| Product type | |
|---|---|
| Owner | Holden |
| Produced by | General Motors |
| Country | Australia |
| Introduced | 1972; 54 years ago (1972) |
TheSS was an option package for a range ofHolden vehicles, featuring V8 engines,[1] unique interiors, body kits, louder and higher flowing exhaust systems,[2] that generally express a more aggressive and performance-centered feel over non-SS models. The SS badge is an acronym for "Super Sport", and was initially used in 1961 byGeneral Motors, Holden's parent company.[1]
TheVE &VFCommodoreSS V models are somewhat closely related in design philosophy to theCadillac V series, As shown by the badge.
 | It has been suggested that this section besplit out into another article titledHolden SS (automobile). (Discuss)(January 2026) |
| Holden SS | |
|---|---|
.jpg) 1972 Holden HQ SS sedan | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Holden (General Motors) |
| Production | 1972 |
| Assembly | Adelaide, South Australia (Elizabeth) Melbourne, Victoria (Dandenong) Sydney, New South Wales (Pagewood) Brisbane, Queensland (Acacia Ridge) |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Full-size |
| Body style |
|
| Platform | Holden HQ platform |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | |
| Transmission | 4 SpeedManual |
| Chronology | |
| Successor | Holden HQ GTS sedan |
Introduced in mid 1972 as aLimited-Run Option package for theHolden BelmontV8sedan, enhanced into a budget sports car to compete withFord Australia'sFalcon GT, with a 5.0LHolden V8 optional, Paired with a standard 4-SpeedManual, Backed by a 10-BoltSalisbury differential with a 3.36:1 ratio (Unusually, painted white, along with the driveshaft)
The interior featured a Sports dash, including atachometer and dual split gauges for fuel, oil pressure, temperature and voltage, other features include a sporty steering wheel, center console and bucket seats trimmed in black vinyl withhoundstooth inserts
The exterior featured a stripe and decal kit supplied by3M Australia, other exterior features includeGeneral Motors of Canada importedPontiac rally wheels. The SS was available in 3 colours: Lettuce Alone (light green), Infra Red (reddish orange) and Ultraviolet (Purplish Gunmetal Grey Metallic).[2]
| Holden Torana LX SS Hatch | |
|---|---|
.jpg) 1977 Holden Torana SS Hatchback | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Holden (General Motors) |
| Production | 1976-1978 |
| Assembly | Melbourne, Victoria (Dandenong) |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Mid-size |
| Body style | 3-doorHatchback |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine |
|
| Transmission |
|
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Holden HQSS |
| Successor | HDTVH Commodore SS |
The LX Torana SS Hatchback was a performance centered version of the LX Hatch, Powered by either a 202 cubic-inchHolden Straight-Six, or two sizes ofHolden V8, in 253 (4.2) or 308 (5.0L) capacities, bolted to either a Four-SpeedBorg-WarnerManual, or a Three-SpeedHolden Tri-MaticAutomatic, Backed by a 10-Bolt Salisbury Differential with Heavy-Duty Axles, Most remaining SS Toranas have ended up in the hands ofStreet-Machiners and tastefully modified.
An A9X recently sold at auction for $500,000. In mid 2021 one was expected to fetch over $1,000,000 at auction[3]
| Holden Commodore SS | |
|---|---|
.jpg) 2015 Holden Commodore VF SS | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Holden (General Motors) |
| Also called |
|
| Production | 1982-2017 |
| Assembly | Adelaide, South Australia (Elizabeth, 1982-2017) Melbourne, Victoria (Dandenong, 1982-1989) |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Full-size |
| Body style |
|
| Platform | GM V platform (1978-2006) GM Zeta Platform (2006-2017) |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine |
|
| Transmission | A selection of GM:
|
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Holden Torana LX SS HatchbackHSV VL SS Group A SV |
| Successor | Holden Commodore ZB VXR |
Since the '80s, right up until Holden's Australian production ceased in late 2017, the 'SS' name had been used on V8-powered (with the exception of oneSuperchargedEcotecV6),bodykit-fittedCommodores, renowned Australia-wide for its ability to comfortably transport a family of up to 5 from one end of the country to the other whenever its driver saw fit. SS-Spec Commodores normally featured identifiable 'SS' badging on the bootlid (and rear doors in VY onwards models (forward of rear wheel arches on Utes)). The SS range sat above the V6-powered S and later SV6 models.
The Commodore SS V was a more refined version of the Commodore SS produced between 2006 and 2017 acrossVE andVF generations. Featuring more track ready, sporty or luxury features, bridging the gap between the SS andCalais V, such as Leather seats, electronically adjustable seats, thicker steering wheel, alloy rims and more. The SS V, along with its badge, are inspired byCadillac'sV series vehicles.
| Engine | Description | Uses |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-ADR27A GMH Red '253' V8 | 4.2L Carburetted V8 | HQ SS |
| Pre-ADR27A GMH Red '308' V8 | 5.0L Carburetted V8 | HQ SS |
| ADR27A GMH Red '202' I6 | 3.3L Carburetted I6 | LX Torana SS |
| ADR27A GMH Red '253' V8 | 4.2L Carburetted V8 | LX Torana SS |
| ADR27A GMH Red '308' V8 | 5.0L Carburetted V8 | LX Torana SS |
| Holden 5000i V8 | 5.0L Injected V8 | VN Commodore SS,VP Commodore SS,VR Commodore SS, VSCommodore SS,VT Commodore SS |
| GM LS1 V8 | 5.7L Injected V8 | VT Commodore SS,VX Commodore SS,VY Commodore SS |
| GM L76/L98/L97/L77 V8 | 6.0L Injected V8 | VZ Commodore SS,VE Commodore SS,VF Commodore SS |
| GM LS3 V8 | 6.2L Injected V8 | VF Commodore SS |