Set of three delivery-mile XU3 Yellah HSV GTSR models expected to break records at auction

A collection of three extremely rare HSV GTSR models is set to be auctioned in September, comprising an HSV GTSR W1 Maloo ute, an HSV GTSR W1 sedan, and an original HSV VS GTS-R.

Importantly, all are finished in the VS GTS-R’s original XU3 Yellah colour, which was not a standard option for the reimagined Gen-F2 GTSR some 20 years later.

Auction house Lloyds has listed all three separately on its online platform. Each feature extremely low kilometres, remaining part of a collection since new. According to Lloyds Auctioneers, the 1996 VS GTSR and 2017 W1 Maloo ute are both the first build number of their respective model runs. The 2017 GTSR W1 sedan is the only sedan painted in XU3 Yellah.

The three cars feature extensive HSV paraphernalia including original manuals and service log books, while none have ever been registered.

Some will recall auctions earlier in 2021 which saw a Light My Fire Orange HSV GTSR W1 ute sell for $1.05 million – setting a record for the most expensive Australian road car at the time.

With these three presenting in the extremely rare and iconic colour, pundits expect that perhaps that record could be eclipsed this time around.

While the rare one-of-300 HSV GTSR W1 sedan was widely known as being the fastest and most powerful Australian road car ever made, the GTSR Maloo W1 was slightly lighter and significantly rarer.

The GTSR W1 Maloo is often described as one of Australia’s most collectible cars as just four were built in secrecy and offered to loyal HSV clients and stakeholders. Word only began to get out in early 2018, after HSV stopped building Commodore-based models, that the W1 utes actually existed.

The GTSR W1 sedan and ute are powered by a 474kW/815Nm 6.2-litre supercharged LS9 V8 engine pinched from the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1. The only transmission available was a close-ratio six-speed manual and power was sent to the rear wheels.

Far more than a sticker-pack special, the GTSR W1 also added a full accentuated body kit, carbon fibre airbox, fender vents, rear spoiler, fixed-rate SupaShock suspension, Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R tyres, and six-piston AP Racing brakes. Much of the parts list was directly influenced by Holden’s Supercars Championship team.

The original VS GTSR is one of 85 ever built and features a stroked 5.7-litre V8 engine outputting 215kW/475Nm. At the time of its 1996 introduction, the VS GTSR was flagship of HSV’s VS Commodore-based range, with its $75,000 price it became the most expensive Holden ever built at the time. All 85 cars were painted in the iconic XU3 Yellah colour which has become a popular shade to repaint HSVs.

This auction comes during a period of booming values of Australian-built cars. Prices for locally-manufactured Holdens and Fords regularly exceed their as-new list price, with late-run HSV GTSRs some of the most desirable.

At the time of writing, the GTSR W1 ute current bid price is $315,000, the GTSR W1 sedan’s is $106,000, and the VS GTSR is currently sitting at $250,000. Though, with just under 30 days remaining, it’s likely that all three will skyrocket towards the million-dollar mark and beyond.