Final Interceptor: Holden Commodore SS-V Manual For Sale

In the coming days, collectors will have the chance to purchase what is claimed to be the last Australian manual V8 ‘interceptor’.

A 2017 Holden VFII Commodore SS-V Redline used by the Australian Federal Police for Traffic Operations in the ACT is being auctioned by Carbids – with the vehicle one of the last manufactured in Australia by Holden.

Adding to its rarity is the fact that this is said to be the last V8 Highway Patrol car to be fitted with a manual transmission – with most Australian police departments opting for automatics.

However, the AFP preferred its high-performance interceptors to have manual transmissions.

According to the description, AFP’s fleet buyers accidentally purchased three vehicles with automatic transmissions, forcing the department to begin a nationwide hunt to track down manual-equipped models.

With local production of the Commodore winding up – and manual V8 models in high demand from enthusiasts – very few vehicles were available.

The result was two Redlines were shipped from Western Australia, with the final car sourced from the Northern Territory – complete with sunroofs, an unusual option for a marked police car.

“When I first climbed into ‘Bronze’, it had three kilometres showing on the clock,” recalls the Sergeant at Traffic Operations.

“I became the primary driver for the vehicle, and given the staffing issues we were having at the time, it was rarely driven by anyone else. I became the sole caretaker for the vehicle, in charge of cleaning, maintaining and servicing all aspects of the vehicle.”

As with all Redline variants of the time, the Commodore was powered by a 6.2-litre V8, sending 304kW and 570Nm to the rear wheels through a six-speed gearbox and limited-slip differential. All of which allowed for a 0-100km/h time of less than five seconds.

The same police officer took possession of the Commodore after it was retired from service, and is now offering it for sale to the public for the first time, with just 75,000km on the clock.

Due to the metallic Light My Fire Orange paint, the vehicle affectionately known as ‘Bronze’ was also used as a ‘sweep’ vehicle for police motorcades leading dignitaries through Canberra.

“While we drove our cars spiritedly during their service, vehicle sympathy was always a key aspect of our training,” he recalled.

The auction is being held online by Carbids, with the lot to end on Wednesday 14 May 2025 at 7:30pm AEST.