An exceptionally rare HSV GTSR W1 Maloo ute is expected to exceed $1 million at auction, potentially becoming the most expensive road-going Holden ever sold. The auction, hosted by Lloyds Auctions, concludes at 12:00 AEST on Saturday, December 20, 2025.
The Last of an Era: A Collector’s Dream
This particular Maloo is unique: it’s the sole example painted in XU3 Yellah, the same iconic color used on the 1996 HSV VS GTS-R. It is build #001 of only four GTSR W1 Maloo utes secretly produced by HSV in 2017. These vehicles are closely related to the highly sought-after HSV GTS-R W1 sedan, considered by many to be the peak of Holden’s performance engineering before the brand’s Australian closure in 2020.
The significance of this vehicle lies in its status as one of the last high-performance Australian-made cars. The closure of Holden’s manufacturing facilities has transformed these vehicles into highly collectible assets.
Pristine Condition and Performance Specs
The #001 GTSR W1 Maloo remains unregistered and has logged a mere 26 kilometers on the odometer. It boasts the same powerful 474kW/815Nm 6.2-liter supercharged LS9 V8 engine and six-speed Tremec manual transmission as the W1 sedan. Performance features include SupaShock suspension, AP Racing brakes, and Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R tires wrapped around 20-inch alloy wheels.
This combination of power, rarity, and immaculate condition makes it an extraordinary piece of automotive history.
Market Trends and Previous Sales
In 2021, another GTSR W1 Maloo (finished in Light My Fire) sold for over $1.05 million, setting a record for the most expensive Australian road vehicle at the time. While this record was later surpassed by a 1971 Ford Falcon GT-HO Phase III ($1.3 million) and an unverified sale of a 1972 Falcon GT-HO Phase IV (nearly $2 million), the Maloo retains its prestige. Other notable sales include a 1985 Holden Commodore VK SS Group A (over $1 million) and Peter Brock’s 1982-83 Bathurst-winning VH Commodore ($2.1 million).
Rising Demand for Australian Muscle Cars
According to Lloyds Auctions chief operating officer Lee Hames, demand for rare Australian muscle cars is steadily increasing. These vehicles are no longer solely appealing to enthusiasts; they are drawing serious investors recognizing their long-term value. The end of Australian car manufacturing ensures that these models will never be replicated, solidifying their status as irreplaceable assets.
“Vehicles like this don’t just appeal to Holden enthusiasts; they’re attracting serious investors who understand the long-term value of owning something that will likely never be replicated again in Australian road car manufacturing history.”
The GTSR W1 Maloo represents not just a vehicle, but an end of an era, making it a highly coveted item in a rapidly evolving collector’s market. The auction result will further highlight the enduring legacy and escalating value of Australian automotive history.
