The VH Group 3 was the most highly spec’d of the VH “Group” series of cars. Still based on the 4.2 litre V8, the Group 3 featured all the specifications of the Group 2, plus further engine and ignition blueprinting. 15×7 Irmscher wheels as used on the VC were standard and were fitted with 60 Series Uniroyal Wildcat tyres. The body also had the most enhancements of the three models and featured a lower front air dam, side skirts, rear apron, fly through rear deck spoiler and the large rearward facing bonnet scoop. There was also 2 different steering wheels used in the VH series, with the later one also available in red.
Unlike the Group 1 and Group 2, the Group 3 was also available with a 180kw 5 Litre V8 and although initially available in just Maranello red, the cars were also later available in Alabaster White, although the last of the white VH’s were painted in Alpine White prior to the introduction of the VK Series.
VH buyers also had some options for their cars, which included new 16 inch Centra road wheels, Stratos sports seats and for those wanting a bit more power, there was also a High Output engine option available for the 5 Litre, but only a few of these would be built. Some of the cars were also fitted with the VC’s wheel arch flares and stroker engines
VEHICLE FACTORY SPECS
ENGINE
Standard: 4.142 Litre (253 Cubic Inch) HDT modified pushrod V8, Overhead valves – 2 valves per cylinder; Bore x Stroke (mm): 92.07 x 77.8; Compression Ratio 9.2:1; Maximum Power: 152.9kw; Maximum Torque: Unknown.
Optional: 5.044 Litre (308 Cubic Inch) HDT modified Pushrod V8, Overhead valves – 2 valves per cylinder; Bore x Stroke (mm): 101.6 x 77.8; Compression Ratio 9.2:1; Maximum Power: 180kw @ 4750rpm; Maximum Torque: 430nm @ 3500rpm.
INDUCTION
4 barrel Rochester Carburettor and port matched inlet manifold. HDT Cold Air induction system with chrome air cleaner lid
TRANSMISSION
M21 4 Speed standard.
Ratios – M21
First: 2.54
Second: 1.83
Third: 1.38
Fourth: 1.00
Reverse: 2.54
Final Drive: 3.08
CLUTCH
Single Dry Plate
STEERING
Power assisted rack and pinion
SUSPENSION
Front: Fully independant. Macpherson struts with coil springs and anti-roll bar.
Rear: Live axle located by trailing arms and Panhard rod. Coil springs and anti-roll bar
BRAKES
Split circuit hydraulic system with power booster.
Front:281mm Ventilated discs.
Rear: 281mm Discs.
WHEELS & TYRES
15 x 7″ Irmscher Alloy wheels with Uniroyal ER60H15 tyres.
16 x 7″ Centra wheels optional
PERFORMANCE
Top Speeds: (km/h@rpm)
1st: 83@5500
2nd: 115@5500
3rd: 153@5500
4th: 210@5500
Standing Start
0-100km/h: 7.5 seconds
400m: 15.1 seconds
FUEL TANK
63 Litres.
90 Litres Optional
NUMBER BUILT
322 (Mostly 5 litre Group 3’s)
PRICES
Base Price: $13,385
Options: Group 3 SS modifications $5500, 5.0L engine $1500, Deluxe AM/FM Radio $1300, 90 litre fuel tank $245, Fender Flares, Stratos Sports Seats, 100/130 Headlight globes, Engine Oil Coiler, Sports Camshaft, Anti-surge Sump, Personalised paint and/or trim finishes, 5.0 Litre Hight Output engine option (available on special request)
KERB MASS
1435kg.
