Vxr8 Bathurst s
Discussion
Hi all thinking of a Bathurst s for my next car, I know they are rare but wondered what spec they came in colours? Gearbox manual or auto? Problems to look out for etc if anyone knows the specs of these cars I would be grateful I believe only 18 cars were supplied in the uk? Is the manual or auto best suited to the car? I suppose this is a personal preference, as much info as poss would be great thanks in advance.
Sean.
Sean.
First things first, there’s been a bit of a thing about what constitutes a genuine Bathurst. If some of the comments later on seem a bit random, just go with it!!!
I think there’s 5 autos, and 13 manuals. Happy to be corrected by more knowledgeable folk.
Black, White, Evoke Grey, Red.
There’s always a bit of confusion with the way Walkinshaw numbered them between the normally aspirated Bathurst, and the supercharged Bathurst S. Well, I get confused anyway.
James (Precious Metal) will be the best one to fill you in on the numbers.
What ever you do, don’t ask about brake calliper colours!
The one I have is the fastest car I have ever, and probably will ever, own. Every turn of the key, every press of the right boot just brings the biggest grin ever.
The acceleration, the noise, the presence, the drama is automotive cocaine.
For me, I prefer manual. Purely personal choice. I know people who have the auto and it’s just as good.
6.2 V8 LS3 engine, with, I believe, two different types of supercharger fitted dependant on when Walkinshaw converted them.
Bimodal Walkinshaw exhaust was an option, as were 20 inch wheels, so don’t be surprised to see some sitting on 19s and with a non switchable Walkinshaw exhaust system.
AP Racing brake calipers and adjustable suspension were standard, as were a few extra decals and the plaque on the lower dash.
I think there’s 5 autos, and 13 manuals. Happy to be corrected by more knowledgeable folk.
Black, White, Evoke Grey, Red.
There’s always a bit of confusion with the way Walkinshaw numbered them between the normally aspirated Bathurst, and the supercharged Bathurst S. Well, I get confused anyway.
James (Precious Metal) will be the best one to fill you in on the numbers.
What ever you do, don’t ask about brake calliper colours!
The one I have is the fastest car I have ever, and probably will ever, own. Every turn of the key, every press of the right boot just brings the biggest grin ever.
The acceleration, the noise, the presence, the drama is automotive cocaine.
For me, I prefer manual. Purely personal choice. I know people who have the auto and it’s just as good.
6.2 V8 LS3 engine, with, I believe, two different types of supercharger fitted dependant on when Walkinshaw converted them.
Bimodal Walkinshaw exhaust was an option, as were 20 inch wheels, so don’t be surprised to see some sitting on 19s and with a non switchable Walkinshaw exhaust system.
AP Racing brake calipers and adjustable suspension were standard, as were a few extra decals and the plaque on the lower dash.
Edited by GibGreen on Sunday 17th December 12:44
Many thanks for all the info, there are currently two available however they are both white and auto not sure I can live with that combo, was preferably looking at manual and grey or black, but due to ltd numbers I may have a long wait, I get that it’s a big premium to pay over a good upgraded car, however due to ltd numbers I would hope values of the Bathurst s will hold steady and be a good investment
sean j g said:
Many thanks for all the info, there are currently two available however they are both white and auto not sure I can live with that combo, was preferably looking at manual and grey or black, but due to ltd numbers I may have a long wait, I get that it’s a big premium to pay over a good upgraded car, however due to ltd numbers I would hope values of the Bathurst s will hold steady and be a good investment
Precious metal is definitely your man to speak to about residuals and that kind of thing. Apologies if you already know about these things, I don’t know if you’re coming from already owning one of these Aussie V8s, but there’s two main places to have a look.
Elite Car Company, Kingsley in Hants. And MW Performance up in Chester. These guys must have seen all of the Holden, HSVs, VXR8s, Utes, and Monaro’s between them over the years.
I know Elite did have a good low mileage black Bathurst S for sale a couple of months ago. Not sure if it’s gone to a new home or not.
As for the premium over a similarly spec’d up “normal” VXR8, well, you pays your money and takes your choice.
Thanks for that I have not owned one of these cars before however I have had a few nice cars over the years, rs4 b7,noble, TVr etc, been thinking for a while what car would suit me and I keep coming back to these, I like the fact it’s a 4 door with a good noise!!! An Lots of power thanks again cheers
If we’re talking colours, the impulse blue is my favourite personally, but that was LS2 only, so no Bathursts. I did consider a blue with an aftermarket supercharger fitted, but decided on the provenance of a Bathurst S. A quick call to Dave at Walkinshaw, and he’ll be able to give you the history of the car if it’s been through their workshop for any additional work and servicing.
It just so happened that the right Bathurst S came up for sale at the right time, in phantom black.
It’s had a few additional mods by the previous owner and is now pumping out 668 bhp at the engine.
My only concern was how annoying the supercharger whine would get on long journeys. But, it really isn’t that intrusive in the cabin at all, until your floor it. Then, the sound becomes intoxicating.
It’s the best all round car I’ve ever owned. Performance which is absolutely incredible, the practicality of a big four door saloon, just be prepared for people winding down their windows at traffic lights and asking “what an earth is that mate?” Especially if debadged. I imagine you had similar questions in the Noble.
It just so happened that the right Bathurst S came up for sale at the right time, in phantom black.
It’s had a few additional mods by the previous owner and is now pumping out 668 bhp at the engine.
My only concern was how annoying the supercharger whine would get on long journeys. But, it really isn’t that intrusive in the cabin at all, until your floor it. Then, the sound becomes intoxicating.
It’s the best all round car I’ve ever owned. Performance which is absolutely incredible, the practicality of a big four door saloon, just be prepared for people winding down their windows at traffic lights and asking “what an earth is that mate?” Especially if debadged. I imagine you had similar questions in the Noble.
Pleasure to help. Sorry, I’m not selling mine!
Speak to James at Elite. I know he had another low mileage black Bathurst S, a known car from the community. Whether it’s still available or not, I don’t know.
If you do social media, there’s a Holden and HSV owners uk group on Facebook. There are loads of very knowledgeable folk in there.
Speak to James at Elite. I know he had another low mileage black Bathurst S, a known car from the community. Whether it’s still available or not, I don’t know.
If you do social media, there’s a Holden and HSV owners uk group on Facebook. There are loads of very knowledgeable folk in there.
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