June 11: Thank you, Australia

What's different about Australia apart from the fact that my sister-in-law lives there? Sure, they have an odd assortment of unusual animals like the kangaroo, the koala bear, the platypus and the wallaby. They also call the women "sheilas". It started out as a penal colony. And they like to "throw a shrimp on the barbie". Anything else?

For this last difference, we car enthusiasts should all chip in and send Australia a great big thank you card - I'll buy it. For a relatively small market, it is amazing that they have generated quite a few Australia specific cars, that we could only wish for until recently.

For a start, let's go back, way back to 1988.......

Hands up all that recognized this as a Holden VL Commodore SS Group A SV. Was that one hand that I see way in the very back? Unlikely. Holden has always had a big sedan and also a performance model of that sedan. This particular Commodore was built for Holden by Tom Walkinshaw Racing (think Jaguar). At least 500 of these had to be built and sold to make it eligible for a local racing series. Quite popular, they sold around 700+. So why should this interest us?

Firstly, because in the mid 2000's GM took notice of these very good sedans and felt they could also have a home in North America. First off was this Holden Monaro, which became the Pontiac GTO. Made in Aussie Land for North American tastes. For a number of reasons it failed to ignite any local passions, it was none the less a very competent car. Thank you, Australia.

Next up in 2009.........

.......was the late and lamented Pontiac G8, which was simply a Pontiac badged Holden Commodore. With its strong motor and great suspension, this was a very well respected car. So much so, that it has been reincarnated as the 2014 Chevrolet SS......

See the similarity? Almost the same car. Don't be too thrilled if you live in Canada though, since, at least initially, we won't be getting this US only Aussie road rocket. Something else you should know........the underpinnings of the G8/SS are used in the new Camaro. In fact the early road work was carried out down under. Thank you, Australia.

Now finally, imagine hammering down the highway in your dream machine, big V8 rumbling, carefree until you look in the rearview........

.......yikes, it's the cops and what are they driving? A Chevy Caprice (the new one), born, bred and built in Australia and even called the Holden Caprice in the markets where it is sold. A terrific car that is so far only being sold to the police in North America. Thank you, Australia?

Until next time........