It has been a difficult fourth quarter in 2013 for General Motors’ Australian subsidiary, Holden. First, in October, it was announced that production of the Holden Ute would end, crushing any hope Americans had for the car to find its way to North America badged as an El Camino. Then, earlier this month, GM confirmed that it will pull production of all vehicles out of Australia and New Zealand, even the well-loved Commodore.  And just to add a little salt in the wound, today we told you that the new Commodore is reported to be front wheel drive, and come from China.
So it’s the end of the rear-wheel drive Australian car for the foreseeable future, but that doesn’t mean you still can’t have one. You could opt for the Aussie-built 2014 Chevrolet SS, or this, a Ute that has been converted to left-hand drive. This unique machine somehow ended up in The Netherlands, and was for sale on eBay, with the  $40,000 reserve not met.
That’s the bargain of the century as this is the only left hand drive Ute in the world, according to the seller. It’s also listed to have 550 horsepower. And with the discontinuation of the Ute, this machine might soon become a collectors item. Take a look at the ad let us know if this unusual way of going fast is worth the asking price.
Comments
There are quite a few G8-Ute conversions out there, a couple domestic shops did it for awhile… there was a sweet-spot where G8 rear-enders were at an apex and conversions could be done.
I’m not aware of any shops doing the mod currently… and it wasn’t cheap. Not to mention that the “donor” G8 either had to be half-scrapped or (typically) had major frame damage to start with.
From the photo, i can tell it is a VY Ute.
i guess he did not see the white LHD HSV maloo at this years SEMA, it was converted in colarado and sold to some one in florida
http://www.autoscene.com.au/wp-content/uploads/DSC_0249.jpg
VY and it’s successor, the VZ Ute, were very similar design. Rumour has the VZ was never meant to be but instead be the first of the Zeta platform Commodores but GM held off on launching Zeta or delayed the progress of its development meaning a successor to VY was needed but couldn’t be what was the VE. The design of the VY was a refresh to the VT and VX Commodores and so that design was carried over 4 models with some cosmetic changes for each but the VZ was very close to the VY.