They don’t come much rarer than the HDT VC Commodore in Satin Black — the 4th lowest-volume non-race liveried diecast Holden ever made in 1:18 — and as of this week, they don’t come any more valuable either, thanks to a jaw-dropping, record-breaking $3,000 sale.


The Holden models with lower production runs than the HDT VC Commodore

Let’s rewind. At the 2018 Diecast Model Expo, the tradition of releasing satin black variants continued — and in this case, it was the HDT VC Commodore. These were gifted to volunteers, with only a small number made available for purchase at the event. The standard-run Palais White version had already been announced by Biante back in 2016, so collectors were well aware of the base car — even though it wouldn’t actually reach dealers until after the Expo. That meant the chance to secure an alternate-coloured companion piece was a big deal from day one, adding to its appeal.

1980 HDT VC Commodore Palais White

Then there’s the rarity. Just 102 Satin Blacks were produced — roughly 5% of the white version’s total run. While it’s certainly scarce, there have still been three recorded sales prior to this week’s record-breaker, with the previous high sitting at $1,599 in 2022. That same year, the previous non-race livery Holden price record was also set — by another Expo model: the plain body black VK Commodore, which reached $2,215.

The Expo models are clearly a hit. A unique colourway plus extremely limited availability - not just in number but in how the model can be aquired in the first instance - continues to drive demand, and in many cases, exponential price growth.

The big question now is: how long does this new $3,000 record stand — and is there another non-race liveried Holden out there with the credentials to challenge it?