It might only be the second wagon to be featured on SquaredArches.com, but one look at the Panorama Silver coated VN warrants closer inspection. The Berlina Wagon was advertised as having a stroked Holden V8 and Mick didn’t hesitate to pick it up- it was only later on that it was revealed it was actually a standard stroke five litre.

Regardless, Mick- a keen wagon man with a tidy VP wagon in the shed as well- set about making improvements to work towards earning the car a Street Commodores feature.

Dumped over the 19inch HSV VZ Senator Signature rims, the Group A front bar and side skirts are finished with a custom rear bar give the wagon a sporting look that HSV should have considered. And it may have just led to more wagons being sold in the early 90s. During his ownership Mick has also colour coded the door handles and mirrors to give the car a smoother look.

Not quite a 355, the 304 is home to a Starr Performance manifold and 90mm throttle body which helps get the most out of the stage 3 COME Racing camshaft. The fuel system is basically factory with the addition of 36lbs injectors to help make sure there is always fresh fuel in the tank. On the Casey automotive dyno the wagon peeled off a rear wheel figure of 189 kilowatts. Not a bad effort considering the factory flywheel figure of 165!

With 50,000kms on the motor a freshen up can’t be too far away and Mick has hinted at adding a bit of boost but wants to keep a few surprises up his sleeve.

In the mean time, converting to a T5 cog swapper with a heavy duty clutch gives him full control over just how much power he puts to the mini spooled rear end. When it hits the diff, the 3.9 gearing gives it ample get up and go off the lights.

The factory brakes remain on the rear but as is common with second generation Commodores a VT brake conversion got the nod up front. The improved twin piston callipers bite down on slotted and cross drilled rotors which make up a cost effective brake package far out performing the original offerings.

Peering behind the tinted windows will reveal the old Berlina velour has been given the flick in favour of leather seats. A retrim is on the cards to breathe a little more life into some seats that show twenty years of faithful service but had a purchase price too good to refuse. A Speco shift light and dash mounted voltmeter and oil pressure gauge give Mick a little more feedback than the factory instrumentation.

The stereo install is modest with a CD player giving voice to Sony splits but given the twin 2.5 inch exhaust exiting through a twin 3 inch end means they is more than enough audio stimulation to be had.

Mick insists that much of the credit for the Wagon has to go to the previous owners. Given how the car has been maintained and the changes made since he was handed the papers it’s safe to say some kudos is deserved to head his way too. A lot more is planned for the Wagon to get it a berth in Street Commodores but given the cost so far is only $4500 it shows just what can be done with a VN in today’s marketplace.

Words by Mick (who runs the site)

Pictures by Mick (who owns the car)

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