The Holden Dealer Team (HDT) has announced plans to establish a new headquarters at Mount Panorama, Bathurst, where it will open facilities for restoring and maintaining its iconic road cars, as well as developing a new performance model.
Speaking today at an announcement in Bathurst, where Brodie Kostecki and Todd Hazelwood won the Bathurst 1000 yesterday in a Ford Mustang, new HDT owner Kenny Habul confirmed the company was developing a new vehicle.
“We have prototype cars being tested here in Australia, as well as in Germany and the USA,” Mr Habul said.
“There is a lot of work to do before we have an HDT-reimagined car to present, but there is a fundamental recipe that I think will be very impressive.
“We will confirm more details about this stage of HDT’s next chapter in due course.”
Former HDT owner and racing legend Peter Brock, who was commemorated during the 2026 Bathurst 1000 weekend more than 20 years after his death, famously unveiled the controversial VL Director in February 1987, triggering the end of HDT’s official relationship with Holden after it was fitted with an Energy Polarizer, which the automaker had prohibited.
However, HDT continued producing modified Holdens after Mr Brock sold the business in 1988.
These included various versions of the VN Commodore (1988-1991) and the later VS models, before the brand was revived under subsequent ownership with retro-inspired models based on the VE and VF Commodores during the 2000s and 2010s.
Brock-era HDT models remain among the most sought-after and collectible Australian-made performance cars, reflecting their direct links to the racing legend, who made his Bathurst endurance racing debut in 1969.
In 2021, a 1985 HDT VK Commodore SS Group A formerly owned by Mr Brock sold for $1.057 million, setting what was then a record auction price for a production Holden.
It’s unclear what the new HDT model will be based on, given most of the company’s road cars were derived from the now-discontinued Holden Commodore.
Australian Commodore production ended in 2017, while the imported version was discontinued following General Motors‘ decision to close the Holden brand in 2020.
“This is about building world-class performance vehicles in Bathurst, the home of Australian motorsport and the spiritual home of HDT,” Mr Habul said.
HDT Special Vehicles was established in 1980 under Mr Brock, a nine-time Bathurst 1000 winner, initially producing modified Commodores to help fund his racing operation.
The Melbourne-based business continued under new ownership following Mr Brock’s departure, before relocating to Sydney in 1994 after being acquired by brothers Len and Sid Pennisi.
The operation later moved to Queensland under Peter Champion, who purchased the brand in 2007 and revived its road-car activities with retro-inspired Commodores.
Mr Habul acquired HDT from Mr Champion in September 2026, announcing plans to return the famous marque to Bathurst.
The company has already established temporary premises in the Bathurst suburb of Kelso, and is pursuing a permanent headquarters at Mount Panorama.
The proposed investment includes a paint facility, vehicle repair and restoration workshop, and dedicated HDT museum.
“We are respectful of what this brand means to people, and we recognise these cars need to be preserved and improved,” Mr Habul said.
“If you own an HDT you will be able to come to us for parts that we will have on the shelf, plus we will also be offering performance upgrades that will be HDT approved with increased power outputs, better brakes and enhanced safety.”
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