Holden Commodore (VB). 1978–80 (prod. 95,906). 4-door sedan, 5-door wagon. F/R, 2838, 3298 cm³ (I6 OHV), 4142, 5044 cm³ (V8 OHV). Downsized Holden, successor to HZ series and based on Opel Commodore C (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. Due to budget blow-out on redeveloping the sedan for Australian conditions, wagon was more heavily based on Opel Rekord E1.

Manufacturing location: Australia

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

q.v. Chevrolet Commodore, Daewoo Royale