Holden Commodore (VB). 1978–80 (prod. 95,906). 4-door sedan, 5-door wagon. F/R, 2838, 3298 cm³ (6 cyl. OHV), 4142, 5044 cm³ (V8 OHV). Downsized Holden, successor to HZ series and based on Opel Commodore (V-car) but mated to carryover Holden engines. Very refined, a huge leap over older Holdens, and marketed with tagline ‘Commodore. It’s a Holden’ to surprised Australian public. Smaller size (though almost as roomy as HZ) found favour as second fuel crisis hit and VB had a year’s advantage over the XD Ford Falcon, so seemed ultra-modern at the time, but Holden effectively lost the taxi market to its rival. Wagon was more heavily based on Opel Rekord E, even if sedan was hugely changed to cope with Australian conditions, which did not help costs.

Manufacturing location: Australia

Marque: Holden | Model: Holden Commodore | Predecessors: Holden Kingswood (HZ), Holden Premier (HZ) | Successor: Holden Commodore (VC)

q.v. Opel Commodore, Chevrolet Commodore, Daewoo Royale

Off-site links

• Histomobile: Holden Commodore (VB)