LIMITED TO JUST 250 cars, Queensland outfit HDT has announced the new SS Group A or ‘Blue Meanie’, a VE SS based replica of the SS Group A VK Commodore of the 80s.
The newest incarnation of the legendary Australian brand, HDT - now owned by Queensland businessman Peter Champion - has built more than a few VE-based replicas of HDT classics.
With other models based on the original HDT’s VC and VH-based offerings, the new HDT’s latest model - the new Group A - is built to honour what is perhaps the most iconic of Peter Brock’s special Holdens.
Where the original was powered by a 4.9 litre de-stroked version of Holden’s 5.0 litre V8, the new VE-based replica is powered by a 350kW version of Holden’s 270kW V8.
To achieve its massive power, the SS Group A is fitted with a tweaked camshaft, cool air intake, reprogrammed ECU and a fully customised exhaust system.
And if owners request it, power can be taken right up to 500kW.
To get a handle on the extra power, modified brakes and Bilstein springs and shock absorbers have been added to the package, sitting behind the retro Aero-look 19-inch wheels.
Giving it the perfect SS Group A look, the body kit has been given a massive makeover, with the grille, rear wing, bonnet bulge, wheels, ‘Formula Blue’ paint job, badging and decals all pointing to its very obvious inspiration.
With just 250 of the new SS Group A cars expected to be built, the new HDT - priced at $75,000 - is likely to be a popular option for Holden fans and collectors alike.
Pristine examples of the original VK model, which originally cost $21,950 and developed 196kW, currently fetch up to around $120,000.
HDT can be contacted at 1300 364 252, or via the website: www.hdt.com.au.
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Wow.
I didn’t know it was possible to make an uglier commodore than the new HSVs.
I nearly choked to death on those WHEELS… but 500kw smells good :/
Tony D, Mate you are deadset kidding!
This looks much smoother & cleaner than the new HSVs.
Great colour too.
Gnnarrrrrr! I need to go and wash my eyes out. What a horrible sight!
I do hope it’ll come with a claxon and doors that will automatically fall off, as some clown will by one I’m sure.
Wow… made my eyes bleed. I wonder if I can get an Energy Polarizer fitted… ???
I admire the enthusiasm behind the project, but they should have done more to do a modern take on the original VK Group A theme, rather than carry over certain elements so directly. The wheels look like they are exact replicas of the original items, just scaled up. The decals look identical and the grill and rear spoiler look a little too dated to fit on such a modern base vehicle. The whole thing looks a bit anachronistic. They are obviously hoping for the kind of collector value of the HRT427, and it might look better in the flesh, but at the moment it looks too much like a mix’n'match.
I’m tipping the guys who don’t like this were only just learning to walk when the original came out.
I remember the original and think this just looks awesome, especially the authentic white aero style wheels.
Best looking VE ever in my opinion.
I think it looks pretty damned good and don’t forget, Ford have resurrected the GS label.
Steane, you’ve got me there, I was too young to lust after the original, so I’ve always thought it was a bit naff. But I have to admit this is a good recreation of the design.
And at least there’s no “speed holes” or “war paint” like the current crop…
+1 to Mr. Klose
Although I wasn’t even born when the original came out, this is seriously awesome, love the wheels, I’d rock one of these so hard.
I just wish I had a spare 75 grand just lying about.
Steane, I was 14 when the original was released & my father owned one (and still does). I liked the VK alot & still do, but this (in my opinion!) is terrible….. Those wheels look terrible on a car of this size & although it’s a great colour, can’t Holden come up with something a bit more orginal instead of dipping into a back catalogue of previous models? What’s next, are we gonna get a British Racing green copy of the SV5000?? I certainly hope not…..
Matt, it’s not Holden but HDT…………and given you can get 19 inch Irmscher lookalikes on another model, which look great also, I can’t agree with you saying they look terrible.
Matt - your dad’s a lucky fella. IMO it was Brock at his best, although the one I had a little bit of experience with needed to be constantly tuned to keep it running right, but what a special car.
Like Dave said, this isn’t a Holden creation, it’s a HDT creation and while I wouldn’t option the white interior, I think they nailed the exterior look.
350kW, real Bilstein suspension (not no-name brand), old school finned alloy rocker covers, 19inch aeros and all for $70k or so - has to be some kind of bargain when compared to the obvious competitors.
Each to their own though! For me its a perfect blend of new century Commodore and 1980’s legend.
Baby Boomers rejoice… doesn’t matter what negative vomit is spewed forth by armchair critics, this baby’s gonna get looks wherever she goes!
Screams Bogan!
But enthusiasts would love this and I have no issue with that. =)
Peter Champion is a HDT nut, he got lucky and was able to buy HDT when it was about to be slated and lost forever. I admire the risk he takes in producing these retro classics and keeping the HDT name alive.
Love your enthusiasm too Steane!
My brother had a VL Group A SS (HDT), no. 435. It was sold and then sadly, stolen from the new owner…
I like the original VK Group A. And I know what they have done with the wheels, I just think they could have done a modern interpretation of the old, and not just appeared to take the old parts and put them on the new car (that’s what it LOOKS like; they obviously aren’t the SAME parts). I’m thinking something like the BMW HOMMAGE Concept to the original BMW M1 - the wheels are derived from the original’s design, not just exact replicas scaled up a few inches. Similar story with the rest of the bodywork.
Having said this I know Champion’s done this on a limited budget (limited by HSV standards anyway), but if they found the funds to make bespoke 19″ versions (or whatever they are) of the HDT items surely he could have had a custom design made up by someone like Simmons (an Aussie company).
At least it’s completely different to the HSV E2’s though, which gives buyers some options… And at least it isn’t pig-ugly like the new E2s.
Pop some BBS LM rims on this Group A and she’ll be apples. The LM design is a bit old-school and would suit the retro styling.
I just realised the owner of Simmons Wheels went into retirement recently and production has ceased (for now at least). End of an era…
I hear what you are saying Godspeed and agree that the Hommage was very well executed, but I actually find the extent of the exactness with aspects of this HDT to be a breath of fresh air.
In the case of this particular car, I’d rather have the larger authentic looking Aero wheels than some young designers new-age interpretation of them.
Same with the colour and other authentic details. I think it’s wonderful that it rides on Bilsteins, like the original.
Looking at this car makes me feel the same way the original made me feel, and I’m sure it is because it has been put together by a crew who have absolute respect for the original and what it represents.
If I was in the market for an Aussie V8 performance sedan I could not resist this car.
If it was Champions goal to get the older fans of the original all in a lather then I say its a job well done…
Spoken like a true fan
Would be good to see at least one on the road; I’m sure they’ll sell in respectable numbers, particularly for enthusiasts who are after something different and more subdued than the E2 (as far as outward appearance anway - 350kW is anything but subdued)
I reckon, it’s cool as they come! And there is more option that you can put on them! Juice up the 350kw! And theirs more in the pipe line! At 75k it is a good price. I know mate who’s got 2 vk brock commodores!
I two think it’s great./ especially those big air sucking brake cooling wheels. In 1979 i bought a 1972 bathurst XU1,only 250 of those suckers made to and paid $1500 for it.in 1984 i swapped a GSX1100ES road registered drag bike for a VC SS when the wheels fell of that “literely” at the back of Canberra’s Highcourt at 2am on a sunday morning. I purchased a 1971XU1 number plate XU1-013 traded that on a VL in 86 it was stolen so i bought an LJ Torana
like my VL my web page vanished so i will continue /The LJ had a 5LTR in it. i Swaped it for a gemini Garret T4 Turboed and the years go by /Now im in an old E30 BMW there has been many many more cars’ and all Holdens./ so i reckon i’m qualified enough to say apart from the back seat the VE is very very very good./
Oh christ… I wish they’d stop doing this.
I think the new Group A is great. Yes it does look like the original vk but thats what hdt intended just as a new shape. Over all it is a unreal looking car and would love to own one.
[...] HDT!!! check it out! VE SS Based HDT SS Group A Announced | The Motor Report: Auto News And Reviews … [...]
i dont regret much in life,but i do regret selling my vk group a ss ,build #288.the car was awsome.and unless i win lotto,will never get my hands on an origanal again.however,the new ss group a is at a fair price n the car looks the business.why only 250 n not 500? also would like t say congrats to pete for taking over H.D.T n trying t bring back some ol school cool…R.I.P PETER BROCK…….
cmon all u little bling bling lovers,,,, this thing is tuff, old school muscle meets new school tech, awesome job, gonna get me the 500kw version and rip the paint of all the critics door skins…..
I think it looks cool as. Very retro, they have done a good job, and this is coming from a big Ford fan. Well done I say.
i cant understand why ppl dont like this thing!?! I reckon its soo good to see that they have kept the whole old skool look but with new car technology and handling etc etc …350kw stock.. ill have ten
This is one sensational HDT. Wish I still had my VK Grp 3. Well done on a fine example Mr Champion.