A piece of Australian motoring history has been snapped up for $158,500 at auction—Mark Skaife’s personal HSV Coupe GTS Build #0001, the very first of its kind to roll off the production line.
This rare and meticulously preserved vehicle represents not only a golden era of HSV craftsmanship but also a tangible connection to one of the most successful touring car drivers in Australian motorsport history.
The Car: A Collector’s Dream
This 2002 HSV Coupe GTS, based on the iconic Holden Monaro platform, isn’t just any GTS—it’s build #0001, the very first production model.
Adding to its prestige is the fact that it was personally owned and driven by Mark Skaife OAM, a five-time V8 Supercars champion and one of Holden’s most celebrated drivers.
Key Specifications:
- Engine: 5.7-litre naturally aspirated V8 (Callaway-tuned).
- Power: 300kW.
- Torque: 510Nm.
- Transmission: Six-speed manual.
- 0-100km/h: 5.1 seconds (claimed).
- Drive: Rear-wheel drive.
Finished in Sting Red, the GTS embodies the aggressive styling and performance HSV was known for, with every detail meticulously designed for enthusiasts.
View a video of the 2002 HSV Coupe GTS below:
Ownership Provenance
Built during Skaife’s dominant 2002 V8 Supercars Championship-winning season, this GTS holds immense sentimental and historical value.
Skaife won more than half of the 13 championship rounds that year, cementing his legacy as a racing legend.
The Coupe GTS served as Skaife’s personal vehicle for two years, clocking just 28,000km before being sold to its second owner.
Over the next two decades, it saw minimal use, bringing its odometer to less than 38,000km—a testament to its preservation and desirability as a collector’s item.
Immaculate Condition and Documentation
What sets this GTS apart isn’t just its provenance but also its incredible condition. The vehicle comes with:
- Complete logbooks.
- An unopened compendium kit, a rarity among collectors.
- Posters and memorabilia.
- A signed engine cover by Mark Skaife himself.
- An authentication letter from HSV, verifying its build number and unique history.
These details not only validate its origin but elevate its appeal to enthusiasts and collectors.
Auction Success
The Coupe GTS crossed the auction block through Lloyds Auctioneers on May 28, 2022.
Bidding for the car began at $75,000 on Friday night, quickly rising to $115,000 by Saturday morning.
By the end of the day, the hammer fell at an impressive $158,500, solidifying the car’s status as one of the most valuable Monaro-based HSVs sold at auction.
Legacy of the HSV Coupe GTS
The HSV Coupe GTS represents the pinnacle of Holden Special Vehicles engineering during the early 2000s.
Designed to rival international performance coupes, it combined brute V8 power with sophisticated handling, earning its place among the most respected Australian muscle cars.
“This car isn’t just a vehicle; it’s a piece of Australian motorsport history,” said a Lloyds Auctioneers representative during the auction.
Mark Skaife’s Enduring Legacy
Mark Skaife’s association with this GTS adds unparalleled significance to the car. Skaife’s achievements during the 2002 season were unprecedented, making this vehicle a fitting tribute to his success.
Owning this GTS is akin to holding a piece of his legacy, especially with personal touches like his signature on the engine cover.
A Rare Opportunity
This sale highlights the enduring appeal of HSV’s golden era and the importance of provenance in the collector car market.
With fewer than 38,000km on the clock and an impeccable history, this GTS stands as a benchmark for future auctions of Australian performance cars.
The question now is: will we see another Monaro-based HSV achieve such success at auction, or is this truly the peak of its legacy?
For enthusiasts, this sale cements the HSV Coupe GTS Build #0001 as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
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Mehedi Hasan
Dylan Anderson
