This Vehicle: This VTII Commodore is a base Executive model, fitted with the Sydney Olympic option pack (1SO) including air-conditioning, power windows, VT Series 1 Berlina alloy wheels, and cruise control. It has an Ecotec 3.8 litre V6 developing 147kw, and a 4-speed automatic transmission. The car is finished in Bermuda Mica (B168), with Pewter interior trim. It originally came with a radio/cassette stereo, and was originally delivered with extensive signwriting.
Vehicle History: This car was assembled in the Elizabeth plant on 3rd August 2000, and was delivered to SOCOG on 17 August 2000 through Suttons Holden Chullora, cnr Waterloo Road and Hume Highway. The vehicle was operated by SOCOG from 17 August to 8 November 2000 as an Olympics courtesy vehicle for VIPs and/or athletes.
This car was then sold as an ex-Olympic fleet vehicle to an Orange-based private buyer through Ross Granata Holden of Mudgee on 18 November 2000, one of five they had allocated. These 5 vehicles were each fitted with a personal plate, ‘AUS14A -> AUS14E’ in running order, and retailed for $28,490 inc GST, as advertised on 10 November 2000 in the Mudgee Advertiser. The original owner was after a blue vehicle, and this was the closest to him that was available. Initially, this owner kept the ‘Holden’ signwriting on the car but removed it due to fear of paint damage. The original owner also kept the ‘Holden’ banner on the windscreen, but this was presumably lost due to windscreen breakage.
During this first period of ownership, many aftermarket accessories were fitted, and these receipts are still with the vehicle. Window tinting was installed in January 2001, followed by a towbar in July 2002. In late 2002 an aftermarket CD player was fitted. This car was initially maintained by Ultra Tune Orange until early 2003, when Canobolas Holden took over until 2009. Warranty claims on this vehicle included a bad HT lead (the day after 9/11 occurred!), and worn swaybar bushes in February 2003. Bob Jane T-Marts of Orange fitted its first set of new tyres, in September 2005 at 70,875km. During this period, the vehicle hit a kangaroo, resulting in repairs to the front left mudguard and door. The original owner kept receipts for most work done.
The vehicle was the sold onto a mature aged couple from Canowindra, NSW late 2008/early 2009. In this time, the vehicle was fairly well-maintained mechanically, but experienced some...
