HDT Special Vehicles
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| Manufacturer | Holden |
|---|---|
| Team Principal |
Harry Firth (1969-77) John Sheppard (1978-79) Peter Brock (1980-87) |
| Team Manager |
Harry Firth (1969-77) John Sheppard (1978-79) Peter Brock (1980-81) Grant Steers (1982-86) Alan Gow (1987-87) |
| Race Drivers | (Notable) Peter Brock, Colin Bond, John Harvey, Larry Perkins, David Parsons, Jim Richards, Allan Moffat, Vern Schuppan |
| Chassis |
Holden Monaro (HT) Holden Torana (LC, LJ, LH, LX) Holden Commodore (VB, VC, VH, VK, VK SS Group A, VL) |
| Debut | 1969 |
| Drivers' Championships | 4 |
| Round wins | 38 |
| 1987 position | 2nd (Brock), 12th (Miedecke) |
The Holden Dealer Team (HDT) was Holden's semi-official racing team from 1969 until 1986, primarily contesting Australian Touring Car events but also rallying, rallycross and sports sedans during the 1970s. From 1980 the Holden Dealer Team, by then under the ownership of Peter Brock, diversified into producing modified road-going Commodores and other Holden cars for selected dealers via HDT Special Vehicles.
Holden ceased its association with Brock's businesses in February 1987, and for the remainder of that year the race team became known as HDT Racing P/L, which name was later dissolved when Brock secured a contract with BMW Australia to operate a BMW M3 race team (formerly JPS Team BMW) in 1988 called Mobil 1 Racing. Further into 1988, Brock sold off his HDT Special Vehicles road car business, which has nevertheless, under various ownership, continued to modify Holden vehicles to this current day.
The podium finish for Brock in the 24hr 427 Monaro inspired the new HDT owners, the Pennsi brothers) from early 2001 to develop a range of HDT Monaros, also carrying the Monza name. Three of these vehicles were produced during the early part of 2000. These new branded Monzas were built to different specifications, with the most powerful and highly developed type being the R/T variant, which had seen track work on most club days at Eastern Creek.
After showing an increasing interest in motorsport during the 1960s, Holden decided to form a team to enter both Touring Car and Rally events in 1969. However, Holden’s parent company, General Motors forbade its manufacturers from officially entering motor sport circuit racing events worldwide. Holden was able to circumvent this directive by naming its team the ‘Holden Dealer Team’ which was officially owned by its dealers. In reality Holden bankrolled the entire operation and Holden executive John Bagshaw, who was the driving force behind the establishment of the team, created the financial framework which allowed the HDT to be funded without Detroit's knowledge. Holden appointed former Ford Works Team manager Harry Firth to run the operation.
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