HDT STII: 20 built
HSV Jackaroo (1993): 79 built
HSV Jackaroo SE (1994–1995): 234 built
Prototypes: 2 built (JAC1 and JAC2)
Total Built: 20
Known Surviving Cars: 2
During the early 1980s, a specialist workshop by the name of Specility tuning, in Victoria was approached by General Motors–Holden (GMH) to enhance the first-generation Holden Jackaroo 4WD. The workshop had a history of racing Holden Gemini's and applied similar performance principles to the Jackaroo. They developed an upgrade package that included a custom exhaust system (featuring Lukey Mufflers and Perry headers), a revised camshaft grind, careful tuning of fuel-air ratios, and, in some instances, a Weber carburetor kit. This setup later known as the STII Improved Performance Kit was tested at GMH’s Lang Lang Proving Ground.
After the workshop successfully demonstrated performance gains without exceeding emissions limits, a batch of around 20 Jackaroos was reportedly sent to HDT (Holden Dealer Team) in North Melbourne for cosmetic and branding enhancements. These included HDT stickers, badges, and possibly unique under-bonnet serial plates. However, around this same time, tensions arose over the controversial “Polariser” device associated with a Peter Brock at HDT. With GMH distancing itself from certain HDT projects, the workshop obtained permission to bring the STII kit to market independently.
Not much is noted on the HDT webpage, but the car is mentioned.
https://hdt.com.au/showroom/vh/vh-australian-dealer-pack/
Total Built: 79 + 2*
Total Build numbers Allocated: 82
*Prototype Cars: 2
Known Surviving cars: 18
Colours
Radiant Red/Light Silver metallic
The HSV Jackaroo was a unique attempt by Holden Special Vehicles (HSV), to blend the rugged capabilities of the Holden Jackaroo (best known as the Isuzu Trooper Globally) with the performance-oriented styling and branding associated with HSV. Limited to just 79 cars, the HSV Jackaroo featured cosmetic enhancements that set it apart from standard Jackaroo models. These included a distinctive HSV body kit, upgraded alloy wheels, and HSV branding on the exterior and interior. Each vehicle was fitted with a build plate fixed to the firewall.
Mechanically, the HSV Jackaroo retained the same 3.2-litre V6 engine found in standard Jackaroos, delivering approximately 130 kW (174 hp). This engine was paired with either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission, offering capable performance for both on-road and off-road driving. However, the vehicle's focus on aesthetic upgrades meant there were no significant changes to its drivetrain or suspension, which limited its appeal among hardcore 4WD enthusiasts.
The HSV Jackaroo was based on the Jackaroo S model. However, unlike the standard Jackaroo S, the HSV variant came with air conditioning as a standard feature alongside its unique cosmetic upgrades.
Total Built: 234
Colours
Radian Red/Light Silver metallic
Cream White/ Solar Grey
Cranberry mica/Sliver metallic
Light Silver metallic/ Olive metallic
The SE Jackaroo can trace its lineage to the previously marketed HSV Jackaroo. As Holden reorganised its Jackaroo range in late 1993, what was once the HSV model was effectively rebadged and slightly toned down to become the Specially Enhanced (SE) variant. While the SE retains much of the same mechanical makeup as the Jackaroo XS, it features distinct styling cues such as wheel-arch flares, alloy wheels, two-tone paint, and updated badging.
Even though the SE shares the core platform and 3.2-liter, 24-valve V6 engine with the XS, Holden introduced important running changes to the entire 1994 Jackaroo lineup. One of the most significant improvements was reworking the wiring between the engine management and automatic transmission computers. Previously, the automatic gearbox could exhibit abrupt shifting and gear-hunting especially under load or in hilly conditions. With the revised wiring setup, the engine and transmission “communicate” more effectively, resulting in smoother gear changes and reduced gear-hunting.
The SE, even though it was marketed under the Holden name, this variant still incorporates a HSV-branded body kit, distinctive HSV wheels, and the HSV build plate located on the firewall.
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