Holden Caprice (VQ)

The Holden Caprice (VQ) and Holden Statesman (VQ) were Holden's top-of-the-line luxury sedans produced between 1990 and 1994. It was the first Statesman to be based on the Commodore line. The rear end was an all-new design, with independent rear suspension.

They were positioned against Ford Australia's Fairlane and LTD.

The VQ Statesman was used as an official car by government ministers in Australia, and some were also converted into hearses for funerals or limousines.

Series I Statesmans were released in March 1990, whilst the Series II were released in December 1991. There was a further update in late 1993.

History

After General Motors Holdens ended production of the WB Statesman in 1984, Ford was left to market its Fairlane and LTD with no local competition. It was another six years before Holden released another long wheelbase sedan. Unlike the Ford NA Fairlane, Holden focused mainly on creature comforts and mechanical improvements in the VQ rather than appearance.[1]

Specification levels

Series I (1990–1991)

Statesman

The VQ Statesman Series I was priced from A$39,950 when new.

VQ Statesman Series I standard features included:
15-inch steel wheels
5.0 L 165 kW V8
4 speed automatic transmission
6 speaker stereo
Alarm which incorporated:
Engine immobiliser
Central locking which incorporated:
Keyless entry
Remote boot release
Climate control air conditioning
Cruise control
Independent rear suspension
Power Pack which incorporated:
Front and rear power windows
Power antenna
Power mirrors
Power Steering
Trip computer
Velour interior

VQ Statesman Series I optional features included:
HSV enhanced 180 kW engine
Limited Slip Differential (LSD)
Electric Sunroof (dealer fitted)

Caprice

The VQ Caprice Series I was priced from A$56,894 when new.

VQ Caprice Series I standard features superseded and added to those of the VQ Statesman variant:
15-inch alloy wheels
14 speaker stereo
Cosmetic enhancements (e.g. chrome and woodgrain trim)
Fog lights
Rear stereo controls
Rear vanity mirrors

VQ Caprice Series I optional features included:
Leather upholstery
Electric sunroof (dealer fitted)

Statesman

The VQ Statesman Series I was priced from A$39,950 when new.

VQ Statesman Series I standard features included:
15-inch steel wheels
5.0 L 165 kW V8
4 speed automatic transmission
6 speaker stereo
Alarm which incorporated:
Engine immobiliser
Central locking which incorporated:
Keyless entry
Remote boot release
Climate control air conditioning
Cruise control
Independent rear suspension
Power Pack which incorporated:
Front and rear power windows
Power antenna

Caprice

The VQ Caprice Series I was priced from A$56,894 when new.

VQ Caprice Series I standard features superseded and added to those of the VQ Statesman variant:
15-inch alloy wheels
14 speaker stereo
Cosmetic enhancements (e.g. chrome and woodgrain trim)
Fog lights
Rear stereo controls
Rear vanity mirrors

VQ Caprice Series I optional features included:
Leather upholstery
Electric sunroof (dealer fitted)

Series II (1991–1993)

The VQ was the second ever Holden to be officially offered as a Series II model after the WB Statesman range in September 1983.

Although the VQ Series I was based on the VN Commodore, the Series II was based on the VP Commodore. This meant that it had a fully revised electrical system consisting of a centralised body control module.

The Series II was fitted with a subtle bodykit and slightly different interior trim. It also had other minor changes such as body coloured side mirrors and indicator repeaters on the front guards.

Statesman

The VQ Statesman Series II was priced from A$42,863 when new.

VQ Statesman Series II Standard features superseded and added to those of the VQ Statesman Series I variant:
15-inch alloy wheels
Speed sensitive power steering
Driver's side glovebox

VQ Statesman Series II Optional features superseded and added to those of the VQ Statesman Series I variant:

Statesman

The VQ Statesman Series II was priced from A$42,863 when new.

VQ Statesman Series II Standard features superseded and added to those of the VQ Statesman Series I variant:
15-inch alloy wheels
Speed sensitive power steering
Driver's side glovebox

VQ Statesman Series II Optional features superseded and added to those of the VQ Statesman Series I variant:
Anti-lock brakes
V6 engine

Caprice

The VQ Caprice Series II was priced from A$60,352 when new.

VQ Caprice Series II standard features superseded and added to those of the VQ Caprice Series I variant:
Anti-lock brakes
Power front seats
Speed sensitive power steering
10 disc CD stacker

manufacturer	Holden (General Motors)
aka	Holden Statesman (VQ)
production	7 March 1990 – March 1994
successor	Holden VR Statesman
class	Full-size
body style	4-door sedan
layout	FR layout
engine	V6 * 3.8 L 127 kW: 3800 V6 V8 * 5.0 L 165 kW: HEC 5000i V8 * 5.0 L 180 kW: HEC 5000i V8 * 5.0 L 200 kW: HEC 5000i V8
transmission	4-speed automatic: * GM HydraMatic 700
wheelbase	V8 Statesman: * 2826 mm
length	V8 Statesman: * 4960 mm
width	V8 Statesman: * 1812 mm
height	V8 Statesman: * 1421 mm
weight	V8 Statesman: * 1563 kg
related	Holden VG Ute Holden VN Commodore Opel Omega Opel Senator
designer	Mike Simcoe (1989)

Holden Caprice (VQ)

History

Cosmetic changes

Specification levels

Series I (1990–1991)

Statesman

Caprice

Statesman

Caprice

Series II (1991–1993)

Statesman

Statesman

Caprice

1993 update

HSV variations

External links

References

Caprice