While anyone can freely post a listing on Facebook, the platform also invites suspicious sales, like this 2011 Holden HSV R8 Clubsport Tourer deliberately noted as “legal.”
We are not entirely doubting the legitimacy of the listing. But it still pays to do your due diligence, especially if we’re talking about this unique and exquisite Australian muscle priced at $55,000. Since the Holden Commodore, better known as the Pontiac G8 stateside, is from the Land Down Under, we can’t help but think about the 25-year import rule that prevented Americans from acquiring highly sought-after cars sold outside the US. This 2011 model would not be eligible for that, and the only Holden eligible for import under Show or Display is the GTS-R.
We’d say the seller has some explaining to do, but the Facebook post says, “I won’t answer a million questions in the comments,” in response to the concerns over its legitimacy.
We’re not saying it isn’t legal, just that we’re not sure it went through all the certifications necessary to become legal. Still, if you’re insistent on pursuing the deal, you’ll own what is claimed to be number 46 of just 80 cars built and one of only 13 finished in Phantom Black. Based on the Commodore, the HSV moniker refers to the brand’s in-house tuning firm, Holden Special Vehicles, meaning this example is a performance-oriented version.
The seller also noted the right-hand-drive wagon comes with an XForce stainless exhaust and new tires ready for a cross-country drive.
The now-discontinued Holden brand was GM’s arm in Australia, and as such, the HSV has an LS3 V8. Here, it makes 425 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque. The HSV’s US counterpart, the Pontiac G8, competed against the likes of the Chrysler 300C and Dodge Charger – both of which muscle cars are now officially extinct.
The seller is open to answering inquiries from “seriously interested” buyers, so just send your concerns before making the purchase. If this ends up in a worst-case scenario, you should be able to keep the car but not drive it legally on US roads. Here’s hoping it’s legit, as it’s a pretty unique ride.