Modern Classic: VB Holden Commodore
The Holden Commodore VB was launched in 1978 with the top spec SLE model. Photos: Supplied
We said goodbye to the Holden Commodore this year with changing local market tastes in Australia and New Zealand, but we trace this icon back to 1978 and 1979 in both markets respectively.
And it’s those early years we briefly time travel back to for this article for the first of the Commodores; the “VB”.
Everyone knows someone who has owned a Commodore. You either grew up with one that your family owned, one of your parents may have had one for work, or your grandparents may have had the luxurious “Calais” model (like my dad did). Or maybe you got on the wrong side of the law and have spent time in the back of one!
Plus, there was always a mini war between a Commodore family or a (Ford) Falcon.
It was the mid-1970’s and the Holden Kingswood and upmarket Premier sedans were in full sales swing.
The Commodore made a huge impact as a family car and work vehicle.
The rear wheel models would be replaced by a slightly smaller platform based on the Opel Rekord in Europe, and known as the “VB” Commodore, in 1978.
The oil crisis of 1973 had made consumers favour smaller models that were more fuel efficient, and the Commodore was a product of these more frugal times.
The “VB” had 96 per cent of the space of the Kingswood but in a 14 percent smaller body. It had 35 per cent the same parts of the Opel Rekord, as Australian roads dictated a sturdier construction strategy after test models fell apart at the firewall, splitting in half, and causing the budget to blow out to A$110 million.
This meant it also sabotaged the budget for the wagon version, so Holden effectively grafted the Rekord rear end on to the sedan front. It was a complex but simple system that was an effective way to cut corners.
It launched in three models; the base, SL and SLE. Quality was deplorable with trim and panel fit issues, water pump failures and steering rack rattles.
But it was 1978 and consumers didn’t know any different, and it didn’t stop the public falling in love with this stylish, contemporary car and it won the Wheels Car of the Year in 1978 in Australia.
Engines included 2.85-litre and 3.3-litre sixes, as well as 4.2, V8 and 5-litre, V8s. The VB would be further refined as the VC then the VK Commodore and finally the VL before being put to rest with the all new VN model in 1988.
We’ll explore more Commodore models in the coming weeks but for now we celebrate the “VB” and what it began for Holden and the Commodore story.
