### A Highway Patrol Holden Commodore Spotted on Michigan Streets: What’s the Buzz?
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In an intriguing twist, a nearly identical replica of a New South Wales Highway Patrol VF Holden Commodore has been cruising the streets of Michigan. This sighting, shared in a Facebook group, is the work of a 17-year-old automotive enthusiast who has decked out his VF to capture the essence of an Aussie patrol vehicle with striking high-visibility graphics, flashing lights, and even an authentic New South Wales front license plate.
The level of detail is impressive; however, a closer inspection reveals that the vehicle’s markings diverge from standard fare. Instead of ‘Police’ and ‘Highway Patrol,’ the faux police car displays the playful titles ‘Rozzers’ and ‘Egg-Roll Patrol,’ humorously accompanied by an emblem featuring a wedge-tailed eagle clutching an egg roll rather than the usual ‘nemesis’ insignia.
Many online observers were quick to point out the unusual single-exit exhausts and the presence of an SV6 badge at the rear, raising eyebrows since the SV6 model never made its way across the pond to the U.S. One commenter quipped, “Surely no one would go through the hassle of importing a V6!”
While it’s true that Australian-made V6 Holdens found their way into the U.S. market, they came in the form of the long-wheelbase Holden Caprice, which was rebranded as a Chevrolet Caprice specifically for law enforcement and initially intended for Middle Eastern markets.
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However, the car at the center of this buzz isn’t an authentic Highway Patrol unit. Instead, it’s one of the 12,860 VF Commodores exported to the U.S., rebranded and sold as a Chevrolet SS in left-hand drive. This specific model can be identified by its dual, single-exit exhausts, common among Series I vehicles.
In terms of specifications, if sold in Australia, this car would have been marketed as an SS-V Redline, featuring the powerful 6.2-litre LS3 V8 engine that delivers a robust 304kW and 570Nm of torque.
The Chevrolet SS’s run in the U.S. came to a halt alongside its Australian counterpart, with production ceasing in 2017 as operations didn’t transfer overseas.
Yet, the Chevrolet SS has cultivated a dedicated following within niche automotive communities. Interestingly, a trend appears to be emerging where Australians are opting for Chevrolet badges on their Holdens, while American enthusiasts are now importing Holden badges for their Chevrolets.
In the Facebook comments, the owner expressed his enthusiasm: “I’m 17 and driving an SS-V Redline. If I did that in Sydney, I’d lose my license for life and face jail time for impersonating a police officer. This is why I love America—the freedom to express yourself is number one.”
We reached out to Wa San Liang, who confirmed the vehicle is indeed a U.S. domestic market Chevrolet SS, noting the robust Holden culture present in the States.
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“I chose the NSW livery because I found it to be different than anything else in the States. I’ve had the 2014 SS since mid-November 2024,” Wa San Liang shared. “Absolutely there’s a lot of Holden culture here; there’s a big Holden meet scheduled for August 30th in Indiana.”
In a notable parallel, a 21-year-old from Sydney recently faced charges for a series of offenses, including impersonating a police officer, after being caught driving a Mercedes-Benz S350D adorned with Chinese characters and the misspelled word “POILCE” on the bonnet.
While operating an old police car isn’t specifically illegal in Australia, it’s treading a fine line when it comes to impersonation, a matter ultimately determined by the court.
Fortunately, this young car enthusiast should navigate the roads of Michigan without concern, as long as he refrains from activating the red and blue lights. The vehicle doesn’t carry the word ‘police’ or resemble an American police vehicle, keeping him in the clear. However, should he choose to operate his Commodore on Australian roads, he might face a hefty fine up to $22,000 and/or a potential two-year prison sentence.
**Zane Dobie**
*Consumer Journalist*
*Read more about Zane Dobie*
Priyam Gera