[jamesq]

Back in the '80s, I received the attached promo model (I think) of a Holden Commodore.

Is this a common item? It is not very detailed, but a neat model of a car I don't know much about.

Thanks,
James Q

[Bonne61]

Hey there,

I haven’t seen one of these models before.
It’s a little difficult to tell, but by the body shape it appears to be a VH, which was around a 1983 model methinks.
They came in L, SL, SL/E trim levels.
The engines were “Blue” motors, which was simply a slightly more environmentally friendly version (via ****ty emission controls) of the old “Red” motor, commonly found in HQ-HZ Holdens and some Torana’s.
There were a few capacities available from memory-2.85l, 3.3l in-line 6x y l, and perhaps both a 4.2l and 5.0l V8 options?
There was also a Royale model released, which had a Starfire (commonly referred to as a Misfire) four cylinder.
That model also released a Brock model (named after our famous Peter Brock-look him up), which was available in White, Red and Black. At release they were $21,990 if I recall correctly.?
Hope that helps?

[66sprint6]

C'mon Aussie!. I love it.

Cheers to Down Under, from Up Over.

[jamesq]

Originally Posted by Bonne61

Hey there,

I haven’t seen one of these models before.
It’s a little difficult to tell, but by the body shape it appears to be a VH, which was around a 1983 model methinks.
They came in L, SL, SL/E trim levels.
The engines were “Blue” motors, which was simply a slightly more environmentally friendly version (via ****ty emission controls) of the old “Red” motor, commonly found in HQ-HZ Holdens and some Torana’s.
There were a few capacities available from memory-2.85l, 3.3l in-line 6x y l, and perhaps both a 4.2l and 5.0l V8 options?
There was also a Royale model released, which had a Starfire (commonly referred to as a Misfire) four cylinder.
That model also released a Brock model (named after our famous Peter Brock-look him up), which was available in White, Red and Black. At release they were $21,990 if I recall correctly.?
Hope that helps?

Thanks for the info! The time line seems about right, I got the model in the mid-80's.

Does anyone know more about the model itself: Is it a dealer promo? Handout at an auto show? Toy store purchase?

Thanks again,
James Q

[LeighP]

I don’t think it’s a dealer handout….I’ve never seen one. The markings are typical of a “buy Aussie” campaign that was ramping up in the 80’s. Could have been a promotional model?????
Personally, I think it may be genuinely collectable……as I said, I’ve never seen one like that.

[Heybuck]

OK, seeing as how I know squat about these models, I called a specialist model shop guy I have had some dealings with. Sent him the pictures and he has replied to say:

Hi Ian,
Sorry for the delay.
This is a VK Commodore. They were produced in the mid 80s and widely available in K-mart back in the day.
I know of 4 colours - black, red, white and blue.
They bob up at swap meets and toy fairs every now and then. Being plastic not a lot have survived but they don't command as terribly high price - around the $50 mark when I've seen them. Nice to see one with the packaging.
Hope this helps,
Regards,
Mark

So I think you can conclude what you have is a cheap toy model, sold in Kmart but the fact that you have an original item, still in its original box, it is probably worth a bit of cash simply because they would be fairly rare here now and a lot lot rarer in the US.
Ian

[jamesq]

Thanks to you both for the info!

I would like to repatriate the model to one of the three repliers if one of you are interested in it.

Bonne61, LeighP or Heybuck

I will send it to you at my expense if you agree to the following requests:
1. I would like you to keep the model, not sell it.
2. I would like you to make a donation to your preferred charity in half the amount of my shipping costs.

You are on your honor regarding the above,

Thanks again,

James Q

[Heybuck]

Thank you James,
That's an extremely generous offer you are making.

I can't speak for the others you mention here, only for myself but I would like to say that this model holds no interest to me at all however I recognise it has a value to someone.

By the time you paid for the airpost to repatriate this model to Australia, the monetary value of it would be severely depleted even though you are saying it is not to be sold. I only see it as a loss to you.

My suggestion is that you could perhaps sell it yourself and donate the achieved funds to a charity of your choice. I truly feel it might have a greater interest to a model collector in the US than here in Australia considering that apparently there were a lot on the market when they were first sold.

Its an interest concept you have in donating the value of this model to charity. Myself I recently received a gift of quite a few Pontiac books from a friend in Sydney. I had to tell him that I actually had every one of the same books and I didn't need a second copy of any in my library. So I suggested to him that I would list them for sale as a group and donate the resultant monies received to the Red Cross. He was delighted with that suggestion. So far no takers on the books but that will happen.

Good luck with whatever you do with the model. Thanks again

Ian

[jamesq]

Thanks for the reply Ian,

The model was given to me back in the '80s so I am trying to return the favor!

James Q