VL HDT LE CALAIS TURBO
This VL LE came into Finest Restorations with the task of rectifying the rear bumper bar and passenger side rear quarter panel due to colour been different to the rest of the vehicle. The team got straight to work stripping all necessary parts, we then repaired and primed the rear bumper bar due to minor imperfections, the rear quarter panel was then prepped for paint along with the rear bar and also the boot lid and passenger side rear door also prepped for blending of colour. The job was then painted and all that was left was the final stage of cutting and buffing the paintwork carried out and polishing the rest vehicle for a flawless finish.
Vehicle Specs
Make – Holden Commodore HDT LE
Year – 1986
Colour – Alpine White
Engine – RB30DET 3L Turbo 6
Gearbox – 4 Speed Automatic
At the start of the VL range, Holden did not have an unleaded version of the V8 engine available. Many buyers felt betrayed by the V8 company’s decision to use the new very popular and powerful RB30 Nissan 6 Cylinder Engine in their lineup. Incredibly, sales started off extremely well as for the first time-varying from the previous Calais Based Director, the new Calais VL series HDT dubbed the ‘LE’ (As Brock was saving the Director name for another Calais Release), offered the new six Cylinder and the controversial DB Tech ‘Energy Polarizer’ as standard.
Also on the options list was a variety of extra enhancements such as the Brock premium sound system, Brock interior, electric sunroof and a car phone. In addition, there was the VK Group 3’s steering wheel, optional side and rear skirts or, for the complete look, full side mouldings which replaced the standard Calais items however the base model LE had little body kit at all receiving just a front letterbox type grille and rear boot spoiler.
The LE was available in any Holden colour, as well as a few new ones and a further surprise was to come later down the track with the six-cylinder receiving a ‘GUN’ 150kw Turbo option soon after which surprised and pleased many with its smooth and impressive performance.
