luggage area is spacious, but is let down by a lack of folding rear seat.
Reversing out of the driveway, you notice that there is basically no visibility out of the back. This is before the days of reversing cameras. Reversing in tight spaces is a case of potluck, and being extremely careful.
On the road, for a 21 year old car that has driven the majority of the distance to the moon, the overall experience is still quite smooth - a testament to my fastidious maintenance, replacing parts and fixing issues as soon as issues arise. There is an up-down vibration/movement in the steering column, especially at highway speeds, that is probably due to a worn bush that unfortunately cannot be fixed (would require a new steering column as they are a modular unit, and these don't exist!).
The Commodore's ride and handling isn't up to the go-kart levels of precision of a modern sports car, but I have had reasonable fun punting it along the Alpine Way. It was designed for A-B transport on Australian B-roads, a job it does very well. Being RWD, the turn in and steering feel is very good.
In terms of performance - the 3.8L 147kw Ecotec motor has just about all its original compression still present, so performance is more than adequate. Its got a very punchy mid-range for around town and for more challenging open road hills and overtaking. However, by 4000rpm its all over, with an engine note that can only be classed as horrifying. The 4 speed 4L60E transmission is a bit unresponsive at times, especially in navigating the more hilly parts of the NSW Princes Highway. Fuel consumption is about 8.5-9L/100km on the highway, and 13-14L/100km in town. By modern standards a bit thirsty, but it runs absolutely fine on e10 or regular 91 octane fuel, cushioning the fuel expenditure blow. The Commodore has a 1250kg tow bar fitted and it tows such a load fairly well - just make sure you aren't in a big hurry.
All in all this car would make for an entirely adequate, low cost and more or less reliable daily driver if this was ever required. Moreover, cars like this make you truly appreciate the automotive industry we once had - a reminder that a growing enthusiast base is now recognising, as clean and original Australian made vehicles of this vintage emerge from the lowest point on the depreciation curve.