The VT Commodore featured a completely redesigned platform (“New Generation” body), improved aerodynamics, upgraded safety features including standard airbags, refined suspension, and modern interiors
The WH Statesman offered premium luxury features: leather interiors, advanced suspension, climate control, power options, and executive styling
Both models targeted Australian families and executives seeking modern styling, comfort, safety, and reliability
The VT Commodore would introduce the very popular LS1 V8 engine to the Commodore line up
The VT Commodore would go on to be one of the highest selling Commodores, and highest selling Holdens ever built
It won wheels car of the year in 1997, becoming the 4th Holden Commodore to do so after the VB (1978), VN (1988) and VR (1993) Commodores.
VT Commodore
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Average wage
Average weekly wage: about $720–$740
Average annual wage: roughly $37,440–$38,480
Average house price
Around $230,000
Price of petrol
About $1.10–$1.20 per litre
Prime Minister
John Howard (Liberal Party, elected March 1996)
Population of Australia
About 18.5 million people
Top-grossing movie
Titanic, Men in Black
Top song
Candle in the Wind 1997 by Elton John topped Australian charts
Significant world event
Death of Princess Diana and global media coverage
Rise of the internet and mobile technology shaping global economies
Popular TV / radio in Australia
Home and Away, Neighbours, Hey Hey It’s Saturday, and A Current Affair
FM radio and music television dominated youth and pop culture
Significant Australian news story
Economic policy, suburban development, and technology adoption dominated headlines as well as job growth nationwide.
Interesting comparisons
The VT Commodore cost roughly 0.85 years’ average wages, while the WH Statesman cost 1.7–1.8 years’ wages
The average house cost about 6 years’ wages
Filling a ~60L tank cost roughly $72 AUD
A week’s wages could buy roughly 600–620 litres of petrol
