Holden Special Vehicles has launched a commemorative limited edition model to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the performance car manufacturer's most enduring nameplate - the ClubSport.
First introduced on the 1990 VN series, the ClubSport moniker has evolved to become the best selling name in the HSV line-up, an achievement HSV's General Manager of Marketing and Communications, Tim Jackson, says is worth celebrating.
"If we step back 20 years to 1990, this really was a watershed year for the HSV brand. Not only did we introduce our first ClubSport model in June, but 1990 also represented our first Bathurst victory with the Holden Racing Team, who is also celebrating 20 years of success this year," explained Jackson.
"The ClubSport has such great history and meaning within our business, and it has always been our purists' vehicle -- bringing track focused performance and handling to a road vehicle."
Fittingly, the limited edition '20 Years of ClubSport' model will embody its race-bred heritage with a back-to-basics approach that draws from its own lineage, a special "CS ClubSport" decal on the rear window and a modern take on the badge first worn by the original VN ClubSport, commemorating the anniversary of the model.
The limited edition model, of which only 100 will be produced, will also include as standard HSV's performance suspension, leather upholstery and 20-inch Pentagon alloy wheels finished in exclusive Millennium silver.
"With this level of value add at no additional cost we anticipate the 100 vehicles will move very quickly and good luck to the person who manages to grab No.1 in the model build," said HSV's General Manager of Sales, Darren Bowler.
"City Motors HSV in Perth recorded the highest HSV vehicle sales in 2009 and have been rewarded with the privilege of retailing the No. 1 vehicle to the lucky HSV buyer."
Priced from $66,690 for the manual and $68,690 for the automatic, 20 Years of ClubSport limited edition models will hit showrooms across Australia from the end of this month.
HSV ClubSport fast facts:
• The ClubSport model has been exported to both the UK and the Middle East markets.
• The best build year for ClubSport was 2003 when over 2200 examples were sold.
• When the first (VN) ClubSport went on sale in 1990, it cost $33,320 in manual guise. In total, 410 VN ClubSport models were built. They were powered by a 5.0-litre V8 engine producing 180kW/400Nm.
• The ClubSport model has utilised four different engine variants over its lifespan including the original 5.0-litre, 5.7-litre LS1, 6.0-litre LS2 and current 6.2-litre LS3.
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