The VB, VC, VH and VK are the first-generation Holden Commodores, built from 1978 to 1986. They share the same basic body, so they're easy to mix up – and it matters when you buy parts, because engines, dashes and trim changed between models. Here's how to tell them apart.
VB Commodore (1978–1980)
- Launched: 26 October 1978 (in showrooms 13 November)
- Production: 95,906
- Engines: "Red" 2.85 and 3.3-litre sixes, 4.2 and 5.0-litre V8s
How to spot one: the VB has a slatted grille; the SL has vertical accent bars and the SL/E a blacked-out grille, black door frames and tail panel. The VB won Wheels Car of the Year for 1978, and in 1979 Holden Dealer Team VBs finished first, second and third in the Repco Round Australia Trial, with Peter Brock winning.
VC Commodore (1980–1981)
- Launched: 30 March 1980
- Production: 121,807 – Australia's best-selling car of 1980
- Engines: "Blue" sixes and V8s, plus the new 1.9-litre Starfire four
How to spot one: the egg-crate grille. The Blue engines brought redesigned heads, a Varajet carburettor and electronic ignition. The first HDT Commodore was a VC: 500 were built with a tuned 5.0-litre V8, in Palais White, Firethorn Red or Tuxedo Black.
VH Commodore (1981–1984)
- Launched: October 1981
- Engines: 1.9 four, 2.85 and 3.3 sixes, 4.2 V8, with the 5.0 V8 added later
How to spot one: a mild facelift with a horizontal-slat grille and new headlights for a lower, wider look, plus new tail lights on the sedan. The VH brought the first five-speed manual (on the four and the 2.85 six), and in September 1982 the first Commodore SS, in Maranello Red and later Alabaster White. HDT built Group One, Two and Three versions of the SS.
VK Commodore (1984–1986)
- Built: February 1984 to February 1986
- Production: 135,705
- Engines: 3.3-litre "Black" six (carburettor or EFI) and 5.0 V8 (4.9 from 1985)
How to spot one: the easiest tell is the six-window glasshouse – the VK has extra rear quarter windows. It also has plastic bumpers, a grille with three bold horizontal strips and full-width tail lights. Inside, it has a square instrument panel, and the Calais got a digital dash. Models were SL, Executive, Berlina and Calais, plus the SS and the 502-car SS Group A.
Quick reference
| Model | Years | Engines | Easiest tell |
|---|---|---|---|
| VB | 1978–80 | Red six and V8 | Slatted grille, first Commodore |
| VC | 1980–81 | Blue six and V8, Starfire four | Egg-crate grille |
| VH | 1981–84 | Blue six and V8, Starfire four | Horizontal-slat grille, lower front, first SS |
| VK | 1984–86 | Black six, 5.0/4.9 V8 | Six side windows, plastic bumpers, square dash |
Why it matters for parts
The VB, VC and VH share one instrument cluster design and the VK uses another, so dash kits are model-specific:
- VB, VC and VH dash kits – 603, 60D, 60X and 63X
- VK dash kits – 623, 62D, 62X and 65X (SL and Berlina, not the Calais digital dash)
See Which RetroTech dash kit fits my Commodore? for the full breakdown. Many interior trims fit right across VB to VL – see our interior trim restoration guide.
Not sure which model you have? Send us a photo and we'll help.