With most customers choosing the full house Group 3 in the VH Model, the Group 1 and Group 2 names were dropped and only the Group 3 remained. Like it’s predecessor, the VK Group 3 was a very desirable car with a high level of specification. The new bumpers allowed a new styling arrangement which saw a deeper front air dam and rear bar, but the fly through rear deck spoiler was gone and in it’s place was a more subtle item hanging off the back of the boot. The bonnet bulge and wind splitters remained, but this time were only an option.
The new 16 inch Aero’s with their flush fitting covers were standard as was the long range tank and M21 4 speed. Power was a healthy 177kw’s. and passed down to the 3.08 LSD differential. The interior featured the full spec berlina dash which featured all the necessary gauges, while the interior trim also came in for considerable attention.
Scheel seats were fitted as standard and offered great support for the driver. The velour and Herringbone trim was carried over into the door trims and rear headreats were also fitted as standard.
When the Series II was introduced, the engine capacity had changed to 4987cc due to the changes required to the V8 for homologation and racing purposes, but the cars also featured the Group A’s more rounded grille, a deeper front bar and a graphic equaliser mounted in the centre console.
Other subtle differences included replacing the SS sticker at the front with a small HDT badge and the change to the slide type door locks.
The group 3 was a very desirable car of which approximately 200 were built, with the majority of those being white
VEHICLE FACTORY SPECS
ENGINE
308 Cubic Inch (Later 304 Cubic inch) HDT Modified Pushrod V8, Overhead Valve – 2 valves per cylinder; Compression Ratio: 9.2:1; Bore x Stroke (mm): 101.6mm x 76.8mm; Max Power 177kw @ 4800rpm; Maximum Torque: 419Nm @ 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. T5G 5 Speed optional. Although magazines quote that an Automatic transmission was not available, at least 2 were produced with Automatic transmission.
Ratios:
First: 2.54
Second: 1.83
Third: 1.38
Fourth: 1.00
Final Drive: 3.08
CLUTCH
Single Dry Plate
STEERING
Power assisted Rack & 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.
ront: 281 Ventilated discs.
Rear: 281 Discs
WHEELS & TYRES
16″ x 7″ HDT Aero rims (with Flush Fitting Covers) 225/50/16 Pirelli P7 tyres. 16″ x 7″ and 16″ x 8″ Momo star rims were optional. Yokohama A008 tyres also optional
PERFORMANCE
Top Speeds: (km/h@rpm)
1st: 74@5000
2nd: 103@5000
3rd: 136@5000
4th: 188@5000
Standing Start
0-60km/h: 3.3 seconds
0-100km/h: 7.6 seconds
400m: 14.9 seconds
Other publications quote the top speed as 210 km/h and the standing 1/4 mile as 15.7 seconds.
FUEL TANK
90 Litres.
NUMBER BUILT
Approx 200 Including one Red. Mostly white.
PRICES
Base SS Sedan : $18865 ($21653 on later SII)
Group 3 Conversion $5770 ($7850 on later SII)
T5 5 Spd: $2850
Aircon: $1035
SI Group 3 with A/c retailed for approx $25670.
KERB MASS
1379kg
