Image: Holden
It’s a sad irony that the model about which Holden was most fearful is today viewed as one of the brand's best products.
With unleaded fuel due to be introduced in 1986, Holden’s own six-cylinder engine couldn’t be effectively modified to handle ULP and the V6 which would power the VN Commodore was still three years away. For the first time in its corporate life, Holden needed to 'buy in' an engine for the final version of its original Commodore.
Holden Calais VL - Image: wheelsage.org
The VL when launched in March 1986 had under its bonnet virtually the same inline six-cylinder engine that could be found powering Nissan's own, Aussie-built R31 Skyline.
Lack of money for a restyle led to Holden mildly reshaping the VL nose, including improved headlights, while the upmarket Calais received more substantial changes.
Half-hidden headlamps and a cross-hatched acrylic grille were unique to the VL and certainly went some way to justifying a $5000 price increase over the VK model it replaced. At the rear, a modest boot lip allegedly helped aerodynamics.
Most VLs were SL or Executives equipped with the 122kW six-cylinder engine and four-speed automatic transmission. A five-speed manual was available as well, but when the 5.0-litre V8 joined the range in October 1986 it was sold only as an automatic.
Holden Commodore VL V8 - Image: wheelsage.org
A 150kW, turbocharged version of the 3.0-litre straight-six also became available in August 1986 and could be fitted to the VL SL, Executive, Berlina or Calais.
Executive models pitched into the fleet and rental markets had power steering and central locking included, with air-conditioning and rear-wheel disc brakes optional. Basic non-turbo VLs with all-disc brakes aren't common, but worth having should one appear on the market.
Holden VL Interior - Image: wheelsage.org
Calais versions of the VL included 15-inch alloy wheels, air-conditioning, cruise control and power windows, with optional leather trim. Suspension changes included rerated springs and shock absorbers to improve ride quality, and faster-ratio power steering for better steering response.
5.0 Litre V8 - Image: wheelsage.org
Values climbed very little in the 25 years after VLs ceased production, but since 2015 they have soared substantially. The biggest winners have been turbo-engine cars and Calais V8s which exceed $50,000, with basic SL sedans in excellent condition reaching $25,000.
Things To Watch Out for When Buying a Used Holden VL Commodore/Calais
Poor quality body repairs and rust around windows, sills and the boot floor
Calais headlight condition and ease of operation
Engine overheating and oil contamination due to head gasket failure
Transmission slow to engage reverse
Clutch shudder in manual cars
Clunks signifying front suspension wear
Power windows in Calais that shudder or don’t work at all
🛠️ Timeline
Investment Rating
6 / 10
Cliff Chambers
More inBuyers Guides
Top Tips for Buying a Used Datsun 1600 (1968-72)
When it arrived in the late ’60s, the Datsun 1600 boasted strong levels of standard equipment, a grunty four-pot engine, front disc brakes and independent rear suspension, positioning it closer to a BMW on paper than any of its Japanese contemporaries.
Top Tips for Buying a Used Dodge Challenger (1970-73)
When Chrysler in the US belatedly got around to building a proper Pony Car, it came in two sizes, with different length wheelbases and some of the most powerful production engines ever made. Collectively, they were the Dodge Challenger and Plymouth Barracuda, a feisty duo which offered too little and arrived too late to take full advantage of the relatively short-lived Muscle Car era.
How To Check Out and Buy a Classic Car at Auction
According to the folklore surrounding automotive auctions, you’re best not to wave at a friend or scratch your nose during proceedings, or you might just buy a car. Today, it’s a different world where everyone plays by a new set of rules and it’s hard to do anything by accident.
More inAussie
How the Modern Classic Cars Foundation is addressing the classic car skills shortage
As the automotive industry looks to include more technology and computer-controlled systems in cars than ever before, the nature of mechanics’ jobs is changing. As a result, the skills required to work on old cars are at risk of dying out, although one Sydney-based charity is looking to change that.
Australian motorsport world mourns the loss of Bathurst winner John French
The world of Australian motorsport is mourning the loss of 1981 Bathurst 1000 winner John French, who died on 11 March 2025 aged 94.
2025 All Aussie Auto Show set to highlight Australian classics and unknowns
When you think of what a car show for Australian vehicles might look like, a sea of Holdens and Fords will likely come to mind, with maybe the odd Mitsubishi or Chrysler. However, the 2025 All Aussie Auto Show is set to challenge that presumption by creating an event which opens attendees’ eyes to the depth and breadth of the Aussie automotive industry.
Get The Latest
Sign up for the latest in retro rides, from stories of restoration to community happenings.