Australian motor racing legend Jim Richards took the covers off a 30th anniversary HDT Commodore at Bathurst today – 30 years after he and Peter Brock pulled off their first "hat trick" victory on the mountain together.
Built to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the original Peter Brock Commodore, this supercharged V8 is based on the modern VE Commodore but has retro touches including the VC Commodore's original Firethorn Red paint, Irmscher-style wheels and red velour seats.
HDT says no more than 30 of the modern versions will be built – and only in Firethorn Red, white or black, the original VC Brock Commodore colours.
Car number one of the 30th anniversary edition was unveiled at Bathurst by Richards alongside the immaculately restored 1980 Bathurst-winning Commodore he shared with Brock.
"I have very fond memories of this car and this era because it was our third win in a row, we were on top of the world," Richards told the Carsales Network.
"This anniversary edition brings back memories, that's for sure. HDT has stayed true to the formula and I think that's what the fans want."
"I think it's a fantastic idea, it's a great looking car. Peter Brock's memory lives on," added Richards.
The owner of HDT, former mining contractor turned professional car collector Peter Champion, said the anniversary edition would be built to order only. And the first one is already sold.
"We may not get to 30 but that's ok, we will only build as many as people want, but definitely no more than 30," he said.
HDT has no affiliation with or backing from Holden but that hasn't dampened their popularity. The cars must be bought in standard condition from a Holden dealer first and then taken to HDT for conversion, which takes up to four weeks.
HDT has built more than 70 retro edition Commodores over the past two years.
Each one is a modern version of the 1980s Brock Commodores. So far HDT has designed VE Commodores with styling inspired by the VC, VH and VK HDT Commodore series.
The modern version of the VK "Blue Meanie" is by far the most popular new generation HDT model, with almost 40 made so far.
The 30th anniversary edition HDT is based on an SS-V Commodore, whereas other models are based on the regular SS.
The 30th anniversary edition costs $115,000, including a complete body respray, complete interior retrim, new wheels, suspension and exhaust modifications, and larger, race-bred brakes. A supercharged version is available for $128,000.
Richards is a seven times Bathurst winner. Only Brock with nine victories has won more races on the mountain.
But Richards has recorded the most starts of any driver in the Bathurst 1000, greeting the green light 35 times, ahead of Brock's tally of 32.
Richards is now semi-retired from motor racing but is closely involved in the career of his son Steven Richards, who drives a V8 Supercar for Ford Performance Racing.
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