The insurance company sold the SS to a wrecker in Adelaide. When 2 employees arrived at the family farm to pick it up they could only shake their heads in disbelief as to how mangled it was let alone I survived. They said the car didn't look that bad in the black and white photographs the Insurance company showed them. They made the comment that they paid $600 for the wreck and would make a loss.
Steve
rare or unusual car you have owned
Started by
bluea9x
, Mar 14 2012 09:26 PM
101 replies to this topic
#51
Max's SS
-
- Members
-
- 374 posts
Forum Fan
- Name:Steve
- Location:Port Pirie SA
- Joined: 21-May 06
Posted 21 March 2012 - 09:01 PM
#52
_JamesB_
_JamesB_
-
- Guests
Posted 21 March 2012 - 09:31 PM
My rare one is my owned from new UC SL/T Hatchback.
I'm still trying to find out what the total build numbers were, but that gets a bit tricky as there's not one bit of corroborating evidence to prove that mine is genuine. As they weren't an official model, Holden has no information and would prefer to pretend that they didn't exist. The SL/T designation was given to them by either David Inall at Normalair-Garrett Manufacturing, Suttons Motors, or a journalist at Modern Motor.
Many of the other SL/Ts out there could just as easily be a standard vehicle that sometime after delivery was fitted with an aftermarket Strata 2a installation (although an MC6 gearbox code on the build plate instead of the required M20 and the standard 3.36 ratio rear axle code instead of either GU4 (3.08) or GU7 (2.73) codes would be an indication that the car wasn't genuine).
According to information I received from a Strata kit installer/reseller (who showed me photographs of my car at NGM during the turbocharger installation), they were built in batches of 5 on a mini-production line, and mine is from the first batch of the second generation models.
Multiple inquiries to Honeywell Australia (who absorbed NGM) has not resulted in even a single response from them.
As for photographs, most people have seen the black and white photos I took back in August 1979 (a few weeks after delivery), that have been circulating on the internet since 2002 (they're also here on my web page). The few others that I have are scattered amongst my many thousands of slides and negatives and are yet to be found and scanned. This following is the final photograph of the car (taken a day or two before it went into storage in February 2008).
I'm still trying to find out what the total build numbers were, but that gets a bit tricky as there's not one bit of corroborating evidence to prove that mine is genuine. As they weren't an official model, Holden has no information and would prefer to pretend that they didn't exist. The SL/T designation was given to them by either David Inall at Normalair-Garrett Manufacturing, Suttons Motors, or a journalist at Modern Motor.
Many of the other SL/Ts out there could just as easily be a standard vehicle that sometime after delivery was fitted with an aftermarket Strata 2a installation (although an MC6 gearbox code on the build plate instead of the required M20 and the standard 3.36 ratio rear axle code instead of either GU4 (3.08) or GU7 (2.73) codes would be an indication that the car wasn't genuine).
According to information I received from a Strata kit installer/reseller (who showed me photographs of my car at NGM during the turbocharger installation), they were built in batches of 5 on a mini-production line, and mine is from the first batch of the second generation models.
Multiple inquiries to Honeywell Australia (who absorbed NGM) has not resulted in even a single response from them.
As for photographs, most people have seen the black and white photos I took back in August 1979 (a few weeks after delivery), that have been circulating on the internet since 2002 (they're also here on my web page). The few others that I have are scattered amongst my many thousands of slides and negatives and are yet to be found and scanned. This following is the final photograph of the car (taken a day or two before it went into storage in February 2008).
#53
_oz772_
_oz772_
-
- Guests
Posted 22 March 2012 - 03:34 AM
My oldest brother had a Commodore VB SLE 308 factory 4 speed at one stage but didn't realise until many years later only 200 were built.
Steve
I had one of those I bought in Adelaide in 1986 (traded my SS hatch on it). I knew they were rare, but only now you say that do I realise how rare.....Bugga. It had a 3.08 LSD as well as the 5.0 and 4 speed. Mine was Nov 78 build, so I assume it was one of the first VB's built. The rego was STE-669. Red, with a beige interior. Be interesting to know if it still existed.
#54
_mick74lh_
_mick74lh_
-
- Guests
Posted 22 March 2012 - 09:32 AM
Not the rarest car but I did own two HQ SS's at one stage. The red one "fell over" 5 times one night at great speed on a country road 1 mile from home. Took a forced eight month break from work with a multiple broken femur. Was very lucky. Was so impressed with the red one I went out and bought a purple (ultra violet) one.
My oldest brother had a Commodore VB SLE 308 factory 4 speed at one stage but didn't realise until many years later only 200 were built.
Steve
Bloody hell! That's incredible. The HQ SS is such a nice car. Love the Infra Red colour.
#55
Ruts
-
- Moderators
-
- 1,118 posts
How Fast!?
- Location:Bargo, NSW
- Car:Blown A9X replica, Black SS hatchback, LH SLR5000
- Joined: 23-December 06
Posted 22 March 2012 - 09:43 AM
A very good mate of mine currently owns the only factory black HK GTS 327 Monaro ever made, 1 of 1 built.
#56
Statler
-
- Administrators
-
- 6,307 posts
Heckler Extraordinaire
- Name:Col
- Location:Mackay Qld. Whitsundays for all you back packers!
- Joined: 20-May 06
Posted 22 March 2012 - 11:26 AM
Kinda rare [in these parts anyway].
It's a '74 Targa, Hamiltons delivered car with 86K on the clock. Not too many imported in that year. Was originally factory green which is even rarer. Mates are still trying to talk me into repianting it the factory color.
Unusual because it is still stock. No flares & fat ass end, no sports seats or recaro steering wheel. That's what i like about it.
#57
enderwigginau
-
- Moderators
-
- 2,000,527 posts
Admin Wrangler
- Name:Grant
- Location:Parramatta
- Car:76 LX Sedan, 4 seater
- Joined: 04-February 07
Posted 22 March 2012 - 12:20 PM
They probably think you're trying to make a warranty claim JamesMultiple inquiries to Honeywell Australia (who absorbed NGM) has not resulted in even a single response from them.
#58
_Big T_
_Big T_
-
- Guests
Posted 22 March 2012 - 12:57 PM
As seen below, ultra rare 2001 Corolla "Track Pack" Ascent. It was Toyota's foray into the "sleeper" market by packing a normal stock looking Ascent with high end TRD gear. Motor is development\proto type 3JZGTTE (twin turbo next generation "J" class engine"). Variable cam valve timing, sequential turbo boost gate regulators and Motec "HyperZ" EMS. Transmission is a six speed with adjustable overdrive from with in the cabin, coupled to a Strange 46 spline kevlar transaxle. HP figures are unavailable because there is no dyno in Australia that can handle the FWD power output although one dyno shop put the car on backwards and spun up 471kw in reverse.
I still have this car and its a frocking weapon.
I still have this car and its a frocking weapon.
#59
_JamesB_
_JamesB_
-
- Guests
Posted 22 March 2012 - 10:04 PM
After 30+ years, they'd be more surprised that there's any still intact and still running.They probably think you're trying to make a warranty claim James
My letters and emails make it quite clear that I'm just looking for build information on the series ... and if possible any information that will provide confirmation that my car came through their workshop. Of course, after he left and started working in opposition, anything to do with David Inall's projects at NGM may be something they'd like to pretend never happened.
#60
_stretchlc_
_stretchlc_
-
- Guests
Posted 24 March 2012 - 04:15 PM
I had one of those I bought in Adelaide in 1986 (traded my SS hatch on it). I knew they were rare, but only now you say that do I realise how rare.....Bugga. It had a 3.08 LSD as well as the 5.0 and 4 speed. Mine was Nov 78 build, so I assume it was one of the first VB's built. The rego was STE-669. Red, with a beige interior. Be interesting to know if it still existed.
This car sounds familiar.......I wonder if its the same VB SL/E Commodore that a well known engine builder here in Adelaide ( GREGG HAYES) used to own. I remember him building the 308 that was in it, and was the first person I'd heard of doing engine stroking at the time. Turns out he stroked the plastic to 331 cubes and gave the car for his mussus to drive to do her shopping and cart their kids around in. His car was red,beige interior, 5 litre 4 speed......mmmmmm I wonder?
Edited by stretchlc, 24 March 2012 - 04:16 PM.
#61
_stretchlc_
_stretchlc_
-
- Guests
Posted 24 March 2012 - 04:27 PM
My little rare piece of motoring was in the form of a 72' Ford V6GT Capri......was burnt orange, with the blackouts on the bonnet,black side stripes, "power buldge V6 only Bonnet, Little 3 litre V6 engine that sported a set of extractors into a 2 1/2" single system and 3" tip, a 450cfm 4 barrell Holley and a warmer cam than standard, 4 speed manual box, and a set of Hotwire 14" Rims. I loved that car, was a blast to drive, loved to rev, and handled really nicely. I thought of it at the time as Fords answer to the GTR Torana but although being a really nice car in alot of aspects, it still didnt quite live up to what my Torana was.
I kick myself for swapping it for 2 smelly little 2 stroke 250cc Suzuki Sports Bikes.........I happened to see my old car still on the roads here in Adelaide driving around.......REGO NUMBER was RCP-454........To be honest I got sick of trying to find parts for it, replacing so called heavy duty clutches in it ( box came out 3 times in less than 2 months)............and figured 2 wheels would be an easier and more economical form of transport..........problem was it was the start of winter, and I only had the bike to get around on...BAD IDEA STRETCH!!!
I kick myself for swapping it for 2 smelly little 2 stroke 250cc Suzuki Sports Bikes.........I happened to see my old car still on the roads here in Adelaide driving around.......REGO NUMBER was RCP-454........To be honest I got sick of trying to find parts for it, replacing so called heavy duty clutches in it ( box came out 3 times in less than 2 months)............and figured 2 wheels would be an easier and more economical form of transport..........problem was it was the start of winter, and I only had the bike to get around on...BAD IDEA STRETCH!!!
#62
_oz772_
_oz772_
-
- Guests
Posted 24 March 2012 - 05:47 PM
This car sounds familiar.......I wonder if its the same VB SL/E Commodore that a well known engine builder here in Adelaide ( GREGG HAYES) used to own. I remember him building the 308 that was in it, and was the first person I'd heard of doing engine stroking at the time. Turns out he stroked the plastic to 331 cubes and gave the car for his mussus to drive to do her shopping and cart their kids around in. His car was red,beige interior, 5 litre 4 speed......mmmmmm I wonder?
That sounds like a fair chance. I really don't remember who I sold it to. I sold it privately; I was living in North Adelaide at the time. I hope it is the car; would be great if it is still alive.
#63
_threeblindmice_
_threeblindmice_
-
- Guests
Posted 24 March 2012 - 07:20 PM
Our willy's is a bit rare 1935 , it was put in to a garage for a diff repair in 1968 at the Katoomba Toyota dealer , the owner died and the family sold it to the dealers owner , Mr Clark , It was put into the showroom and sat there until Mr Clark died some thirty years later , only being driven around the block every few months . That's when I bought it , got it road worthy and registered it , then drove it for twelve months . It was taken off the road then , In it's time off the road , it has been fixed up a little and now has a recon motor and gearbox and radiator , Trim is original only needs guards and bonnet and bumper bars bolted up now .
#64
_Terrible One_
_Terrible One_
-
- Guests
Posted 24 March 2012 - 08:34 PM
Ive owned 6 Ford Festivas. Mostly purple ones. Beat that!
#65
its Paul
-
- Members
-
- 1,577 posts
Formerly lx8vd77
- Name:Paul
- Location:Gold Coast
- Car:LXSS, VUSS, VESSv & the mighty HB
- Joined: 07-January 08
Posted 25 March 2012 - 02:13 PM
ΔΔΔΔ Some things you should keep to your self ΔΔΔΔ :-)
#66
xu2308
-
- Members
-
- 4,704 posts
Grail Hunter
- Name:AL
- Location:Belconnen ACT
- Car:SMP LJ GTR V8 Prototype-Confirmed By HHS and Ex GMH XW7 Engineers
- Joined: 09-April 09
Posted 25 March 2012 - 02:18 PM
Ford Festivas=KIA
not sure if they are rare, but to own 6 might be
not sure if they are rare, but to own 6 might be
#67
_nzstato_
_nzstato_
-
- Guests
Posted 25 March 2012 - 03:49 PM
I consider my daily driver quite rare. '89 AE92 Corolla GT sedan. Never sold new out of Japan and an uncommon sight on our road. Occasionally you see them in white or grey (usually in quite poor condition) so to have one in black is a bit different. I'm soon to upgrade to a ute so it'll go into storage for ~10 yrs to be restored at a later date.
#68
_LC_138_
_LC_138_
-
- Guests
Posted 25 March 2012 - 10:04 PM
Ive owned 6 Ford Festivas. Mostly purple ones. Beat that!
That makes you very special
#69
_trippytaka_
_trippytaka_
-
- Guests
Posted 26 March 2012 - 12:30 PM
Not all that rare, but my first car was an HK Monaro. I crashed it in 1999 and sold it for a pittance :(
#70
_OLC383_
_OLC383_
-
- Guests
Posted 08 April 2012 - 04:50 PM
Years back when living in Melbourne i had a factory Patterson Chenny Holden dearlership HQ 4 dr Monaro mock up, tangerine with the orange stripe, had all monaro trim & options, including the 6" spare GTS rim & jack, it also came with the original paper work from the dearer to say that it was a Monaro, it was built for the manager of Albatross swimming pools at the time, when i sent the details in to GMH for verification they sent back a leter stating that it was built a month earlier than the 1st Monaro was first produced & that some dealer's were making there own mock up's & selling them off, i also got in touch with the Victorian Monaro club who also knew of the dealer's doing this but mine was the only one that they had heard of being in the Tangerine with orange stripes, most of the other mock ups they seen or heard of were yellow with black stripes,
I'll dig out some pictures of it & put them on here, when i find them
I'll dig out some pictures of it & put them on here, when i find them
#71
_Bomber Watson_
_Bomber Watson_
-
- Guests
Posted 08 April 2012 - 05:54 PM
I seem to have an unreliable Toyota, thats incredibly rare lol.
Cheers.
Cheers.
#72
_cruiza_
_cruiza_
-
- Guests
Posted 08 April 2012 - 07:46 PM
not rare but a 70 Rolls Royce and a 1970 Rover P6 V8 not many 22 year olds had those which qualifies me for unusual?
#73
SWOOP74
-
- Members
-
- 55 posts
Forum Member
- Joined: 09-November 05
Posted 08 April 2012 - 08:42 PM
Picture 123.jpg 84.37K
2 downloads
Picture 060.jpg 65.18K
4 downloadsI had a De Tomaso Pantera 74 Model Powered by a very healthy 351 Clevo about 450 + hp.
This car was then driven and owned by by A.Miedecke in the Targa Tasmania, had huge harrop brakes
and discs, adjustable koni coil over shocks on all 4 corners. I bought the car being the third owner after Andrew Miedecke.
So am not sure when the car recieved a black paint and huge rear wing. If you ever wanted to turn heads this car would do it
either standind still or driving it. Unfortunately I had to part with it, 1- got married 2- cant have it all.
Any way here is a couple of pictures.
#74
_tyre fryer_
_tyre fryer_
-
- Guests
Posted 09 April 2012 - 07:31 AM
VS 5 litre utes are not exactly rare but I tricked some into believing this was an HSV Senator ute!!! Great car that one, had a blast in it, sometimes literally.
Those with a keen eye will notice the number plates are different. Second shot is just before I sold it, I kept the Jubilee plates. Sold it for a Series II VU Gen III, didn't like that car. Had to have the engine replaced even though the oil consumption / valve issue was fixed.
I still see this one driving around the streets of Adelaide. Either that or its exact replica.
#75
2600s
-
- Members
-
- 1,172 posts
Forum Fixture
- Location:Adelaide
- Joined: 14-November 05
Posted 09 April 2012 - 08:18 AM
My first Torana 6 would be quite rare these days. It was a late 1973 LJ Torana "S" 2-door finished in Salamanca Red with black trim.
It sported a 202, 4-speed and was factory fited with a GTR dash.
I have heard stories that back in the day it cost more to insure GTR's so this may be why this car was bullt to these specs, the only differences would have been black outs and GTR badges.
I sold the car to a Soss's brother in law who re painted the car white and moved it on.
It may still exist today, SA Rego RRD 730.....????
It sported a 202, 4-speed and was factory fited with a GTR dash.
I have heard stories that back in the day it cost more to insure GTR's so this may be why this car was bullt to these specs, the only differences would have been black outs and GTR badges.
I sold the car to a Soss's brother in law who re painted the car white and moved it on.
It may still exist today, SA Rego RRD 730.....????
1 user(s) are reading this topic
0 members, 1 guests, 0 anonymous users
