I haven't got a Thunder. Mines a 2008 SS ute with the manual. LOVE IT! What a great out of the box car! Before I bought it I looked at a heap of them, and read all the reviews I could find. Best review was, "You are not buying a ute. You are buying a 2 door muscle car, with a really big boot" 😝
And yes you are correct- HOLDEN has revived its Thunder nameplate with two limited-edition Series II VE Ute variants released to mark the 60th anniversary of its original 1951 ‘FX’ Ute.
The first Holden Ute was released in 1951 called the 50/2106 which was based on the 48/215 sedan commonly known as the FX. The Maloo name was first used by HSV in the early 90's and you are correct that it means thunder in an Indigenous language. Back in 2000 Holden released the new commodore ute and the TV commercial featured the AC/DC song Thunderstruck (you need to check that ad out on RU-vid) and in 2002 Holden had a Ute model called Storm. So I am assuming that ad is the inspiration for that model name and continued with the Thunder name. The first time Thunder Ute was released in 2006 with the VZ model. I don't recall if the reason for the Thunder name on the VE was to commemorate 60yrs of the Holden Ute but since it was used around 2011 and no other special edition was around then you are probably correct that is the case. In regards to this ute, the owner should be commended on that interior and overall this is a nice ute and the mods are tastefully done..
this is easily the best build for a holden I've seen yet, flashy yet not over the top, tough but comfortable, easy to live with, I've got aspirations now!
Great review of the VE Thunder, Ross. What a great sounding and good looking ute. The owner has done a good job modifying it. It should go really well with a tune. Another great video I enjoyed. Keep them coming.
Some nice Michelin tires on that thing. You can tell the car is well cared for and hasn't been modified in poor taste like so many other V8 Commodores.
A superb Ute there mate,I'll always say that we have the best looking Utes in the world Johnny & this one is even better & not only that they go hard & sound amazing as well,the owner has done an exceptional job hats off to him & we all know it can definitely do a better time than that,I bloody loved this review you've killed it again like usual cheers bro.
Long live the V8 engine,Commodore utes are also my absolute favourite body style, many people hate on the VE model,but my dream car is a VE Maloo. I think they look absolutely mean.
The colour looks nice👌& interior mod's are perfect👍❤. My VE Thunder had a touch screen with Sat Nav, Leather bolstered seats & factory 19 inch charcoal alloys.
Once that thing gets it's tune & the diff is run-in I'd say it is capable of a lot less than 7 seconds for the 0-100km dash (even my stock WN Caprice does it in a shade over 5 sec's).
Awesome review on the SS Thunder Ross Reviews. I can’t wait to watch your Brisbane and Gold Coast reviews’ please don’t forget that I want to come to Gympie and meet me and do some reviews in Gympie on one of the days you are in Queensland please. To Ross Reviews From Jordan
I had a VE Ute that was cammed with similar power to this back in 2011 and I remember it was vicious. Especially above 4000rpm, it hauled arse. This car seems very mild but I see you said it had some issues.
hi ross long time viewer and fan , even though your a ford man, whens your mom coming back to oz to do some reviews, looking forward to it, cheers mate
I do not believe what the owner has said this thing has as when in mine and I hit second I hit 100 before I can hey cops lol but this is an absolute killer car thanks for sharing
