The Last Australian-Made Holden Commodore SS Now Resides in a Museum
The last V8-powered Holden Commodore to be retired from the Victoria Police Highway Patrol fleet has found a new home in a museum dedicated to the now-defunct Australian brand. The Trafalgar Holden Museum, located about 90 minutes west of Melbourne, took delivery of the Holden Commodore SS before Christmas, joining its wide range of important and unique vehicles manufactured by the company before local production ceased in October 2017.
As reported by WIN News Gippsland, the Commodore, which hit the road just weeks after the end of local Holden manufacturing in 2017, was originally intended to be sold through an auction house without markings or police equipment. However, it was later decided that the V8 sedan would be “recommissioned” and displayed at the museum.
According to the Victorian registration database, this ‘slipstream blue’ Commodore was ‘fulfilled’ and approved for road use by government authorities in September 2017, just a month before the Holden factory ceased operations. The Commodore was part of VicPol’s Westgate Highway Patrol fleet before being retired in November 2022, and is said to have become the last Australian-made Holden used by the state police.
Under the bonnet of the Holden Commodore SS VF Series II is a 6.2-litre V8 engine, developing 304kW and 570Nm when new, delivered to the rear wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission. The Victorian Highway Patrol commodore’s retirement comes after the Australian Federal Police recalled his last Holden V8 of service in July 2022, which is now in the AFP Museum in Canberra.
While it is understood there are still V8-powered Holden Commodore SS models serving in police fleets across Australia, the number of cars in use is declining due to production ending more than six years ago and the rise of newer replacements.
The Trafalgar Holden Museum has long been recognized for its extensive collection of vintage and classic Holden vehicles, including rare and unique models that showcase the history and legacy of the Australian brand. With the addition of the last Holden Commodore SS used by the Victoria Police, the museum further solidifies its status as an important institution in the preservation of Australian automotive history.
The Holden Commodore itself occupies a special place in Australian car culture as a symbol of performance, strength, and tradition. Throughout its production history, the Commodore has been a favorite among law enforcement agencies, with its powerful V8 engine and robust construction making it well-suited for police duties.
The decision to commission the retired Commodore for display at the Trafalgar Holden Museum was met with widespread enthusiasm from automotive enthusiasts and Holden fans across Australia. The museum’s dedication to preserving the legacy of the Australian automotive industry has been commendable, and the addition of the last V8-powered Commodore from the Victoria Police Highway Patrol fleet is a fitting tribute to the brand’s enduring impact on the country’s motoring heritage.
In recent years, with Holden ceasing its local production and the discontinuation of the Commodore model, interest in preserving and celebrating the brand’s legacy has grown significantly. The Trafalgar Holden Museum’s acquisition of the last V8-powered Commodore SS serves as a reminder of the era when Holden was an integral part of Australia’s automotive landscape, and as an opportunity for future generations to appreciate the brand’s impact.
As the museum continues to expand its collection and showcase significant vehicles like the last V8 Commodore, it remains an essential destination for enthusiasts and historians seeking to immerse themselves in the rich history of Australian motoring. The preservation of vehicles like the Commodore SS VF Series II allows the museum to maintain a valuable link to the past and honor the contributions of Holden to Australia’s automotive culture.
The Trafalgar Holden Museum’s acquisition of the last Commodore adds yet another milestone to its already impressive collection, serving as a testament to the enduring legacy of the Australian brand. The retired police vehicle now stands among the other classic, iconic, and historically significant Holdens, further emphasizing the museum’s commitment to preserving the heritage of an influential chapter in Australian automotive history.
