WB Statesman luxury model: approximately $10,500–$10,800
The WB featured updated body styling with cleaner lines, improved interiors, and refined suspension
The WB Statesman offered luxury trims, automatic transmission, premium interiors, and comfort-focused features
Both models catered to families, professionals, and executives seeking spacious, reliable, and stylish vehicles
The WB would only be available as a ute, panelvan and the Statesman variant. The sedan and Wagon models would be carried by the mid size Commodore range.
The WB developed a reputation for being very reliable and low maintenance, especially the commercial models.
Average wage
Average weekly wage: about $180–$185
Average annual wage: roughly $9,360–$9,620
Average house price
Around $45,000
Price of petrol
About 50 cents per litre
Prime Minister
Malcolm Fraser (Liberal Party)
Population of Australia
About 14.7 million people
Top-grossing movie
The Empire Strikes Back, Airplane!
Top song
Call Me by Blondie topped Australian charts
Significant world event
Early 1980s economic uncertainty and oil price shocks
Global technological and cultural shifts began influencing consumer markets
Popular TV / radio in Australia
Countdown, Neighbours (early development), The Don Lane Show
FM radio continued shaping youth music and pop culture
Significant Australian news story
Economic adjustments, suburban expansion, and car ownership trends dominated headlines
The WB Holden and WB Statesman reflected Australia’s continued demand for large, reliable, and increasingly luxurious family vehicles
Interesting comparisons
The WB Holden cost roughly 0.9–1 year’s average wages, while the WB Statesman cost 1.1–1.15 years’ wages
The average house cost about 4.5–5 years’ wages
Filling a ~60L tank cost roughly $30 AUD
A week’s wages could buy roughly 360–370 litres of petrol
