carsales classic: HSV Grange (2004-2007)
The full-bodied WL HSV Grange is a mighty fine vintage, now more than everFor three decades, Holden Special Vehicles created superheroes out of ‘Clark Kent’ Holden models, including the Statesman and Caprice-based HSV Grange.
HSV whipped the covers off the WL Grange at the 2004 Sydney motor show ahead of its release into showrooms early 2005.
Sitting on VZ Holden Commodore architecture with an extended wheelbase, the flagship WL Grange started its life at the Holden plant in Elizabeth, South Australia, before being shipped to HSV’s Clayton facility in Victoria, where the transformation to Superman took place.
The HSV Grange sedan came with one driveline, a Chevrolet LS2 6.0-litre V8 boasting 297kW and 530Nm. It was married to a GM Turbo-Hydramatic four-speed auto and drive was fed to the rear wheels via a limited-slip differential.
Despite its 1748kg heft and limo overtones, the Grange scooted from zero to 100km/h in a mere 5.2 seconds and had a top speed around 235km/h.
Minimising the artificial driving feel plaguing current cars, the Grange’s driver aids were confined to brake assist, electronic brake force distribution and traction control.
Naturally, the Grange shared its nether regions with the other stretched-wheelbase Holdens of the time, but once it arrived at HSV the suspension gurus went to work fitting larger-diameter front and rear sway bars, stiffer dampers and a self-levelling function to the MacPherson strut front and semi-trailing arm independent rear suspension layout.
Also added were meatier 336x32mm ventilated and grooved front disc brakes with twin-piston callipers and 315x18mm ventilated and grooved rear discs. Completing the package were classy 10-spoke 19-inch alloy wheels.
Aimed at luxury buyers, the Grange wore restrained but eye-pleasing body enhancements comprising a larger front valance, side skirts, a rear boot lip spoiler, body-coloured door handles and mirrors, chrome trim around the grille and door frames, a restyled rear bumper and dual exhaust outlets.
Inside, the Grange delivered a premium feel with soft Nappa leather used throughout, along with carbon-fibre garnish, a 430W 12-speaker Blaupunkt audio system with a six-stack CD player, dual-zone climate control and power-adjustable front seats with position memory function for the driver’s seat and mirrors.
Also standard were cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, a DVD player with twin 7.0-inch LCD screens, an auto-dimming rear-vision mirror, tyre pressure sensors and a trip computer.
Safety-wise, the Grange had dual front and side airbags, active front head restraints, anti-submarining seat ramps and front seat belt pretensioners.
At $89,900 plus on-road costs when new, the WL Grange represented good value against its six-figure European rivals. RedBook now values it between $8300 and $14,300 depending on condition, ownership and documented service history.
Why we want one
• Like the Australian wine it is named after, it’s keenly sought
• Big performance for a small outlay
• Roomy interior
• The way it looks
The Grange in this model is rare and hard to locate, but click here to see what’s currently available at carsales.
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