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

[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..

[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

[C4B]

VL Calais

Sexiest Australian car ever made

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

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
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 there is now a hand full of street vl turbos (like Lowy) now in the 8second 160mph zone

sexiest car i have ever owned

[seedyrom]

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

[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 ????!!?!?!!?!

LOL Nah i just sprayed some pretty base colours around and cleared over the top