10 facts you may not have known about the VH Commodore
VB to VK Commodore option codes
The VH Commodore was the third model Holden Commodore. Like the VC, the VH was a mild facelift of the previous model VC.
The cosmetic differences between the first three commodore models (VB/VC/VH) can be considered to be minor and subtle. With the VH, the front end and headlight surrounds were tweaked to make the car lower and wider. This was also said to have made an improvement in aerodynamics an in turn and increase in fuel efficiency.
The egg crate shaped grille from the VC, replaced with a horizontal grille to enhance the appearance of a lower, wider look. The Holden logo moved, positioned in the centre of the grille.
The VH Commodore production spanned 28 months (October 1981- February 1984). At the time it had the longest production span of any Commodore.
When first introduced, in October 1981, it would be the 3rd Commodore released in just 4 years. Production totaled 141 018 units, also a record for the Commodore at the time.
All engines were carried over from the VC, however the 4 and 6 cylinder models were improved so that they were both more powerful and more fuel efficient.
The 1.9L 4 cylinder was 12.5% more fuel efficient and the 2.85L 6 cylinder was 14% more efficient. The engines on offer with the VH Commodore were basically the same with a few improvements to the 4 and 6 cylinder engines.
1.9L i4 54kW (72hp) Startfire
2.85L i6 73kW (98hp) Blue
3.3L i6 83kW (111hp) Blue
4.2L V8 100kW (134hp) Blue
4.2L V8 115kW (154hp) Blue (Dual Exhaust)
5.0L V8 117kW (157hp) Blue
5.0L V8 126kW (169hp) Blue (Dual Exhaust)
On offer for the first time in a Holden Commodore was a 5 speed manual. The 4 speed manual and the 3 speed automatic were still on offer from the previous 2 models. Just like the previous 2 models, the VH was available as a sedan and a wagon. A commodore utility was still a number of years away.
The VH Commodore introduced the first local fitment of advanced computer electronics to a mass produced Australian car.
1982 saw the introduction of the now very popular SS variant. It has stayed in the model lineup ever since. SS stands for ‘Sports Sedan’
The names of the mid spec car changed from the SL to the SL/X. The base model L, changed to SL. The SL and the SL/X were available in both the sedan and station wagon body shape where as the SL/E was only available as a sedan.
The ‘Executive’ variant debuted in 1983, introduced to target fleet buyers, which would open up a whole new market for the Holden Commodore.
The main disadvantage that the Commodore had in the fleet market was that it was still a mid size car, and most fleet buyers want a full size car. Rival Ford Falcon was in a position to offer fleet buyers a full size car. It should be noted that at this time, Ford was the leading car manufacturer in Australia with its XE/XF Falcon as the top selling car in Australia.
Prices for the VH started out at $8 366 for the inline 4 SL and at $9 066 for the SL inline 6.
The VH Commodore would be the last Commodore to use chrome bumper bars.