An upcoming Mecum auction in Chattanooga this mid-October will feature a Holden Commodore utility vehicle, granting an opportunity for U.S. buyers to acquire the Australian variant of a pickup truck.
Remarkably, the vehicle slated for the auction is not just any Commodore ute, but a specialized Maloo model manufactured by HSV (Holden Special Vehicles). HSV has a history of creating high-performance versions of Holden cars until the brand, owned by General Motors, was discontinued in 2020.
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The specific model to be auctioned is a 2016 HSV Maloo R8 LSA, equipped with a General Motors LSA V-8 engine. While the original supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 engine was configured to produce 550 horsepower, the vehicle listed for the auction has been fine-tuned to generate an impressive 625 horsepower.
Modifications to this model encompass a cold air intake system, upgraded headers, and an enlarged pulley for the supercharger. Power is channeled to the rear wheels through a 6-speed automatic transmission.
Mileage and Other Details
The odometer photo reveals that the vehicle has been driven less than 20,000 miles.
For compatibility with U.S. driving regulations, the vehicle has been converted to left-hand drive. This conversion was performed by Left Hand Utes, a company based in Denver, Colorado. The process entailed removing the original right-hand drive components and replacing them with OEM parts intended for the Chevrolet SS, a rebadged version of the Holden Commodore sedan.
General Motors had previously considered introducing the Commodore ute to the U.S. market as the Pontiac G8 Sport Truck. However, this plan was stymied by emissions restrictions and the company’s own financial insolvency, which also resulted in the discontinuation of several GM brands, including Pontiac.
The HSV Maloo R8 LSA is not the only HSV vehicle slated for Mecum’s Chattanooga auction. A 2011 HSV Clubsport R8 Tourer wagon will also be available for bidding. The auction is set to occur on October 13-14 at the Chattanooga Convention Center.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about HSV Maloo R8 LSA auction
What is the specific model of the Holden Ute that will be auctioned?
The specific model that will be auctioned is a 2016 HSV Maloo R8 LSA, a high-performance variant of the Holden Commodore ute.
Where and when will the auction take place?
The auction is scheduled to occur on October 13-14 and will be held at the Chattanooga Convention Center.
Has the vehicle undergone any modifications?
Yes, the vehicle has undergone several modifications, including a cold air intake system, upgraded headers, and an enlarged pulley for the supercharger. These modifications have increased its horsepower from 550 to 625.
What is the mileage of the vehicle?
The odometer photo reveals that the vehicle has been driven less than 20,000 miles.
Has the vehicle been adapted for U.S. driving?
Yes, the vehicle has been converted to left-hand drive by Denver, Colorado-based company Left Hand Utes. The conversion was done using OEM parts designed for the related Chevrolet SS, making the vehicle suitable for U.S. roads.
Are there any other HSV models up for auction?
Yes, in addition to the 2016 HSV Maloo R8 LSA, a 2011 HSV Clubsport R8 Tourer wagon will also be available for bidding at the same auction.
Why was the Holden brand retired?
The Holden brand, owned by General Motors, was discontinued in 2020. HSV, or Holden Special Vehicles, was a subsidiary specializing in high-performance versions of Holden cars.
Was there ever a plan to introduce the Holden Commodore Ute to the U.S. market?
Yes, General Motors had considered importing the Commodore ute as the Pontiac G8 Sport Truck. However, this plan was hampered by emissions regulations and General Motors’ own financial insolvency.
More about HSV Maloo R8 LSA auction
- Mecum Auctions Official Website
- History of HSV (Holden Special Vehicles)
- General Motors Discontinues Holden
- Information on Left-Hand Drive Conversion
- Overview of Chevrolet SS
- General Motors Financial Insolvency
- Emissions Regulations and Automotive Imports
- Chattanooga Convention Center Event Schedule
10 comments
With that kinda horsepower, what’s the fuel efficiency like? Just curious.
If GM had imported these as Pontiacs, wonder if their fate would’ve been different. So much potential lost due to bankruptcy.
625 hp? thats insane for a ute! Aussies sure know how to build em.
Mecum Auctions always have the coolest stuff. First the classic muscle cars and now this, awesome!
Miss the days when Holden and HSV were going strong. Glad to see their legacy living on.
Left-hand drive conversion huh? interesting, would love to know more abt how they do that.
Finally, a piece of Australia here in the US. Holden may be gone, but it’s not forgotten.
Chattanooga Convention Center, eh? Might be worth a visit just to see this bad boy.
Wow, a HSV Maloo in the US, that’s something you don’t see everyday! Cant wait for the auction.
Cold air intake and new headers? Someone knew how to treat this ute right.