Classic Aussie V8

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So, despite the high price of petrol, you still want a V8 Commodore from the 90s. But not some loud sporty version, but rather a luxury version. Well there is such a car in the shape of the HSV Senator and Turners Timaru has one up for auction.

By 2026 standards, the Senator is neither particularly powerful or luxurious, and to be fair, even in 1997 the luxury was “Aussie” luxury, kind of the equivalent of leather shorts and singlet. But the Senator was fast enough, sounded proper, and came with AC, leather seats and a softer ride.

Today the HSV VS Senator is quite rare and looks quite handsome. A total of 200 series 2 185i models were made and only a fraction of those came to NZ. So the HSV VS Senator is not a car you see everyday on NZ’s roads.

So, the Senator was the fanciest model Holden sold at the time. It’s rare, pretty quick, has a V8 and that all important HSV badge. This one has had a few owners, travelled a few Kilometres and leaks a few drops of oil. Which means it’s a pretty good one. A perfect car for shows and Sunday drives.

This Senator is being auction at Turners Timaru. More details here.