HSV GTS-R (1996)
Clever marketing package based on HSV GTS took advantage of Holden's production run of yellow taxi bodies for unrivalled, in your face presentation. As bigger and better new models arrive, the GTS-R's hoped-for collector status is on hold indefinitely fHISTORY:
Pricey $76,000 limited GTS build of 85 exploited new Victorian taxi yellow and HRT add-ons to replicate earlier Group A race-bred appeal. Buyers had to spend another $10,500 on the HRT Optimised engine for barely discernible gains over stock 215i. Investors who mothballed new examples now face stiff competition from today's cheaper, faster and more refined HSV and FPV muscle for outstanding used car buying. Its 215 kW of stroked Holden V8 delivers a welcome wall of torque from low speeds without the deep breathing top end of the latest models.
PRICES:
Tenuous link with V8 Supercar and forgotten launch hype brings GTS-R in line with the last VSII GTS examples. Same mechanical package as a sub-$25,000 VR GTS but a $32,000 GTS-R, give or take $5000 depending on condition, delivers exclusivity in spades. Hoped-for investment status saved many GTS-R examples from everyday use leaving most in better condition than thrashed GTS alternatives. Because it blends so easily into Victoria's yellow taxi fleet, 'look-at-moi, look-at-moi' factor can cause prices to vary from state to state.
CHECK IT OUT:
HRT carbon-fibre fillets at front, rear and sides discoloured badly on exposure to Aussie sun. Plain grille is more like VR than VS GTS, and dates it more than it should.
Racing-style but non-adjustable HRT rear spoiler on square tube mount is crude -- or duck's guts -- depending on how you look at it.
Stroker 215 kW V8 pulls hard from tickover but can throw its drive belt under extreme conditions and suffer from bore-distortion. Power steering not to be trusted under track conditions. Old style rear main rope seal will weep a little but make sure it's not a full blown leak.
Unrefined early Borg Warner T56 6-speed had unique HSV linkages for crisp mechanical feel but close gate can make some changes a lucky dip. Internal clatter and other noises are standard.
Combination mechanical-hydraulic clutch linkage locates master and slave cylinders out of sight on bell-housing and may have placed regular fluid changes and leakage checks in the too-hard basket.
Expensive Hydratrak diff and independent rear end gave the GTS-R better grip than most although missing Opel control links generates sharp rear breakaway at the limit and lack of adjustment. Check all structural members around rear suspension.
Yellow trim inserts, yellow stitching, extra black and carbon fibre cabin highlights may lift GTS-R further from fleet car origins but cabin finish is the main disappointment as Holden quality has come a long way since then.
Trick yellow-badged wheel inserts, dark finish and GTS-R identification mask one of HSV's least appealing wheel designs.
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