The revived HDT brand has finally revealed its plans for the future, confirming a new headquarters in Bathurst dedicated to restoring and upgrading classic HDT Special Vehicles, along with development of an entirely new performance car project.
Following weeks of speculation about what a modern-day HDT could produce without the Holden Commodore, new owner Kenny Habul has outlined a strategy that initially concentrates on the brand’s existing vehicles rather than introducing a direct replacement.
Habul, an Australian-born businessman and racing driver based in the United States, acquired HDT from Peter Champion in September. He has now confirmed plans for a major investment in Bathurst, including a purpose-built facility for restoration work, performance upgrades and vehicle sales.
The workshop will offer HDT-approved modifications for existing Special Vehicles, including engine upgrades, improved braking systems and safety enhancements. Genuine replacement parts will also be made available to owners.
The proposed headquarters will incorporate panel and paint facilities, a showroom and a museum documenting the Holden Dealer Team’s racing achievements and road-car history.
However, the more interesting development is confirmation that HDT is working on a new vehicle under its ‘Reimagined’ program. Habul says prototype vehicles are already undergoing testing in Australia, Germany and the United States, although the company has not disclosed their underlying platforms, engines or intended production specifications.
That leaves the question of what a modern HDT performance car might look like unanswered for now, particularly following the end of Australian Holden Commodore production in 2017.
HDT’s history stretches back to the Holden Dealer Team established in 1969 under Harry Firth, before Peter Brock helped establish HDT Special Vehicles in 1980. Between 1980 and 1987, the company produced 4246 performance Holden Commodores, beginning with the V8-powered VC Commodore and continuing through a range of specialised models.
These vehicles have since become highly collectable, with Brock’s personal VK Commodore Group A SS, commonly known as the Blue Meanie, selling for more than $1 million in 2021.
Habul has strong connections to the brand and Bathurst, having known Brock personally and worked around his racing operation earlier in his career. He is also a two-time Bathurst 12 Hour winner.
The announcement coincided with events surrounding the 2026 Bathurst 1000 commemorating 20 years since Brock’s death. HDT is now beginning recruitment for its Bathurst operation, although construction timing and the scale of the planned investment have not yet been detailed.
Further information about the HDT Reimagined vehicle project is expected in future announcements, with no confirmation yet of whether it will involve a completely new vehicle or a substantially modified existing platform.
