{"id":2198,"date":"2026-04-04T12:00:32","date_gmt":"2026-04-04T12:00:32","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/australianholden.com\/?page_id=2198"},"modified":"2026-04-16T04:12:07","modified_gmt":"2026-04-16T04:12:07","slug":"vb-holden-commodore-trim-levels","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/australianholden.com\/index.php\/australian-holden\/commodores\/vb-commodore\/vb-holden-commodore-trim-levels\/","title":{"rendered":"VB Holden Commodore Trim Levels"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/australianholden.com\/index.php\/australian-holden\/commodores\/\">Commodore Home<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/australianholden.com\/index.php\/australian-holden\/commodores\/vb-commodore\/\">VB Commodore<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Released in October 1978, the VB Holden Commodore marked a major turning point for Holden. It replaced the full-size Kingswood-based sedans with a more compact, European-influenced design based on the Opel Rekord\/Senator platform \u2014 but adapted for Australian conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Despite early scepticism, the VB Commodore proved to be lighter, more efficient, and better handling than its predecessors, while still offering familiar Holden six- and eight-cylinder engines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">VB Commodore Model Range Overview<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The VB Commodore was available in:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Sedan<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Wagon<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Trim levels included:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Commodore (Base)<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Commodore SL<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Commodore SL\/E<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">VB Commodore (Base Model)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Description<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The base VB Commodore was aimed at fleet and budget buyers, focusing on simplicity and practicality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Engine Options<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>2.85L inline-six (173 cu in)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>3.3L inline-six (202 cu in)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><em>(No V8 was available in the base trim)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Transmission Options<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>4-speed manual<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Trimatic 3-speed automatic<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Key Features<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Vinyl bench or basic bucket seats<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Minimal exterior chrome<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Steel wheels with hubcaps<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Front disc brakes standard<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Buyer Notes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Base models are rare today, often upgraded to SL or SL\/E specifications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">VB Commodore SL<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Description<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The SL was the most popular VB trim level, offering a balanced mix of comfort, features, and affordability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Engine Options<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>2.85L inline-six<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>3.3L inline-six (202)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>4.2L V8 (253 cu in)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>5.0L V8 (308 cu in)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Transmission Options<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>4-speed manual<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Trimatic automatic<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Key Features<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Improved interior trim<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bucket seats standard<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Additional exterior chrome<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Optional power steering and air conditioning<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Buyer Notes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>SL V8 cars are highly sought after, especially in original condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">VB Commodore SL\/E<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Description<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The SL\/E was Holden\u2019s first truly modern luxury Commodore and a flagship model at launch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Engine Options<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>3.3L inline-six (202)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>4.2L V8 (253 cu in)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>5.0L V8 (308 cu in)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Transmission Options<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>4-speed manual<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Trimatic automatic<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Key Features<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Distinctive two-tone paint options<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Digital clock and premium instrumentation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Velour interior with high-back seats<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Alloy wheels standard<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Power steering standard on V8s<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Buyer Notes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The SL\/E is the most collectible VB Commodore, particularly factory 308 examples.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">VB Commodore Engines Explained<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Inline-Six Engines<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>2.85L (173) \u2013 Economy-focused, least desirable today<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>3.3L (202) \u2013 Reliable, torquey, and easy to maintain<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">V8 Engines<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>253 (4.2L) \u2013 Smooth, dependable and well suited to the lighter Commodore<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>308 (5.0L) \u2013 Performance flagship, rare and highly collectible<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">VB Commodore Transmissions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>4-speed manual \u2013 Preferred by enthusiasts<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Trimatic 3-speed automatic \u2013 Common and reliable<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What to Look for When Buying a VB Commodore<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Rust in firewall seams, boot floor and windscreen channels<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Electrical issues in SL\/E models (digital clocks and wiring)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Engine originality and matching numbers<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Suspension wear, especially rear trailing arms<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Interior trim condition \u2014 SL\/E velour is difficult to replace<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why the VB Commodore Is Still So Important<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The VB Commodore laid the foundation for every Commodore that followed. It combined European handling, Australian durability, and familiar Holden engines, making it a true turning point in local automotive history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/australianholden.com\/index.php\/australian-holden\/commodores\/\">Commodore Home<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/australianholden.com\/index.php\/australian-holden\/commodores\/vb-commodore\/\">VB Commodore<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Commodore Home VB Commodore Released in October 1978, the VB Holden Commodore marked a major turning point for Holden. It replaced the full-size Kingswood-based sedans with a more compact, European-influenced design based on the Opel Rekord\/Senator platform \u2014 but adapted for Australian conditions. Despite early scepticism, the VB Commodore proved to be lighter, more efficient, [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":43,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_uf_show_specific_survey":0,"_uf_disable_surveys":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-2198","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.4 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>VB Holden Commodore Trim Levels - Australian Holden<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/australianholden.com\/index.php\/australian-holden\/commodores\/vb-commodore\/vb-holden-commodore-trim-levels\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"VB Holden Commodore Trim Levels - Australian Holden\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Commodore Home VB Commodore Released in October 1978, the VB Holden Commodore marked a major turning point for Holden. 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