The cult of VL

[Marco]

Looking around on our roads, while it seems to me that just about all of the VB-VK Commodores have disappeared, VN-VP are pretty thin on the ground and even VR-VS is becoming a little scarce, VLs are still pretty common and many are still either nicely modified or well looked after in fairly original condition.

So what is it about these cars? Is it just the Nissan engine that makes them so desirable? I've never driven one, but I can't imagine them being all that great realistically, and for my money I'd buy a later model...so what's the go?

[mustanger]

I think it`s because they are relatively cheap and with the turbos it doesn`t cost much to get them moving. They also have a good following on the track and a lot of young guys think they are fully sick :bash: :hide:

[jamesd]

It's basically for their tiny wangs. They think they can get laid if they go around in a 'fully sick' VL turbo with a Skyline engine.

The majority that I see on the roads are pretty crappy. VY SS wheels on VLs are pretty common, and they look just plain weird on such an old car.

And then they probably go off and pay out ricers and all that stuff.. :lol:

[vx_clubby]

I wouldnt knock a VL turbs, for a young person with not alot of money, they are a relatively very cheap high performace car(well fast).

I have alot of respect for VL's, for an older car ther are still very nice looking

[Caprice270]

Since the Gen III and XR6 turbos hit the second hand markets, the VL turbo is no longer the great buy it was when the 5.0 litre Aussie motors were on the streets. Now a young bloke can find himself in a $16k VT II SS and with $6k worth of mods he's getting huge power in a much newer, hassle free car.

The VL owes its success to the failure of the models that followed it. While the VN-VS series served its purpose well, few models in the series matched the performance of the VL turbo in stock form, let alone the modded examples running around the streets. But VLs are now 20 years old and most are looking and feeling very tired.

[seedyrom]

VL Calais

Sexiest Australian car ever made :yup:

[C4B]

VL Calais

Sexiest Australian car ever made :yup:

Back when I was at school, my mates dad had a new Silver VL Calais. Very horn at the time. (although I can't say I ever harboured any long lasting admiration for the VL's).

[Mozz]

Yeah fond memories of the old VL turbo 5 speed manual unmarked police car - streets ahead of the VK 5.0litre.

Although J turns weren't allowed with the VL turbo due to the engine crashing into the bonnet when executing this driving tactic.

[sven]

VL Calais

Sexiest Australian car ever made :yup:

i agree. i sold my silver vl calais sII to buy the ute and i still miss it. i see it driving around from time to time and still think its a great looking car.

[VooDoo]

Since the Gen III and XR6 turbos hit the second hand markets, the VL turbo is no longer the great buy it was when the 5.0 litre Aussie motors were on the streets. Now a young bloke can find himself in a $16k VT II SS and with $6k worth of mods he's getting

16K?? Must have been a REALLY good one. I picked up a VTII Calais last week for $4500 admitadly needs a front panel but the mechanicals (LS1) are perfect. MANY VT's sell for well under the 10k mark, For 16k you can get a VXII SS or even a VY.

[Swordie]

The VL is 20 years old now. There are probably better cars around for people on a budget. The Nissan 6 was a great motor it would go hard to around 180-190 and was quite smooth. The 5.0 at the time was promoted for people who wanted to tow, from memory it had a 3 speed auto when the 3.0 had a 4speed. The VL 5.0 was released when local manufacturers put V8s into decay. Ford had no V8 at the time. The 5.0 was thirsty carburetted motor when the 3 litre turbo was more economical. Police picked the VL Turbo over the V8 at the time as interceptors.

[UD_LOSE]

Are you's serious :hide:
I still thing the VL Calais is one of the best looking commodores ever made not just that but the RB series of engines are unreal, power for $$$$ you cant compare them to a 5 liter or an ls1 for that matter :doh: there is now a hand full of street vl turbos (like Lowy) now in the 8second 160mph zone

sexiest car i have ever owned :deal:
http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u10/UD_LOSE_photos/P5090021-1.jpg

[seedyrom]

is that a harlequin paint job in the engine bay ????!!?!?!!?!
:drool: :drool:

[Danv8]

Looking around on our roads, while it seems to me that just about all of the VB-VK Commodores have disappeared, VN-VP are pretty thin on the ground and even VR-VS is becoming a little scarce, VLs are still pretty common and many are still either nicely modified or well looked after in fairly original condition.

So what is it about these cars? Is it just the Nissan engine that makes them so desirable? I've never driven one, but I can't imagine them being all that great realistically, and for my money I'd buy a later model...so what's the go?


I think the main sucessor of the VL was the turbo 6 which made them a very desirable car. Although as fast as you can make them I have never really liked them that much. The VL Calais would be the best looking of the range and if they are well looked after they can still turn heads. But the VL's never did it for me at all really bit like the XF Falcon which never did anything for me either at the time. Even through there are seriously fast modified VL's out there and good luck to the owners and all the best. I'd still pick a later model Commode over the VL's or VK's etc etc,. I am not sure if I want a Calais V or an SS-V to replace my VY2 Calais.

[UD_LOSE]

is that a harlequin paint job in the engine bay ????!!?!?!!?!
:drool: :drool:

LOL Nah i just sprayed some pretty base colours around and cleared over the top
http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u10/UD_LOSE_photos/100_0460.jpg

[seedyrom]

WOW :thumbsup:

That came up really really well!!!

Can I ask what sort of paint you used?

Or did it crack and fall apart after not too long?

[UD_LOSE]

WOW :thumbsup:

That came up really really well!!!

Can I ask what sort of paint you used?

Or did it crack and fall apart after not too long?

I used Sikkens 2k base coats (black first and then the purple and blue) cut some cardboard templates for the scales on the rocker covers and used silver to fade it out and then used sikkens 2k clear over the top :thumbsup: that was 3 or more years ago that it was originally done and it still looks like it did the day it was painted...

[spank]

ive owned six vl's inc one factory black series II v8 calais with gold v5 simmons, was also the strathfield car radio show/demo car, it was fully sik when it was new , we used to call it the chapel st special, that car got more looks and comments than any new HSV ive had , i dont know what it is, but people just love em, inc me

[CV860L]

I think the VL Turbos are great bang for your bucks, I've been on a couple of rides in some moded ones, and at less than $10K I don't know many cars that would touch them in a straight line.

[Swordie]

There was Brock HDT VL turbo. There wouldn’t be many of those around. I wonder how they compared to the V8?

[Super Snake]

Yes I too have owned a VL. Mine was a 1988 Limited Edition 5.0L.
It was a base model which was built in May 1988, but it had most of the Berlina extras.
I bought it in 1992 and had it until I bought my Monaro in 2005.
I sold it to a mate who lent it to a friend of his who then in turn wrote it off.
It was a great car and in execellent condition, but after 13 years of driving it, I got sick of it.
As for reliability, it was fantastic and never missed a beat.

[mido2k]

I used to have a VL 5L Calais.. And it was a nice car, nice to drive, had balls, and seriously, like most cars ive owned, all i did was put a nice exhaust on it, dropped it 2 inches, debadged, black tinted windows and upgraded stereo.... Real eye catcher....

i hope th c*** that stole it enjoyed it, cause i know i did......

[VL Executive]

I think its because the VL has aged well, and still looks good even after 21 years. It still has a modern look about it. And does not really look out of place among newer Commodore models. It just does not seem to look old.

The years have not been kind to the VB - VK's tho. They are starting to look and drive like an old car now. The old 3.3 ltr sixes, traumatic autos, and old manual 4 speeders dont really help them there either.

Whereas the VL's Smooth, more powerful Nissan 6, While the VN on beat them in power, the VLs still held thier own. The engine was still smoother and quieter than the V6, and could still cruise the highway just as good. 4 speed auto and 5 speed manual kept them fresh for longer. Its only been in the last few years (VT on) that Commodore started getting 6 spd mans and 5 - 6 spd autos.

But I think people still like VL because still looks good and age does not seem to affect it, and the Nissan motor is just as sweet and smooth as ever. And can still cruise the highway quite comfortably against the newer models.

They are still a good Commodore model.

[weed]

A mate of mine used to own a HDT Calais LE Turbo in asteroid silver.Majic car not only looked good and went like shit off a chrome shovel but was bloody comfortable due to the Scheel interior and Bilstein suspension.A package like that today is still hard to find.

[spank]

i had a red one of the limited editions, it had grey trim and was a 5.0, i had it for two years and only did about 3-4000klm, first person to look at it bought without even driving it, in fact the black calais sold to the first person that looked at it
here is a pic of the limited edition
http://images.cainer.net//uploads/levl2e.JPG
http://images.cainer.net//uploads/levl1e.JPG

[Dickie Knee]

VL Calais

Sexiest Australian car ever made :yup:


:yup: Here is the one I had.

http://members.optusnet.com.au/dickie_knee/old%20cars/vl2.JPG

http://members.optusnet.com.au/dickie_knee/old%20cars/vl1.JPG

Hmmm Turbo.

[spank]

one of the black calais
http://images.cainer.net//uploads/calaise.JPG

[thnk_again]

well i sell my wh im gonna buy a nother vl red over silver calais rb30et
vls are a great car
so many are runnin 10 sec, ppl who say they are shlt must have been pased by to many or are narrow minded
pic of my old one
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a328/bigmatracing/Picture295.jpg
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a328/bigmatracing/Picture353.jpg
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a328/bigmatracing/Picture299.jpg

[Freaky]

oh the memories :driving:

http://home.exetel.com.au/paul/calais/1.jpg

http://home.exetel.com.au/paul/calais/2.jpg

http://home.exetel.com.au/paul/calais/3.jpg

http://home.exetel.com.au/paul/calais/4.jpg

http://home.exetel.com.au/paul/calais/5.jpg

http://home.exetel.com.au/paul/calais/6.jpg

http://home.exetel.com.au/paul/calais/7.jpg

http://home.exetel.com.au/paul/calais/8.jpg

http://home.exetel.com.au/paul/calais/9.jpg

http://home.exetel.com.au/paul/calais/10.jpg

http://home.exetel.com.au/paul/calais/11.jpg

http://home.exetel.com.au/paul/calais/12.jpg

http://home.exetel.com.au/paul/calais/14.jpg

http://home.exetel.com.au/paul/calais/15.jpg

http://home.exetel.com.au/paul/calais/16.jpg

http://home.exetel.com.au/paul/calais/17.jpg

http://home.exetel.com.au/paul/calais/20.jpg

[silvervyss]

Owned a 86 and then 87 calais. only thing that pissed me off was the handling. no rear grip, wonder why ? :driving: .

[zozza]

VL Calais

Sexiest Australian car ever made :yup:

Would have to agree completely seedy. Straight out of the factory with a lowered ride height (any god damn colour you please mate) is just pure HORN imho. Would have to include the canary yellow interceptors `cos I owned one and `cos they're getting quite rare (idiot drivers = written off cars :p )

cheers
zoran

[yella terra]

VL Turbo's Dose hard Ulleh!

That orange Bresciani Racing VL at LS1 Nats was fukn awesome!! :D

[mickeyVX350]

Loved my VL! I would have another one in a heartbeat.

Ultimately I would like a Calais Turbo sitting in the shed.

They have aged well, were pretty well sorted and even in NA form went farken hard. I could spin my RB30 (pre turbo) into 3rd gear.

[Drewie]

I think the earlier VB-VL Commodores are a better size as well, the current crop of cars have become too big and bulky. We have a VC as a run about
not a bad old bus, and it is a much better size for day to day use, far easier to park and manouvre in the tight spots supplied these days in shopping centres etc. And the general all round vision is a lot better than the later cars. I actually don't mind driving it, been thinking of restoring it.

[Holden Man]

What I like about the VL -

-The design STILL looks modern.

-Was the first Aussie Turbo Cult car - beat the F6 to the market by about 15 years !!.

-Reliable.

-Calais version rocks ! (esp as a director)

[SteveK]

It is a very nice car even to this day. With all these pics maybe someone needs to start a "Post your VL Calais" thread like the others.

[nickh]

arrr the VL Turbo.. Ive owned a few..

The best one was a ex BT1 in yellow which had a calais front on it and 18" momos when 16s were the norm...

Ran 11.6 qtr over 8 years ago... and still to this day it brings a smile to my face when ever i think of it..

Also i agree with spank.... the first time i drove it down chapel i had like 10 ppl stop me and ask me questions about it.. i have some pics if someone wants to throw them up for me..

found them:) here you go..

http://www.axg.net/gg/ct/images/yplay4/nickbt1-3s.jpg

http://www.axg.net/gg/ct/images/yplay4/nickbt1-5s.jpg

http://www.axg.net/gg/ct/images/yplay4/nickbt1-1s.jpg

http://www.axg.net/gg/ct/images/yplay4/nickbt1-6s.jpg

sorry for them being small

[ProVK]

Love the VL's, there was something special about the way they drove, especially the Turbo's, seemed to have real nice steering and sat on the road well.

I still think a VL turbo is a great bang for your buck car for running quick times down the drag strip.

[PWR 747]

I currently own both, a series 11 VT SS, and a VL calais turbo. I'd rather take the VL out for a spin any day. (although the VL has had a bit of work done)

[VY18s]

VLs. What a great car.

The RB30 is a ripper of an engine, for it's time. The N/As might not be the most powerful engine in the world, but with a 5 Speed they can pick up really good. (Mine will hit 100Km/h in 2nd gear with only half throttle, and it's stock. That's not even redlining)

Owned mine for 4 years, and can never say it's given me a headache. It's had it's problems, but one thing I can say is, it's always started up, and when you drive along, it doesn't feel like a 21 year old car.

They do cop alot of sh*t, because they have a jap motor, but I think people who bag out the RB30, because it's jap really need to wake up to themselves.

[Dane VN V8]

16K?? Must have been a REALLY good one. I picked up a VTII Calais last week for $4500 admitadly needs a front panel but the mechanicals (LS1) are perfect. MANY VT's sell for well under the 10k mark, For 16k you can get a VXII SS or even a VY.

Where do you get these cheaps car's from VooDoo because once I sell my car I am on the hunt for another LS1. I will buy a cheap one and do it up, so please state where we can get these cheap LS1'S from as I am very interested.

Dane.

[Dickie Knee]

VLs. What a great car...............
...................Owned mine for 4 years, and can never say it's given me a headache. It's had it's problems, but one thing I can say is, it's always started up, ..........................

4 years, must be due for another crank angle sensor :p

[Stevotski]

4 years, must be due for another crank angle sensor :p

I remember when that was a $600 part! :cussing: ... that and the rust under the rear window are about the only common problems

I had an immaculate 5 speed manual SL for about 4 years - absolutely loved the RB30 in manual form, it is a motor that loves the revs - the only commodore to feel like that since has been the manual alloytec

and yes i think the VL has been a success of the failings of VN to VS, especially VN.

[vyssute]

What about the walkinshaws. They keep the v8 boys loving vl,s aswell.

[jasper361]

What I like about the VL -

-The design STILL looks modern.

-Was the first Aussie Turbo Cult car - beat the F6 to the market by about 15 years !!.

-Reliable.

-Calais version rocks ! (esp as a director)

Totally agree! the VL T was light years head of it's time, and that's the beauty of it, even today it is still kickin ass. I must admit you can't beat the sound of a nice v8, but BFYB the forced 6's rule.

[VY18s]

4 years, must be due for another crank angle sensor :p

Yeah probably lol.

One thing is, it's never had a cracked head. (Since I've onwed it anyway. Although I don't think it ever has, because we knew the previous owner)

I love the RB30s. They are very smooth for their age.

[Stevotski]

On another point, The head cracking is mostly due to people not bleeding the cooling system properly when refilling it - there are 2 bleeds from memory - one on the thermostat housing and one on the intake manifold.

The radiator is lower than the engine due to the sexy low nose of the VL :)

[planetdavo]

One can pretty safely say that if there hadn't been a turbo version, a couple of HDT and HSV versions would be about the only desirable ones these days....
There's been plenty of fond memories posted above, but hardly anyone owns one anymore (bar a few pimply kids with the seat angled back almost on the floor), and that's because almost all of them are more than 20 years old now, and, to be honest, pretty sh!t.
They were cheap to boost up, but that often kills them, so it's time to move on....

[markone2]

Where do you get these cheaps car's from VooDoo because once I sell my car I am on the hunt for another LS1. I will buy a cheap one and do it up, so please state where we can get these cheap LS1'S from as I am very interested.

Dane.

:idea: Check out the trades at the back .of your local Holden dealer. ( pig pen ) good as place to start as anywhere imho ;)...if your unable to make a *Contact*.. so to speak ...then hit the auction houses..

[VL Executive]

There's been plenty of fond memories posted above, but hardly anyone owns one anymore (bar a few pimply kids with the seat angled back almost on the floor), and that's because almost all of them are more than 20 years old now, and, to be honest, pretty sh!t.


Dunno about that, theres still a few nice stockers, and done up ones getting around here. But unfortunantly most are NA's. Hardly any turbos up here.

I own 3 of the buggers. A white 5 spd SL, Asteriod silver auto Executive, and a Kimberly bronze auto Berlina im fixing up.

All Non turbo tho. I so want a stock standard 87 - 88 model 5 spd Calais Turbo.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v157/87vlexec/VLExec5.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v157/87vlexec/VLsidepic88.bmp

[Souljah]

I so want a stock standard 87 - 88 model 5 spd Calais Turbo.

Weren't there only a handfull of Calais Turbo's made in manual?

[VY18s]

One can pretty safely say that if there hadn't been a turbo version, a couple of HDT and HSV versions would be about the only desirable ones these days....
There's been plenty of fond memories posted above, but hardly anyone owns one anymore (bar a few pimply kids with the seat angled back almost on the floor), and that's because almost all of them are more than 20 years old now, and, to be honest, pretty sh!t.
They were cheap to boost up, but that often kills them, so it's time to move on....

Sad thing is, you're right.

No matter what car I end up with, or even if ***Holds breath*** I turn to Ford one day, I'll always have a massive soft spot for the VLs. No other Commodore does that for me (Although I love VBs-VKs). VNs/VPs do stuff all for me, even if the V6 pisses on the RB30E in a drag, because I think they're boring, and ugly.

I don't mind VRs, VSs, VTs etc, but I haven't got a soft spot for them, like the VLs. In actual fact if the Commodore range started with the VN, I would most likely be driving a Falcon.

[mido2k]

Weren't there only a handfull of Calais Turbo's made in manual?


Correct, there wasnt many at all...

[Souljah]

Correct, there wasnt many at all...
By going on boot badges and bodykits i'd say that all of those "factory" manual calais are in Wollongong alone :rofl:

[VL Executive]

Yeah, Ill probably never get one. But Ill keep dreamin. :)

I was thinking of making my 5 spd SL into a Manual Calais turbo replica. To full factory specs. The problem is the parts (especially full Calais interiors, exterior mouldings, electrics, and a good RB30ET and manual) are hard to find and expensive.

[VY18s]

Yeah, Ill probably never get one. But Ill keep dreamin. :)

I was thinking of making my 5 spd SL into a Manual Calais turbo replica. To full factory specs. The problem is the parts (especially full Calais interiors, exterior mouldings, electrics, and a good RB30ET and manual) are hard to find and expensive.

Wouldn't be easier just to get a Auto VLCT, and convert it to a 5 Speed?

Would be a far better option then trying to convert a SL into a full blown 5 Speed VLCT, which would cost a arm and a leg to do.

[NewVLT]

Guess I might be a little biased here cos I still own two of them. ;)

One is an '87 Turbo SL 5-speed that I've had from new and with almost 290,000km's on the clock she runs just as well today as she did when new. Having kept on top of any problems that cropped up in the last 20 years seems to have been the secret with not so much as the rocker cover ever being removed. Still runs original turbo, gearbox, clutch, starter, fuel pumps, you name it. Couldn't bear to part with her. Always feels like home when I take her out on fine sunny days.

My other one is a factory '88 Calais Turbo wagon and being one of only 200 (and probably only 50 turbo's) is probably the sole reason I've persisted with it. What hasn't been replaced in the two years I've owned it is probably a better way to look at it. We have a love/hate relationship at present.

As much as I love them, "genuine" new parts are getting harder to come by and consequently the sedan has been retired for the last couple of years with the wagon to follow as soon as the VE wagon appears when it'll undergo a complete resto.

Why do I like them ? They just point and steer better than any larger Commodore I've driven. They feel like go karts after being in a larger one.
And mine seem to freak the kids out because they've never actually seen a stock one before.

Tried to post pics but it won't let me.


I was thinking of making my 5 spd SL into a Manual Calais turbo replica. To full factory specs. The problem is the parts (especially full Calais interiors, exterior mouldings, electrics, and a good RB30ET and manual) are hard to find and expensive.

As others have said, you'd really be better off starting with a ratty, but complete, Calais turbo. After all the money you'd spend on doing up the SL it'd still have all the wrong numbers on the plates and look a little sus to any potential buyers down the track.

I was even surprised with the differences between my manual turbo SL and the auto turbo Calais as far as parts go so I wouldn't even think of modifying a non-turbo 6 let alone a 5 litre. I know all the kids turbo their n/a 6 VL's but you rarely see a good job and the amount of turbo only parts in the parts book is staggering.....and they're getting harder to find. Even trying to find the grey Calais series II interior fabric was a challenge last year.

[NewVLT]

My babies -

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b140/NewVLT/DSCN0894a.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b140/NewVLT/DSCN0916a-1.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b140/NewVLT/5.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b140/NewVLT/a2006d.jpg

[2001 ITR]

I can till remember going for a ride in a friends VL Turbo Calais years ago. My car at the time (Datsun) had a fairly worked L28 on triple webers and it was a grumpy bugger (God I loved it!) and it put out around 150kw. Then I jumped in my mates Calais and I couldn’t believe that his new smooth riding car was putting out as much power (stock) and was capable of a lot more with a fiddle.

It’s hard to find any 20 year old car that is still clean (who’d buy a turbo only to baby it) and technology has moved on since then but I still have a soft spot for a well-done VL. Live rear end, rusty rear screens surrounds and all.

It must be my memories from years ago that perceive how I view them today (and no I don’t want to buy one).

[FRASHD]

I own a VLT. Was factory red, SL turbo, five speed. It now has a full manual auto with trans brake, alot of bolt ons, Motec, etc, Makes 290kws on 19psi at the wheels and is driven every day. Original engine, just a cam. Still gets 460km's to a tank. Will be turning the boost up soon and taking it to the track for a bit of fun.

[HSV260]

How good was the VL - Holden still sold it for 3 months after the VN hit the show rooms. Smooth, quiet, reliable & the most important thing they were hand built.

[Dickie Knee]

My babies -

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b140/NewVLT/DSCN0894a.jpg



If that is a factory VL turbo calais wagon, you have or had one rare car.

[NewVLT]

If that is a factory VL turbo calais wagon, you have or had one rare car.

Yes, it's a factory Calais turbo wagon. Only 200 built in 1988 as a runout of the small body wagons (why can't they do this with the VZ's ?!) and they're all plated as Option A9Y.

Whilst I don't have any exact numbers on engines fitted it's looking like there was perhaps 100 V8's (makes sense with the expense of the Nissan 6 by 1988), 50 normally aspirated 6's and 50 turbo 6's, at least that's the breakdown so far from the register I've been building listing 37 out of the 200 over the last couple of years.

HDT did some for Holden in 1986/7 but they weren't plated as such and have some differing interior trim.

[JNP304]

I agree the cult of VL is an amazing thing. Also considering they were probably quality cost cutting at the time (Holden was facing dire straits towards 1988 financially)
I have had a n/a 5 speed and two Calais Turbos. No matter how quick my gen3 is or even driving other high powered cars I still love the overall character of the VL Calais turbo and the way the power was delivered.Got more looks ect in that than any other car i have had, including the Mercs!
Its amazing that a VN Calais is lucky to sell for 5k. When even half clean VL Calais turbos still sell for an easy 10k.

I sold my roughish VL Calais with no reg and no RWC for $7500 cash and it sold within an hour of putting it up on the Calais Turbo website. It ran a 14.4 1/4 with only exhaust and slight boost increase done, i loved that car.
Anyone remember the add for the VL where they balanced a 50cent peice on the rocker cover and it did not fall off! That was smooth running. Id like to see someone try that with an ecotec

[shane W Z]

Mainly because they were the current model when i was born (1987) i love vl's mainly the calais and Brock SS Grp A (hate the hsv vl's) i actually went in one a few years ago.For a then 15 year old car it was pretty cool even if it was only a low spec six pack.

[mickeyVX350]

I am that into them, that I am starting to look for either a Calais Turbo (not modded) or a turbo wagon of any type.

Just something to do up for a daily as I miss my VL!

[iamhappy46]

I bought a VL in 1999 from a little old lady whose husband had bought it brand new but had passed away 2 years later. I saw the ad she had placed in the paper, about the car and went to check it out.

She didn't know much about cars as she never drove it after he died and all she knew was that it was a VL Commodore from the Dealer handbook in the car. She was moving into an old folks home and needed to clear out the garage where it had sat for the last 10 years. She told me how she had looked in the classifieds and seen most VL's going for around $4~5000 and as it was unregistered, she advertised $3000 and as a young 18 year old, I was keen to offload a few weeks pay for a VL.

So anyway, she takes me out to the garage and lifts the roller door. Hmmm... VL Calais headlights and emblem :bow: I walk around the car noticing the odometer was just over 10,000Km's and after looking at the boot garnish, rushed to the bonnet latch, checked the engine over and quickly handed over more than her asking price.

As the enigne had not been started in over 10 years, a quick run down to the local auto parts store for oil, oil filter and a fuel filter to perform a hasty service on the old lady's driveway... I drove home with a VL Turbo Calais that afternoon :rofl:

The tool I sold it to wrapped it around a Telegraph pole killing himself and his 4 passengers though :( :vpo:

[hypdupvx]

I have only just recently sold my vl calais, id owned it for over 4 yrs. and other than a blown engine as id done well over 300+ km's.. it was a great car to have... few lil bugs but once they were sorted. it was reliable as anything and drove just as good as some new cars... and had enough power...I dunno why they are so popular.. but they still are and its weird seeing a vn - vs for sale and they can barely get 5,000 yet a calais will still reach the 5 figure if its a good model.. guess just goes to show how good the quality is on the newer models i guess if ppl still prefer a vl...

[Crispy]

i like the VL's but has always been a vn man even though ure bang for ure dollar is great with the vl i dont think i could deal with the sound of a boosting turbo all the time id rather listen to the growl of a v8 any day:bow:

[VL Executive]

I bought a VL in 1999 from a little old lady whose husband had bought it brand new but had passed away 2 years later. I saw the ad she had placed in the paper, about the car and went to check it out.

She didn't know much about cars as she never drove it after he died and all she knew was that it was a VL Commodore from the Dealer handbook in the car. She was moving into an old folks home and needed to clear out the garage where it had sat for the last 10 years. She told me how she had looked in the classifieds and seen most VL's going for around $4~5000 and as it was unregistered, she advertised $3000 and as a young 18 year old, I was keen to offload a few weeks pay for a VL.

So anyway, she takes me out to the garage and lifts the roller door. Hmmm... VL Calais headlights and emblem :bow: I walk around the car noticing the odometer was just over 10,000Km's and after looking at the boot garnish, rushed to the bonnet latch, checked the engine over and quickly handed over more than her asking price.

As the enigne had not been started in over 10 years, a quick run down to the local auto parts store for oil, oil filter and a fuel filter to perform a hasty service on the old lady's driveway... I drove home with a VL Turbo Calais that afternoon :rofl::

Thats unbelieveable. You lucky bugger! :lol: I wish I could find somthing like that.


The tool I sold it to wrapped it around a Telegraph pole killing himself and his 4 passengers though :( :vpo:

Big shame about its demise. After being protected for all that time. Thats bad. :bawl: :vpo:

[iamhappy46]

You should have seen the oil that came out of the sump! Still had a few metal shavings from being run in but the oil had definitely aged without use.

Shame to sell the car but I was going to Uni and leaving the car in the Uni carpark was not an option :(

[smokiebbear]

I am that into them, that I am starting to look for either a Calais Turbo (not modded) or a turbo wagon of any type.

Just something to do up for a daily as I miss my VL!

Here you go i found just what your looking for, shes a calais vl wagon
shame she's not a turbo but

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/VL-Calais_W0QQitemZ330125190064QQihZ014QQcategoryZ102 237QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[NewVLT]

Thanks for that Smokie. I just bought it. :)
Suspension, steering and body are a bit rough but it's original and complete so for the price it will make a great parts car for my other wagon.

[spotty]

just to join in on the con, i had a factory black vl with the 308 in it sold it in 99 in perth man i wish i still had it it was smick,:flipoff: vl 308 plates on i wonder where it is now?

[VY18s]

i like the VL's but has always been a vn man even though ure bang for ure dollar is great with the vl i dont think i could deal with the sound of a boosting turbo all the time id rather listen to the growl of a v8 any day:bow:

The beauty about VLs is, they have the Turbo 6, and a V8.:)

Best of both worlds, which is why they are so loved.

[VL Executive]

Dunno about that, theres still a few nice stockers, and done up ones getting around here. But unfortunantly most are NA's. Hardly any turbos up here.

I own 3 of the buggers. A white 5 spd SL, Asteriod silver auto Executive, and a Kimberly bronze auto Berlina im fixing up.

All Non turbo tho. I so want a stock standard 87 - 88 model 5 spd Calais Turbo.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v157/87vlexec/VLExec5.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v157/87vlexec/VLsidepic88.bmp

Hi all, Massive thread dig I know, but I came across it again while searching about bleeding T56 slave cylinders. So I thought Id give an update.

I have done Turbo conversion to my manual VL. Got all the factory standard running gear out of a rusted out and front damaged factory SL Turbo manual. Starting the Calais makover on it, have got a few bits on it such as the Calais front, a few interior pieces, and full boot carpet. and have the tailight / boot moulds & side skirt pieces to go on. As well as a full wiring loom and interior door trims. Still after a good set of grey velour seats front and rear for it though

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v157/87vlexec/CalaisfrontVL.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v157/87vlexec/photobucket-2195-1332574170271.jpg

Motor, Gearbox and Diff were all reconditioned before installation into the car.

I also finished restoring the Berlina I mentioned earlier. Finished, on the road, and driven daily since August 2011.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v157/87vlexec/George2.jpg

[VL_Calais]

ive owned 2 VLCTs and will own one again one day. but this time a 5.0 with 355 stroker and filter out of the bonnet. best holden ever built. great cars.

[A PSYCHO]

I've said many times "I'll never buy another ****ing VL". But I always end up getting another one. Current daily driver is the same VL I owned from a few years ago now, long before I bought the HSV. just never made myself get rid of it. Its a boring ass executive auto N/A that will be getting a turbo conversion very soon, as compaired to the cammed LS1 I want to pull my hair out driving it in its current form.

[VL Executive]

Yeah, there's just something about VL's. You have to own one to understand. Once you have one you don't seem to want to part with it. While they may be outclassed these days by the modern cars. They are still a good car. Especially the turbo models.

[5.7heaven]

here's a few of my best mates VL. He loves it, and i can see why!

http://img560.imageshack.us/img560/8238/entertxt2.jpg
http://img853.imageshack.us/img853/4559/entertxt1.jpg

[VL_Calais]

my 2. 88 VLCT and 87 VLCT
http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa58/RBOnevia/Image0049.jpg

[Woodchukka]

I had an VL turbo still my favorite car to date.