2006 Vauxhall Monaro VXR

Lot details
Registration No: V88 CYL
Chassis No: 6G1ZX14U05L426858
Mot Expiry: April 2010

The genesis of Vauxhall's modern day V8-powered line began when Australian GM division Holden previewed a Commodore Coupé concept car at the 1998 Sydney Motor Show. Based on the Opel Omega B floorpan, journalists not only urged Holden to build the would-be model but also suggested it carry the Bathurst-redolent Monaro name. GM went along with the scheme and after some twenty-two months of development (not to mention AUS$60 million), the V2 series Monaro made its home market debut. Available in either CV6 (3.8litre V6) or CV8 (5.7litre V8) guises, the two-door could seat four in comfort yet provided thunderous performance. Meanwhile in Britain, a range-topper to gain column inches was needed for GM's UK brand, Vauxhall. After the demise of the Lotus Carlton, the firm had had no significant performer, and so with a few tweaks, the 5.7litre Vauxhall Monaro was launched to a stunned British populace in 2004. Faster still (0-60mph in 5.3 seconds, 185mph), the 6.0litre VXR version won Top Gear's `Best Muscle Car' award before making way for the four-door VXR8 during 2007.

Finished in black with black leather upholstery, this particular example is described by the vendor as being in "excellent" condition with regard to its 6.0litre engine, six-speed manual gearbox, electrical equipment, interior trim, bodywork and paintwork. Formerly owned by the MD of Greens of Rainham (the UK's largest official Monaro / VXR8 importer), `V8 8CYL' has reportedly been treated to a number of Wortec tuning modifications. Uprated via a remapped ECU and four-branch manifolds etc, the normally aspirated engine is understood to develop some 480bhp (up from 398bhp). To make the most of this extra grunt, the limited slip differential has been upgraded and the gearchange mechanism improved via a RIP shifter kit. Massive AP Racing discs provide plentiful retardation, while the AVO suspension benefits from adjustable damping and ride height control. Riding on recently renewed Pirelli PZero tyres, the coupe has covered just 20,000 miles from new (a figure backed up by main dealer history). These Monaros are the supercar bargain of the 21st Century, and set for immediate classic status.

PLEASE NOTE: For the avoidance of doubt this vehicle is a normally aspirated Monaro VXR that has been tuned / upgraded by Wortec and not a supercharged Monaro VXR 500. The `500' badge on the boot of `V8 8CYL' is an erroneous addition.