Rare Holden Commodore VL Turbo BT1 police pursuit car is now for sale in Australia, showcasing one of the most outstanding sedans ever produced in this country. The BT1 specification identified cars commissioned specifically to intercept police on highways, combining understated looks with turbocharging to set them apart from civilian sedans of the era.
The Commodore VL Turbo arrived in the mid-1980s, during a critical transition for Holden. Australia's mandatory switch to unleaded fuel in 1986 forced the company to quickly find a modern powertrain, leading to the adoption of the Nissan RB30 3.0-litre straight-six engine. Six months after the launch of the VL, Holden introduced a turbocharged RB30ET variant, returning high-speed capabilities to the range.
The RB30ET featured a single overhead camshaft, alloy cylinder head, electronic fuel injection and a Garrett turbocharger housed in a water-cooled casing for improved durability in the Australian climate. Factory output was rated at 150 kilowatts and 296 Newton-meters of torque, providing strong mid-range performance rather than peak maximum power. Internal upgrades included a turbo-tuned camshaft, lower compression ratio, larger oil pump, heavier flywheel and knock sensor, all aimed at ensuring long-term reliability.
The chassis upgrades corresponded with the increased performance. Turbocharged models receive larger front brakes with 298mm discs and Girlock finned alloy calipers, and the availability of the FE2 suspension package. Periodic testing recorded 0-100 km/h acceleration in the high seven-second range, earning the VL Turbo a reputation as a sleeper car among family sedans.
The BT1 code designated police vehicles only and not retail spec. These cars were based on the entry-level SL body and typically featured steel wheels, uprated brakes, FE2 suspension and, in some cases, longer-range fuel tanks. Equipment varies by jurisdiction, making verified original BT1 examples particularly sought after today.
The example offered here was originally used by the Eastern Sydney Police Department as a highway interceptor. Finished in white rather than the usual yellow, it is powered by a turbocharged RB30ET engine mated to a four-speed automatic transmission. Factory equipment includes air conditioning, a heated rear window, a tinted windshield, a cassette stereo and a digital clock.
The car comes with original documentation, keys, spare tire and police era materials and is completely repainted with the doors closed. Presented by Victoria, it represents a tangible piece of Australian automotive and law enforcement history from the brief but influential era of turbocharging.
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