Last chance to order an HSV W427
April 8, 2009 by George Skentzos
Prospective owners of HSV’s flagship $155,000 W427 have just three weeks left to decide whether they want one in their garage, with the order books set to close at 5pm on April 28.
This is a far cry from the initial 200 vehicle build cap HSV had set for the model, although not out of character for a special edition HSV.
In HSV’s latest statement it has been keen to emphasise the potential worth of this ‘modern day classic’ as a future collector’s item, labelling it a piece of Australian motoring history.
“Who knows what the market for exotic muscle cars will look like in the future? The purchase of a W427 might represent a savvy investment opportunity – as well as delivering a driving experience that is pure exhilaration and excitement,” Phil Harding said.
Although perhaps this has been its downfall, with many current owners guilted into keeping the car under wraps to preserve their ‘investment’ – a $155,000 gamble few can afford.
Print it: 
- Nissan GTR: $155,800
- HSV W427: $155,000
Enough said.
Yeah I reckon Holden and the ppl who bought it are out of their mind.
Not long after this car was announced, I saw an interview with the head of HSV and he said that they though that they were at least as good if not better than the competition. Fair enough, except for one thing. He was implying that the competition was coming from Europe and not, well, Ford. He was thinking that his cars were as good as things such as the M5, the RS6, the E63 etc. I actually laughed when I read it.
Admittedly, I have not driven the W427 but I have driven other HSV cars and they are absolutely terrible. Great at going in a straight line but not at much else.
These cars are way overpriced and the thing is that even big Holden fans think so. Where I am currently working, people are paid very well. There are at least two really big Holden/HSV fans that I know of and when I was talking to them about the W427 one day a few months back, the price came up. They could afford one if they wanted (As far as I know) but the first said “$155,000? For a Holden? You’re joking?” and the second agreed.
This car was a mistake. I don’t think that it will collect value either. Maybe if they had sold out they would have but there is obviously no demand for them now and limited edition or not, Holden’s loose value so quickly. Not to mention all the people who have bought one and think they’ll get a million for it in thirty years. Thirty years when oil is no longer available. It makes no sense and was a silly idea. Especially considering that it’s not selling.
Somehow I doubt this deadlines going to spark anything.
Jim Richards is right. Buy a GTR.
Kinda agree Alex. Was the thought that they would make 427 of them? So reading into this they have struggled to sell even 200. Must be a loss maker for HSV not something they want to shout about.
Wouldn’t mind seeing one bash round the UK TG website. TGUK Series 14?? starts in June in the UK. Yipeee!
Cupid, that is the thing that gets me the most with this car. Of course the original plan was to sell 427 of them. If they aren’t selling them now, why would you pay ten times as much for one in twenty years when it looks even worse and, as I mentioned in my other comment, you can’t get fuel for it? There probably won’t even be a Holden fan who can’t drive right now to buy one in the future because it’s looking more and more like young Australians won’t be growing up with Holden anymore.
HSV just think too much of themselves. Did they ever consider that they have fans because average people can afford a car that they love, makes them feel special and like they own something special? A performance car for the un-washed masses (no offense HSV owners). That’s what they are.
They shouldn’t think of themselves as BMW or Mercedes competitors, they should think of themselves as Ford competitors.
They should stick to what they do best; giving Holden fans something to aspire to and to love, not M5 owners.
Sheer lunacy: both the decision to build and price it at $155K, and by anyone fool enough to buy one.
there wont be the same problem for ford when they release the phase5!
Why would you bother when the new GTR will smoke the pants off this car. Proven figures. And burn a shirt load more fuel
NEW GTR ALL THE WAY!
People this is a MUSCLE car its not looking at taking sales from GTRs M3s and the like.Unless your into the muscle car scene and understand the value of the present and past collectables in Australian motoring history why bother commenting.
“quote “‘modern day classic’ as a future collector’s item”
When the BF Cobra came out a few years ago it also had a limited production run and as a result cars sold up to 20k over the RRP,most of the people that bought these wanted number matched cars with their old XC Cobras ,you will see a few on the road as daily drivers like the W427 but most will be stored away for the future,like them or not they will go down as collectible muscle cars in Australian history…
“They shouldn’t think of themselves as BMW or Mercedes competitors,”
Totally agree, Even in Holdens ad campaigns they are comparing themselves with BMW. But … I was speaking to a business owner a little while back. He’s an X5 man, he claimed lot of his friends who use to be Commodore owners now drive Beemers, and has anyone notice the number of P platers driving old 3 series Beemers now? Maybe there is a small shift going on?
“the original plan was to sell 427 of them.”
So maybe in 3 weeks the W427 will be renamed the W27 :)
““$155,000? For a Holden? You’re joking?” and the second agreed.” … Nuff said
Ill give em 20 bucks and a slab for one (crownies of course) ..
Quote “and has anyone notice the number of P platers driving old 3 series Beemers now? “”
Yeah they are essentially part of the ricer followers just the German variety………
Some of you may remember when the VL Walky came out and people thought $48,000 for a Holden was off the show,these things can now bring $140,000 .
20 years into the future I bet this car will be worth a lot more money than any GT-R M3 ect………….
Oh and Wizz, Barrett has said it will never be called a phase 5 , and all the grumblers wont see the point in paying 50k over the RRP the day that arrives either…….you either understand the Muscle car scene or you dont .
And you obviously dont understand the muscle car scene as well BM? I wouldnt call it a muscle car just a beefed up peice of plastic !
I completly agree that the price of the W427 is an absolute sick joke and by and large agree with all the above comments.
But as a BF11 Typhoon owner let me bottom line it for you. An FG F6 has been tested by Autocar N.Z. at as little as 4.82 seconds to 100km/hr and the 80-120 overtake sprint at 2.64 seconds. These times are virtually line-ball with a W427. It costs about $60,000 after negotiation and if your clever you could probably get a demo for $55,000, that’s $100,000 less.
The W427 was a blatant attempt to bleed loyal customers of large amounts of cash. The market has spoken, HSV’s original attempt to sell 427 of them and subsequent reduction to a target of 200 and now this feeble attempt at a final cut-off date which is just another marketing attempt to sell more, looks like desperation from a struggling company, in truly extraordinary financial times.
Who knows if Holden / HSV will even be around to honour the warranty and why take the risk ?, buy a FG F6 instead or if your mad keen to buy a “real” supercar and spend $155,000, there’s only three letters you need to remember, GTR !
Even so BM, there are so many better investment options out there.
If you had spent that 48000 dollars in 1987/88 on a house, today it would be worth closer to 300000. Plus you would either have been able to get the benefit of being able to live in it, or rent it out and derive income.
On the other hand the more you drive the VL, the less it is worth!
48k into 140k over 20 years is basically just keeping up with inflation.
Hummerbug Ive been involved in the muscle car scene for over 20 years owning many, what involvement have you had to make such a comment.
Whats an F6 going to be worth in 20 years time though Buck ?
Most people that bought the BF Cobra didnt get to see the car before hand,most were ordered before that sat in one and depending on your dealer deposits were put down months before hand based on the rumor of them happening just like the so called next HO.There are deposits down for those at dealerships already without ANYONE confirming them going into production ……….
Agreed RoFlmaTiC,but a lot of these people want the enjoyment of being able to use their investment not just have a pile of bricks or a painting on the wall ect……I know guys that have mortgaged their houses to buy a 800k phase 3 because its an investment they enjoy !
All those badge snobs on here are complaining about price and all. If they cant afford one then just shut up n stop posting on this site. You guys cant see a good car when u see one. Although this is nowhere near M5 or E63 quality, it is australias first stab at supercardom and you should congratualate Holden/HSV for trying.
” Quote-BM- Hummerbug Ive been involved in the muscle car scene for over 20 years owning many, what involvement have you had to make such a comment” 20 Years and you still call this a muscle car??? I would if pushed call it a supercar but not a muscle car!
Yeah and I guess when the Walky came out 20 years ago at a hefty $48,000 Hummerbug some would have said the same then,yet classed as a muscle car now ;)
Bavarian Missile (.)(.) Says:
April 8th, 2009 at 9:58 am
“20 years into the future I bet this car will be worth a lot more money than any GT-R M3 ect………….”
I’m sure it will too, especially after they plonk the LS9 into the next HSV…
Perhaps Wheelnut could tell us why they haven’t managed to find all 427 buyers silly enough to sink $155K into a Holden? After all, it’s supposed to be equivalent to an M5.
Strange, M3’s and C63’s, even IS-F’s (!!) have a waiting list, but they can’t find buyers for the $155K Holden. Those German and Japanese car buyers are such fools for not astutely investing in Australian ‘history’ ay?!
Fair enough we’ll leave it at that ;o)……………….supercar ! Ha
Shak Says:
April 8th, 2009 at 10:30 am
“All those badge snobs on here are complaining about price and all. If they cant afford one then just shut up n stop posting on this site. You guys cant see a good car when u see one.”
Badge snobs? There are cars that are faster, with better handling, better built, better specced, with better service FOR LESS than the price of this Holden you imbecile. This thing will carry five big mac fed adults easily, that’s about it.
Bavarian Missile (.)(.)…
You can’t polish a turd.
It’s easy to make a straight line powered V8 muscle car in a tang-top…
Its hard to make a muscle car dressed in a tuxedo
Idiots will but this car, smart people will go with the Teutonic choices instead.
$155,000 ! what a complete scam.
You could buy several of these, and have much more fun
http://westfield-sportscars.co.....p;Itemid=1
Paul…
You can’t polish a turd…but you *can* roll it in glitter!
W427 with a metallic or pearlescent finish anyone?
BM, I agree with the realist and others who have noted that there are far better investments out there, especially at the knock down prices after the recent sharemarket and housing correction.
I’m not sure what my BF11 Typhoon or an FG F6 might be worth in twenty years time and I don’t really care either. I use it in my business, get tax advantages and really enjoy it most days, not park it in the garage and stroke my ego…look what I’ve got….its a true work of art, blah, blah, like some W427 owners will.
HSV have a very long history of regular engine upgrades and when you have a look at the incredible numbers the LS9 makes, this hand built supercharged puppy is clearly THE ENGINE to own.
Of course HSV were too MEAN and stingy to give owners a real supercar, but are happy to charge a supercar GTR price.
The W427 may have some appeal to nostalgic collectors, those looking to actually drive and enjoy a “real supercar” will be straight down to the GTR dealer without even a glace sideways at the W427.
The market has spoken and only a fool would part with $155,000 for a tarted up Commondore.
Anyone else hear about the VL Calias that was sold at auction last week?
Deceased estate, less than 3000km, mint condition = $11,000.
Hummerbug a Supercar ? Wouldnt go that far ;) ……..
Realist ,comparing those that buy M3’s and C63’s, even IS-F’s AROUND the world is a silly statement .
Paul……… never tried ,have polished many a muscle car though from both manufacturers.
Elitist ,you also clearly dont understand those that buy these cars ,some would have tuxedos in there wardrobes as well as blueys………thought about that !
Buck I agree there are better investment choices out there,I never said I would buy one myself but I hate people that criticise others for doing, so not knowing their reasons simply just discounting this car as a tarted up Commodore.
Me personally I would save my money for Fords new Ho when it arrives,but there will be those wowzers on this page who will also discount it as a tarted up over priced Taxi like they did the Cobra………
2 years down the track and the Cobra is still an investment ,I can tell you now 2 years down the track no M3 C63 or GT-R would have increased in value even with 2000 clicks on it…
http://www.fordmusclecars.com......temID=2932
Its the same position that people that are buying these see for its future…………..
BM – There’s more than a few punters, myself included very keen to see the GTHO.
The other day I evaluated a G6ET as a possible replacement for my two and a half year old Typhoon. It wasn’t anywhere near as good, too much body roll, brakes arn’t really good enough for spirited driving and so on.
The G6ET is a very good vehicle, but its no substitute for an F6. John Bowe racing has been involved in the set up of the suspension, antiroll bars and general set up of the FPV cars and as soon as you get behind the wheel of one you realise that they’re a very special vehicle and in the case of the FPV product, one that’s affordable enough for the avergae hard working bloke to attain and enjoy.
Tarted up commondore is a reference to the “extraordinary class” of the mandatory inclusion of “brothel” red leather seats….I mean come on…this has no class whatsoever.
The GTR looks like an ugly catfish. Atleast the W427 would survive a few runs down the dragstrip too. Not that i’d buy either
Yes BM thats because its a Cobra? Not a bommodore…
A family member of mine wanted a W427 but could not afford it. His solution was too buy a black SSV (2nd hand with around 30k on the clock for around $38k). He has had the brakes all redone and the springs upgraded. The car was lowered 30mm and 20 in rims were fitted. Next he got extractors, a mild tune, a full 2.5in exhaust, and the camshaft all redone on the 6l. All up the changes cost him around $20k on top of the $38k. The W427 with around 375kw at the crank puts out around 320kw at the wheels. This SSV now has been dynotested and put out 321.7kw at the wheels. For less than $60k this car will be no slower than the $100k more expensive W427.
No wonder why HSV pulled the plug and shut up shop on this car so early in the cycle. Way too much money for what is essentially a fast commodore and that is it!
John that isnt a W427 still though is it ! Paint blue stripes on a BFGT,tweak it a little ,that doesnt make it a Cobra .
Hummerbug………come on….. each to their own when it comes to HSV and FPV .
Buck..now would you pay 150k for the next HO ,bearing in mind some would also see no class in it just FPV cashing in on the GT name AGAIN !
Bav dear, whilst I know and understand what you are saying about the 427, in my eyes it is missing one very important ingredient. Something that the BF2 Cobra had before it hit production, and something it got the weekend it was released. HERITAGE
Cobra was a celebration of what has gone before, thus (like HSV’s Monaro GTS) ensuring almost instant street cred. Add to that Falcons success at the Mountain the weekend the BF2 Cobra was released and FPV couldn’t fail even if they left it to the standard Ford advertising agency! Rmemeber that by the Wednesday of the release week over 80% of BF2 Cobras were sold.
W427 meant nothing in Australia except for a total chest thumping by someone who (even by the most loyal team red member) is not fondly thought of! This is why it failed to capture the hearts
You dont have to be into the muscle car scene and be well versed in aussie motoring collectibles to say that this car will never ever appreciate in value the same way that limited edition aussie muscle cars of yester-years did. There are many people that can easily afford a $155k car even in the current climate, but basic fact is that this car just isn’t pulling in the buyers. Its not saliva drooling jaw dropping desireable now, and will not be any different 30yrs from now to command huge figures that these “collectors” are hoping for.
Its just pointless to use the ‘future collector item’ excuse towards this car as any smart investor will know that there are much better ways to invest $155k and make it go a long long way.
Yep I agree Frontman it does lack heritage ,of course. Then so did the Walky in 1988 .
I said to Wheelnut this morning ,they would have sold a s*it load more if it was wrapped in a Monaro body,but this is the first real attempt at a Supercar made in Australia that has actually made it into production ,unlike the phase4 that got canned cause of do gooders…..Good on them for giving it a shot,I for one hope the owners are more than pleased with its return in 20-30 years to come ;)
The problem for the W427 is that exterior and interior wise, Holden hasn’t differentiated it enough from the outgoing GTS, which can be had for less than $70k these days. The GTS is not significantly slower than the W427 – it’s 85% W427 at less than half the price.
Damian remember they were only going to make 427 originally,to differentiate the interior and exterior from the GTS would have been a huge cost in tooling. I wonder to this date with only 120 being sold will they break even….. more reasons to buy one of these perhaps,the less the better for collectors.
OK, I’m probably gonna show my ignorance big time, but I’m in the market for a new car (work lease), and have a question for you guys (you seem to know a bit about the Holdens/Fords). My budget is around $45-50K, and want something that will perform reasonably well, enough to have a bit of fun anyway, is well built and isn’t a hot hatch. I was looking at the SV6, SS V, and the Ford XR6T. If I get either of the Holdens, I woudl be removing the ridiculous rear spoiler and putting the 20″ Supersport wheels on it. I know this is way off topic, but do any off you have any personal feedback about these cars that I should be weary of in my decision making?
Thanks for your help.
In terms of car prices we aussies get it pretty bad. Many were expecting better from Holden (since they fly the aussie flag) if they were to charge something over 100K. However it looks like they didn’t deliver at all and even inflated priced import cars were made to look a great deal compared to the W427.
As it stands it just seems like a beefed up Holden at double the price, not a special Holden. And right yes it’s meant to be a muscle car, but there are cars in Holden’s own lineup as others have mentioned that are almost as quick but a great deal cheaper. The interior is not inspiring for the price, none the equipment as standard either.
Really it’s no wonder they couldn’t convince alot of buyers on what was meant to be a special car. Here’s hoping their next “supercar” will be much better. Indeed if they were to make a beefed up Monaro it’d all be gone by now.
CONFUSED ! Dont do it get a nice cheap Toyota not a Ford/Holden … At least Toyota will be still around when all the others have folded to validate your warranty if anything should go wrong ( Not that it will)…
Hummerbug ,like a TRD Aurion hahaha, hear there going cheap now ;)
The W427 is way overpriced but it is much more than a beefed up Commodore – it has massive brakes a revised magnetic ride control suspension and a very much understressed engine. In the Latest Wheels magazine it flogs the GTS, Ford GT and F6 around Calder by several seconds and wins every other performance category, so you are getting something for your money!
It won’t cost anywhere near as much to maintain as the GTR or German cars. The GTR is an awesome weapon but it is not proven bullet proof either, with some issues with broken drivetrains.
Still the W427 should have sold for about $100,000- $110,000 there’s no way I’d fork out $155 large as I can’t see the value in it and those above who reckon that HSV is profiteering on this car are right on the money.
Thanks Hummerbug, but I can’t think of a single Toyota that appeals to me. It is suprising that with a budget of $50K, there is no standout car with a bit of performance/handling that I should be aiming for, that isn’t a hot hatch. Hence the confusion…..
Confused,most on here would tell you between the two your looking at the XR6T is the much better choice.
History has proved special edition Holdens are a good investment over time. A HQ sells for more than three times it original purchace price, mind you that profit came over 30 years later and it woild have to be in mint condition. So if you do buy one of these and you want to make money on it, dont drive it.