One of the most important, controversial and highly sought-after vehicles in Australian automotive history – a 1987 Brock VL Director – is up for sale.
Australian-owned auction house Sotheby’s Australia is managing the sale of the vehicle, which was the second in a total build of just 12. This example, currently owned by Blair Warren, was the only one fitted with a four-speed automatic transmission and independent rear suspension.
Powered by a 4.9-litre V8 engine, the original bright red Director has travelled only 12,000km and is in concours condition.
The vehicle was the first of the hand-built Directors by Peter Brock’s HDT Special Vehicles to be registered, and features the infamous “Energy Polarizer” which largely led to Holden severing its ties with Brock.
The device, a somewhat mysterious box under the bonnet containing crystals and magnets, claimed to improve performance and handling of the vehicles by aligning certain molecules.
Sotheby’s national head of collectors’ motor cars, James Nicholls, described the 1987 Brock VL Director was a “very unique, very special motor car”.
“We’re looking at well above $300,000, but how far above that, it’s like asking ‘How long is a piece of string?’,” Mr Nicholls said.
“The interest has been really quite high, among the media, and not only among Brock circles but also in the large car community as well.”
At $87,000 in 1987, it was the most expensive Australian made vehicle at the time.
“It is one of the most important vehicles ever built in Australia, and really it is one of the most controversial. This car was really the end for Brock and Holden,” Mr Nicholls said.
