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NEWS
HSV notches up 75,000 cars
Manufacturing milestone at Clayton for company that began life merely modifying HoldensA Perfect Blue ClubSport (pictured) recently rolled off the end of the HSV production line, marking a new achievement for the low-volume manufacturer based in Clayton, Victoria.
75,000 cars have been built at Clayton – and prior to 1994 in Notting Hill – since the company's inception in 1987. HSV was established as a joint venture by Holden and the late Tom Walkinshaw in the months after the parting of the ways between Holden and its previous tuning partner, Peter Brock's HDT organisation. Off to a slow start, HSV was even building modified Astras at one point. And the Astras weren't even true GM products, being based on Nissan's N13 Pulsar rather than an Opel design.
Even once the VN Commodore was introduced with its fuel-injected V8, HSV was little more than a tuning company, fitting fibreglass parts and some performance enhancements. Over time, however, the company drew on the expertise of parts suppliers from here and abroad – as well as its own in-house development smarts – to produce truly impressive machines, with unique brakes, seats, suspension components, the famous Harrop 5.7-litre Aussie V8 and the Calloway-tuned C4B engine.
According to press material issued by the company today, 1191 cars were built in the company's first year of operation, with 12,426 built in total at Notting Hill.
The ClubSport at the centre of celebrations at the factory will be sold by HSV's number one dealer in 2012, Shacks HSV in Fremantle, Western Australia. HSV managing director Phil Harding has signed a personalised letter to go with the car, which is fitted with a unique build plate to establish its historic significance.
“The build of our 75,000th vehicle caps off a memorable 12 months for our company,” said Mr Harding in a press release. “In celebrating this milestone with our staff, it gave us the chance to reflect on all those who have contributed to the success this company has enjoyed over the past 25 years”.
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