Former Peter Brock-led Holden brand teases rebirth
HDT – best known as the Holden Dealer Team from 1969 to 1986 – is planning to announce its latest iteration after this year’s Bathurst 1000.
While Holden is no more, one of the Australian carmaker’s most closely associated brands is planning a comeback of sorts, with HDT (aka the Holden Dealer Team) to announce its future plans following the 2026 Bathurst 1000.
In a media statement, HDT – now based in Sydney rather than its spiritual home of Melbourne – said it will make an undisclosed announcement as a part of the ‘Lap 162: The Great Race Cool Down’ post-race event within Bathurst on Monday, October 11.
“The announcement will provide a first look at the ambitious new direction for HDT, looking back on the Bathurst-winning pedigree of its heritage vehicles while showcasing its future automotive plans and a renewed presence in Bathurst.”
HDT existed as a race team from 1969 but it wasn’t until 1980 when then-Holden hero Peter Brock established its HDT Special Vehicles division, the spiritual successor to the Walkinshaw-run Holden Special Vehicles (HSV).
The partnership between Brock and Holden through HDT Special Vehicles lasted until 1987 and fell apart as a result of the famous ‘Energy Polarizer’ saga, in which Brock fitted a box of crystals to certain vehicles, claiming it delivered greater handling.
HDT’s road cars are today highly sought after, with a Brock-owned HDT VK Commodore Group A SS ‘Blue Meanie’ – build number #005 – selling for $1.05 million in 2021.
Though HDT was without factory backing from Holden from the late-1980s onwards, the brand was restarted in 2007, offering styling and performance packages for late-model Holden Commodores (such as the VE and VF).
The brand has most recently been run by Peter Champion, close friend to Brock and an avid HDT collector.
“HDT and Bathurst have unfinished business,” a HDT spokesperson said in the media release.
“Contributing to this event seemed like a pretty good place to start.”
More information about HDT’s new era will be announced on October 11, with this year’s Bathurst 1000 commemorating 20 years since Brock’s passing in September 2006, and two decades of the Peter Brock Trophy for the winners of the Great Race.
Jordan Mulach
