Base sedan models started at approximately $7,500–$7,800
The VB Commodore featured a completely new mid-size design, smaller and lighter than the previous full-size Holdens, with improved handling and modern styling
The VB Commodore was not available as a ute or panelvan. Only sedan and station wagon models would be available to buyers.
It was the first of the Holden Commodores which would be the top selling name plate for Holden. It was introduced in the late 1970’s as a response to the oil crisis. The plan was to downsize to a smaller car and have the same engines be more efficient due to reduced weight and increased aerodynamic efficiency.
The VB Commodore would be classed as ‘mid size’ as opposed to the ‘full size’ classification given to the previous model HZ Holden.
VB Commodore
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Average wage
Average weekly wage: about $135–$140
Average annual wage: roughly $7,020–$7,280
Average house price
Around $28,000–$29,000
Price of petrol
About 18 cents per litre
Prime Minister
Malcolm Fraser (Liberal Party)
Population of Australia
About 14.2 million people
Top-grossing movie
Grease, Superman
Top song
Night Fever by Bee Gees topped Australian charts
Significant world event
Continued Cold War tensions; global economic adjustments following the 1973–74 oil crisis
Technological innovation and pop culture shifts influenced consumer expectations
Popular TV / radio in Australia
Number 96, Countdown, Homicide, and variety shows
FM radio and pop/rock programs shaped youth culture
Significant Australian news story
Economic policies under Fraser, rising car ownership, and suburban expansion dominated headlines
The VB Commodore represented Australia’s first locally designed mid-size car, balancing performance, style, and practicality
Interesting comparisons
The VB Commodore cost roughly 1.1 years’ average wages
The average house cost about 4 years’ wages
Filling a ~50L tank cost roughly $9 AUD
A week’s wages could buy roughly 550–580 litres of petrol
