Holden SS

The SS was an option package for a range of Holden vehicles, featuring V8 engines, unique interiors, body kits, louder and higher flowing exhaust systems, that generally express a more aggressive and performance-centered feel over non-SS models. The SS badge is an acronym for "Super Sport", and was initially used in 1961 by General Motors, Holden's parent company.[1]

Not to be confused with Super Sport (Chevrolet) or Chevrolet SS (concept car).
Holden SS series
Product type
  • Performance engines and cars
  • Automotive sports accessories
OwnerHolden
Produced byGeneral Motors
CountryAustralia
Introduced1972 (1972)

The VE & VF Commodore SS V models are somewhat closely related in design philosophy to the Cadillac V series, As shown by the badge.

HQ SS
Holden SS
1972 Holden HQ SS sedan
Overview
ManufacturerHolden (General Motors)
Production1972
AssemblyElizabeth, South Australia
Dandenong, Victoria
Pagewood, New South Wales
Acacia Ridge, Queensland
Body and chassis
ClassFull-size
Body style
PlatformHolden HQ platform
Powertrain
Engine
Transmission4 Speed Manual
Chronology
SuccessorHolden HQ GTS sedan
Main article: Holden HQ

Introduced in mid 1972 as a Limited-Run Option package for the Holden Belmont V8 sedan, enhanced into a budget sports car to compete with Ford Australia's Falcon GT, with a 5.0L Holden V8 optional, Paired with a standard 4-Speed Manual, Backed by a 10-Bolt Salisbury differential with a 3.36:1 ratio (Unusually, painted white, along with the driveshaft)

The interior featured a Sports dash, including a tachometer and dual split gauges for fuel, oil pressure, temperature and voltage, other features include a sporty steering wheel, center console and bucket seats trimmed in black vinyl with houndstooth inserts

The exterior featured a stripe and decal kit supplied by 3M Australia, other exterior features include General Motors of Canada imported Pontiac rally wheels. The SS was available in 3 colours: Lettuce Alone (light green), Infra Red (reddish orange) and Ultraviolet (Purplish Gunmetal Grey Metallic).[2]

LX Torana SS Hatch
Holden Torana LX SS Hatch
1977 Holden Torana SS Hatchback
Overview
ManufacturerHolden (General Motors)
Production1976-1978
AssemblyDandenong, Victoria
Body and chassis
ClassMid-size
Body style3-door Hatchback
Powertrain
Engine
Transmission
Chronology
PredecessorHolden HQ SS
SuccessorHDT VH Commodore SS
Main article: Holden Torana LX

The LX Torana SS Hatchback was a performance centered version of the LX Hatch, Powered by either a 202 cubic-inch Holden Straight-Six, or two sizes of Holden V8, in 253 (4.2) or 308 (5.0L) capacities, bolted to either a Four-Speed Borg-Warner Manual, or a Three-Speed Holden Tri-Matic Automatic, Backed by a 10-Bolt Salisbury Differential with Heavy-Duty Axles, Most remaining SS Toranas have ended up in the hands of Street-Machiners and tastefully modified.

An A9X recently sold at auction for $500,000. In mid 2021 one was expected to fetch over $1,000,000 at auction [3]

Commodore SS models
Holden Commodore SS
2015 Holden Commodore VF SS
Overview
ManufacturerHolden (General Motors)
Also called
  • HDT Commodore SS Group A-C (1982-1986)
  • HSV VL SS Group A SV (1988)
  • Chevrolet SS (2014-2017)
Production1982-2017
AssemblyElizabeth, South Australia (1982-2017)
Dandenong, Victoria (1982-1989)
Body and chassis
ClassFull-size
Body style
PlatformGM V platform (1978-2006)
GM Zeta Platform (2006-2017)
Powertrain
Engine
TransmissionA selection of GM:
Chronology
PredecessorHolden Torana LX SS Hatchback HSV VL SS Group A SV
SuccessorHolden Commodore ZB VXR
Main article: Holden Commodore

Since the '80s, right up until Holden's Australian production ceased in late 2017, the 'SS' name had been used on V8-powered (with the exception of one Supercharged Ecotec V6), bodykit-fitted Commodores, renowned Australia-wide for its ability to comfortably transport a family of up to 5 from one end of the country to the other whenever its driver saw fit. SS-Spec Commodores normally featured identifiable 'SS' badging on the bootlid (and rear doors in VY onwards models (forward of rear wheel arches on Utes)). The SS range sat above the V6-powered S and later SV6 models.

Commodore SS V

The Commodore SS V was a more refined version of the Commodore SS produced between 2006 and 2017 across VE and VF generations. Featuring more track ready, sporty or luxury features, bridging the gap between the SS and Calais V, such as Leather seats, electronically adjustable seats, thicker steering wheel, alloy rims and more. The SS V, along with its badge, are inspired by Cadillac's V series vehicles.

Engines
Engine Description Uses
Pre-ADR27A GMH Red '253' V8 4.2L Carburetted V8 HQ SS
Pre-ADR27A GMH Red '308' V8 5.0L Carburetted V8 HQ SS
ADR27A GMH Red '202' I6 3.3L Carburetted I6 LX Torana SS
ADR27A GMH Red '253' V8 4.2L Carburetted V8 LX Torana SS
ADR27A GMH Red '308' V8 5.0L Carburetted V8 LX Torana SS
Holden 5000i V8 5.0L Injected V8 VN Commodore SS, VP Commodore SS, VR Commodore SS, VS Commodore SS, VT Commodore SS
GM LS1 V8 5.7L Injected V8 VT Commodore SS, VX Commodore SS, VY Commodore SS
GM L76/L98/L97/L77 V8 6.0L Injected V8 VZ Commodore SS, VE Commodore SS, VF Commodore SS
GM LS3 V8 6.2L Injected V8 VF Commodore SS

See also

notes
1.^ With the exceltion of the 202-powered Torana SS, and the L67 Supercharged V6 available in third generation Commodores.
2.^ The Commodore VF II featured a Bi-Modal exhaust.
3.^ In high-intensity racing scenarios, HDT would occasionally use Ford C-series gearboxes.
4.^ In the VT Series II onwards. Previously a 5L Holden V8 was used in the VN through VT Series I models.

References
  1. "Holden's SS story: a history of the badge". WhichCar. Retrieved 2023-02-04.
  2. 1972 Holden HQ SS, Drives Today, 2021-08-25
  3. "'Holy grail' Aussie muscle car becomes third most expensive Holden ever sold" (Press release). 9 News Australia. 2021-06-27.
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