What you'll find here
Year-by-year archive pages with brochure PDFs, core specs, and links to related models.
Commodore – Calais27 PDFs
Holden Commodore – Calais
This collection comprises 27 original brochures spanning four decades of the Holden Commodore (1978–2018). The archive traces the evolution of Australia's most significant automotive nameplate across multiple generations, body styles, and market variants. Dealer catalogs from two regions reveal production strategies and regional preferences. A resource for automotive historians, enthusiasts, and researchers documenting the Commodore's place in Australian and international motoring culture.
Multi-marketMarket
27PDFs
1978–2018Production
21Model years
Why it matters
Original manufacturer materials document equipment and options exactly as they were offered.
How to navigate
Use search or the year browser below. Each brochure card links to the full PDF download.
Browse by model year
Open a year to view details and download the brochure.
1985 Holden Calais Brochure
Under the bonnet sat a 5.0-litre V8 engine producing 190 horsepower, paired with a three-speed automatic transmission that defined performance expectations for Australian mid-sized sedans in 1985. Holden positioned the Calais as the prestige variant, targeting buyers who demanded more than the base Commodore but sought local engineering reliability over imported alternatives fl
1995 Holden Calais Brochure
By 1995, the Calais faced stiff competition from the Toyota Camry and Nissan Maxima across Australian showrooms, yet Holden's locally engineered answer held its ground. The 3.8-litre V6 engine, producing 158 kW, delivered the kind of mid-range torque that buyers in that segment expected without the import premium. Buyers weighed it against Japanese rivals and chose local engine
2006 Holden Calais Brochure
By 2006, Holden's Calais faced a crowded field of Japanese and European rivals in the Australian sedan market. Against the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord, the updated Calais held its own with a 3.6-litre V6 producing 190 kW, paired with a five-speed automatic and a chassis tuned for the country's long, demanding roads. What swayed local buyers was straightforward: solid engineer
1978 Holden Commodore Brochure
In 1978, the Commodore faced stiff competition from the Ford Falcon and the Chrysler Valiant, yet Holden's locally built saloon held its own through sheer practicality and engine choice. The base 3.3-litre six-cylinder delivered adequate torque for Australian conditions, while buyers stepping up to the 5.0-litre V8 gained the performance edge that made the Commodore the choice
1980 Holden Commodore Brochure
By 1980, Holden faced real pressure from Falcon and Cortina rivals, yet the Commodore's arrival two years prior had already shifted the contest. The 3.3-litre six-cylinder delivered 138 horsepower with enough torque for Australian driving conditions, while the optional 5.0-litre V8 promised genuine performance. Buyers discovered a locally built sedan that matched imported rival
1983 Holden Commodore Brochure
The 1983 Commodore's engine lineup carried the familiar 3.3-litre six-cylinder producing 110 kW, paired with a four-speed automatic transmission that defined Australian family-car expectations. A smaller 1.9-litre four-cylinder option addressed budget-conscious buyers. This powertrain strategy kept Holden competitive against Ford's Falcon, which remained the segment's reference
1987 Holden Commodore Brochure
The 1987 Commodore line offered buyers a choice spanning four body configurations: the sedan, wagon, utility, and coupé. Engines ranged from the 3.0-litre six delivering 125 kW through to the muscular 5.0-litre V8 good for 190 kW. Trim levels climbed from the base SL through to the luxury Executive variant, each bringing different cabin appointments and exterior trim packages t
1989 Holden Commodore Brochure
By 1989, the Australian market received the Commodore in its heartland—a saloon designed squarely for domestic buyers who demanded space and reliability over European sportiness. Left-hand-drive configuration dominated export markets, but Holden's home product remained right-hand-drive, a choice that reflected its singular focus on the domestic segment where it held commanding
1992 Holden Commodore Brochure
By 1992, the Commodore faced stiffening competition from the newly arrived Ford Fairlane and the resurgent Toyota Camry in the Australian mid-size sedan segment. Holden's response was a refined sixth-generation model that leaned on proven engineering rather than radical change. The 3.8-litre V6, producing 155 kW, remained the power anchor, while the range-topping Executive vari
1993 Holden Commodore Brochure
By 1993, the Commodore arrived in Australian showrooms as the family sedan that refused to apologize for its size. The 3.8-litre V6, producing 149 kW, powered both the standard saloon and the practical wagon variant that buyers trusted for long outback journeys. Holden's local manufacturing meant service and parts remained genuinely accessible across the continent.
1997 Holden Commodore Brochure
By 1997, the Commodore faced stiffer competition from the Falcon and Magna, yet Holden's mid-size sedan held ground through sheer practicality and local assembly costs. The naturally aspirated 3.8-litre V6 producing 215 horsepower remained the volume engine, while buyers could specify a 3.8-litre supercharged unit for those wanting genuine performance. Australian showrooms offe
2008 Holden Commodore Brochure
By 2008, the VE Commodore faced mounting pressure from the Falcon and Chrysler 300C, yet Holden's refresh kept the model competitive through a revised grille, updated cabin, and the carry-over 3.6-litre V6 producing 210 kW. Australian buyers still valued the full-size saloon's space and local engineering heritage over imported rivals.
2017 Holden Commodore Brochure
By 2017, Holden's full-size saloon faced a tightening market where SUVs were claiming family-car buyers. The range still offered sedan, wagon, and Ute variants—each with the familiar 3.6-litre naturally aspirated V6 producing 250 kW—but the addition of advanced safety tech and refined cabin materials suggested a last stand against imported competitors. Buyers still valued local
2018 Holden Commodore Brochure
As Holden's final year approached, the 2018 Commodore relied on a proven 3.6-litre naturally aspirated V6 developing 250 horsepower, paired with either a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic. The turbocharged iteration pushed output to 325 hp, offering buyers in Australia and New Zealand a last chance to order a locally assembled performance sedan before production ceased.
2010 Holden Commodore & Calais Brochure
By 2010, the locally built Commodore faced an uphill battle against European saloons and Japanese rivals flooding Australian showrooms. Holden's response was the refined VE Phase II, armed with a 3.6-litre V6 producing 210 kW and better-insulated cabins that promised quieter motorway cruising. The Calais variant targeted buyers seeking premium trim without the import price tag—
2012 Holden Commodore & Calais Brochure
By 2012, the VF Commodore generation was in its second year, carrying the 3.6-litre naturally aspirated V6 as the volume engine—producing 213 kW and paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The Calais variant added firmer suspension geometry and revised steering calibration, positioning it against rivals like the Falcon and Statesman. Both saloon and wagon body styles re
2013 Holden Commodore Sedan & Sportwagon Brochure
By 2013, Holden's full-size sedan faced an uphill battle against the flood of imported rivals and fuel-conscious buyers turning toward smaller cars. Yet the refreshed Commodore still offered what Australian families expected: genuine cabin space, a 3.6-litre V6 producing 211 kW, and the Sportwagon for those who needed cargo room without a truck. It was a last stand, not a revol
2014 Holden Commodore Sedan & Sportwagon Brochure
By 2014, Holden's Commodore lineup stretched across two distinct body styles: the traditional four-door sedan and the practical Sportwagon estate, both powered by the 3.6-litre V6 engine producing 304 horsepower. Buyers could configure each with multiple trim levels and interior packages, making the range accessible across different market segments and driving needs.
2009 Holden Commodore Special Edition Brochure
By 2009, Holden's Special Edition reached Australian buyers as a distinctly local offering in a segment where the Camry dominated. The V6 engine produced 210 kW and arrived with leather trim, dual-zone climate control, and a tuned suspension calibrated for Australian roads. It was a car built for the domestic market, not exported.
2017 Holden Commodore Tourer Brochure
By 2017, Holden's wagon line-up had narrowed to this single offering, yet the Tourer spanned three distinct trim levels across the catalogue. The base model came equipped with a 3.6-litre V6 producing 250 hp, while higher variants added leather, navigation, and a panoramic sunroof. Australian buyers faced the reality that this would be among the last locally badged Commodores.
2018 Holden Commodore Tourer Brochure
When the 2018 Commodore Tourer arrived in Australian showrooms, it faced mounting pressure from European sports sedans and the rising SUV tide. Holden's answer was a refined package: the 3.6-litre naturally aspirated V6 delivered 250 horsepower, while a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder offered the same output with better efficiency. Buyers could choose between saloon and wa
2015 Holden Commodore VFII Brochure
The 2015 VFII lineup offered buyers a choice that few rivals could match: three body styles—sedan, wagon, and utility—each paired with either the familiar 3.6-litre V6 or the turbocharged 3.0-litre diesel producing 280 hp. Holden's refreshed cabin and revised exterior styling kept the big Commodore competitive against Ford Falcon and Chrysler 300C.
2016 Holden Commodore VFII Brochure
The 2016 VFII's 3.0-litre naturally aspirated V6 delivered 253 horsepower through either a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic, positioning it squarely against the Falcon XR and Statesman in Australia's shrinking local sedan market. Buyers valued the balance of power and everyday practicality that defined this generation.
2017 Holden Commodore VFII Brochure
By 2017, the VFII reached Australian showrooms as the final generation before Holden ceased local manufacturing. Left-hand-drive markets had already moved on, but Australia remained loyal: the V6 sedan competed directly against imported rivals like the Chrysler 300C and Nissan Maxima, offering genuine six-cylinder torque where others downsized to turbo fours.
Frequently asked questions
How many documents are in the Holden Commodore archive?
The archive contains 27 original documents spanning brochures, dealer catalogs, and factory literature for the Holden Commodore. This collection covers multiple generations and market variants, giving you a comprehensive paper trail of how Holden presented this iconic model across different eras and regions.
What years does the Commodore archive cover?
Documents span from 1978 through 2018, capturing four decades of the Commodore's evolution. While the collection covers this broad timeframe, not every single year is represented equally. The archive focuses on key model updates and significant market releases rather than annual increments.
Can I use these documents for restoration research?
Yes. Original factory brochures and dealer catalogs are invaluable for restoration work. They show authentic color schemes, trim configurations, optional equipment, and interior details as they were sold. You'll find period-correct specifications and styling cues that help guide accurate restorations to original specifications.
Are there different market versions in this archive?
The collection includes 2 distinct market variants, reflecting Holden's regional sales strategy across its history. These variants show how the Commodore was positioned differently depending on geography and market demand, offering insight into localized branding and feature emphasis.
How does this archive page differ from the catalog page?
This archive page focuses on the documents themselves as historical artifacts and research resources. The catalog page presents specifications and technical data about the car. Here, you're exploring original marketing materials, design evolution, and period-specific information captured in genuine factory literature.
Which Commodore generations are covered?
The archive includes five distinct series and generation groupings: Calais, Commodore, Commodore and Calais together, Commodore Sedan and Sportwagon variants, and Commodore Special Edition models. This variety shows the model's evolution and how Holden segmented the lineup across different market periods.
How often is the Commodore archive updated?
New documents are added as they're discovered and digitized, though updates aren't on a fixed schedule. The archive grows organically as sources become available. Check back periodically to see newly cataloged materials that may fill gaps or expand coverage of underrepresented years.