5.7litre V8 342bhp LT1 GM engine as used in the C5 Corvette
Just two owners since imported to UK in 2012
MOT to January 2024 with no advisories
The Appeal
The humble ute might not be a vehicle that has gained much traction in Britain, but it is one that Australians have steadily refined. And we can be glad that they have because along the way they have created this, the Holden HSV Maloo R8, a sort of supercar with the capability to carry several sheep should the need arise.
The Maloo was developed by Holden’s Special Vehicle (HSV) operation using the company’s proven VU platform and the R8 version is the rarest and most desirable version. Equipped with the same LS1 5.7litre engine used in the C5 Corvette, it is quick with a brutal V8 soundtrack.
It is that wonderful thing: a very fast car that is rarer than most Ferraris, quicker than a Maserati and yet equipped with the sort of running gear that can easily be maintained by your local Vauxhall garage.
This R8 is one of the 483 Series 2 models produced during 2001 and 2002. Imported to the UK in 2012 it has had just two owners since and the photographs indicate significant ongoing maintenance, including head gasket work in recent years. It certainly looks purposeful in black with polished alloys.
The Maloo is a practical, no-nonsense performance car, the like of which we rarely see here. The Seller states that there is a fault with the ABS but this one otherwise looks well maintained and ready to show or draw gasps in the B&Q car park
The History And Paperwork
First registered on 1st January 2002
Imported to the UK on 2nd October 2012
MOT to 24th January 2024 with no advisories
Holden HSV workshop manual included
Evidence of mechanical repairs including head gasket work in 2019
The Interior
Part leather cloth HSV seats with wrap-around headrests
Carbon fibre effect dashboard and centre console insets
Aftermarket infotainment system
Eye-catching blue dials
Strict two seater
The origins of the Maloo are a workhorse UTE, but Holden has cleverly transformed those beginnings with some well chosen performance features throughout the interior. So there is carbon fibre effect trim to the dashboard and centre console and eye-catching blue dials.
Centrepiece of the interior, however, are the HSV-branded sports seats. They are part leather and part cloth and feature ingenious wrap-around headrests to help keep the driver and passenger upright in this performance vehicle.
The interior is generally in good condition, with no obvious deterioration. The marks that there are typical of the age and mileage: the gearstick shows signs of wear and the bolsters on both seats also display creases.
There is what appears to be an aftermarket infotainment system fitted.
The Exterior
Black metallic paintwork
Hard tonneau cover with raised rear wing unique to R8 model
Polished 19inch alloy wheels
Maloo body kit in good condition
Front and rear bumpers in good condition with no obvious marks
A UTE may not be a familiar vehicle in Britain but the sleek lines of the Maloo R8 will likely seem familiar. By the time Holden was producing the VU Commodore, on which the Maloo is based, the Australian firm was following GM’s international ‘world car’ styling approach. There are broad similarities with the Vauxhall Omega of the late 1990s.
That said, the Maloo is definitely a presence. It is a large vehicle, seeming particularly so in black metallic of this example. The paintwork is in good condition, with no obvious stone chips or scuffs, which black paint can be particularly unforgiving of. The photographs, taken in bright sunlight, indicate that there are some polishing swirls across the paint. These would likely respond well to a good machine polish.
The front and rear bumpers, which have vulnerable low spoilers, are in very good condition, suggesting that this R8 has been driven with care. The attractive polished 19 inch HSV alloys are generally in good condition, just some light kerbing to each wheel and some discolouration of the polished surfaces detracting.
The hard load cover is a particular feature of the R8 Maloo and operates on hinges. It is a useful feature enabling secure stowage of luggage. The cover is in good condition but there are inevitable signs of wear in the load bed.
The photographs of the underside indicate that it is in good condition with no obvious issues. The MOT does not suggest any structural issues.
Seller has replaced the ABS sensor since it's been photographed
Evidence of service work but dates not stated
4spd automatic gearbox
Holden specialise in strong, rugged cars for the rugged Australian landscape. The same approach applies when its HSV division decides to up the ante.
The LS1 V8 engine under the Maloo’s bonnet was designed to be quick and powerful but also strong and dependable. This is no highly stressed Maranello hand-built lump. It is the same engine as used in the C5 Corvette and is an all-aluminium pushrod design to combine low weight with simplicity. In the Maloo it generates 342bhp. A 4spd automatic GM gearbox transfers power to the rear wheels.
This R8 has covered 142,195 kms (88,871 miles). The photographs and history file indicate that there was attention to the head gaskets in 2019. The Seller states that other work, including servicing and work to the valley gaskets, manifold gaskets and coolant pipes, has also been undertaken although we do not have evidence of that or know when that occurred. Buyers may wish to check these details with the Seller.
The MOT runs to January 2024 and there were no advisories. The car has only covered 500kms since then.
Summary
Where European supercars take a particular route to delivering raw performance, the Maloo R8 has found an entirely different route to the same destination. Simple and incredibly practical, it can reel in Ferraris before breakfast and transport hay before dinner.
Less than 500 Series 2 R8s were built and this is one of them. It is rare enough in the UK that the new owner may never pass another one. Its low mileage and relatively low running costs – it can be serviced by Vauxhall – make a compelling argument. There is a job to do sorting the ABS but once done this feels like a very potent, very subtle performance car.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
