.avif)
A rare Holden Special Vehicles (HSV) W1 Ute, identified as Build #001, is set to go under the hammer this weekend.
The vehicle is the first of only four such models manufactured and is expected to attract bids exceeding $1 million.
The auction is currently open online and concludes on Saturday, 20 December at 12:00 pm AEST via the Lloyds Auctions website.
This specific utility vehicle has been preserved in delivery condition and has never been registered, with the odometer displaying just 26 kilometres from new.
It is the only W1 Ute finished in the XU3 Yellah paint code, a colour originally associated with the VS GTSR model.
Under the bonnet features a 6.2-litre LS9 supercharged V8 engine that produces 474kW of power and 815Nm of torque.
The vehicle is equipped with a close-ratio Tremec six-speed manual transmission, SupaShock suspension, AP Racing brakes, and Pirelli Trofeo R tyres.
The W1 Ute is recorded as the most powerful production vehicle ever built in Australia.
A sister vehicle to this unit sold for more than $1 million at a Lloyds auction in 2021.
That previous sale established a record for an Australian-made production vehicle at the time.
Lee Hames, Chief Operating Officer of Lloyds Auctions, stated that the combination of the build number and low kilometres represents a significant moment in Australian performance history.
“We’re seeing continued growth in demand for ultra-rare Australian muscle cars, particularly those with limited build numbers and genuine historical significance,” Mr. Hames said.
He indicated that interest is coming from both enthusiasts and investors who recognize the rarity of vehicles produced prior to the closure of Australian manufacturing.
The auction closes from midday this Saturday on 20 December at 12:00pm AEST and will be live streamed on the Lloyds Auctions website.
FAQ
What is the "secret" history behind the HSV W1 Ute?
While HSV publicly released the GTSR W1 Sedan (limited to 275 units), they did not officially offer a W1 Ute to the general public. Instead, only four examples were secretly built by Walkinshaw Performance for HSV’s inner circle of directors and VIPs. This "Build #001" is the first of those four exclusive vehicles, making it significantly rarer than its sedan counterpart.
Why is this specific vehicle unique among the four W1 Utes?
Beyond being the first built (Build #001), this Ute is the only one finished in "XU3 Yellah." This colour is historically significant as it pays homage to the iconic 1996 VS GTSR. The other three Utes were painted in different colours (Light My Fire, Sting Red, and Matte Grey), making this unit a true one-of-one specification.
What are the performance specifications of the W1 Ute?
The vehicle is powered by a 6.2-litre LS9 supercharged V8 engine, originally found in the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1. It produces 474kW of power and 815Nm of torque. It features a close-ratio Tremec TR-6060 six-speed manual transmission, AP Racing brakes with 6-piston calipers, and SupaShock suspension, making it the most powerful production vehicle ever built in Australia.
Can this vehicle be registered for road use?
Yes. Although this specific vehicle has never been registered to preserve its "delivery mile" condition (26km), the W1 Utes were engineered to be fully Australian Design Rule (ADR) compliant. It can be registered and driven on Australian roads should the new owner choose to do so.
How does the W1 Ute differ from the standard GTSR Maloo?
While they look similar, the standard GTSR Maloo uses an LSA engine (435kW). The W1 Ute features the higher-performance LS9 engine (474kW), a dry-sump oil system, a specific manual transmission, upgraded suspension, and carbon fibre components. It effectively takes the track-focused engineering of the W1 Sedan and applies it to the utility chassis.
What is the expected sale price?
Bidding is expected to exceed $1 million. For context, a "sister" car from the same secret run of four sold for over $1 million at auction in January 2021. Given the unique paintwork and #001 build status of this vehicle, it is tipped to challenge or break that previous record.
Other
Other
News
ANCAP Finally Declares War on Annoying Car Safety Systems
Should Chinese Cars Be Banned in Australia?
Bridgestone Introduces New Dueler A/T 002 Tyres
Other car news
BYD Sealion 5 Launches as Australia’s Cheapest PHEV: Official Pricing and Specifications
Jaecoo J5 EV: New Electric SUV 'Just as Comfortable for Dogs as Humans'
China’s Best-Selling Car Confirmed for Australia: Geely EX2 Set to Target Sub-$35K EV Market
Sign up to our newsletter
Be the first to know when we drop new car reviews.