VS III Commodore Utility

In time-honoured Holden tradition, the commercial vehicle variants ran years behind their donor sedan counterparts.

Hence the VS III update, introduced using the old VG ute base months after the virtually all-new VT Commodore burst onto the market.

Look for clear oval indicator repeaters, Series III badges and a host of cabin trim updates.

More important was the SS ute, based on the 168kW S V8 ute and featuring a bodykit, alloy wheels, firmer suspension, anti-lock brakes, an alloy rear “sports bar”, fog lights, power windows, air-conditioning and part-leather trim.

Released as a limited edition, 300 were released in May ’98 and again from March ’99.

But by now the Commodore ute was looking old while Ford released its wildly successful AU Falcon ute – the only sunshine it enjoyed during the dark days of almost total Holden domination elsewhere.

The VT-based ute, meanwhile, was almost two years away.

Engine options: 168kW/395Nm 5.0L V8 - S Special editions:· April ‘00 – Olympic Edition: Air-con, alloy wheels, cruise control, power windows, CD player, decals.