Holden TribUTE detailed: VE Series II Ute with LS3 V8 and heavy-duty manual marks 70th anniversary of Australia's own

Holden has marked the 70th anniversary of an Australian icon, the Holden Ute, with the reveal of the aptly named TribUTE, which is well and truly up for grabs.

In 1951, the first Holden Ute, the 50-2106 Coupe Utility, was built, with the model’s 66-year production run later highlighted by the FJ, HZ and VS series as well as its final iteration, the VF Series II.

And now the TribUTE is here to pay homage to the Holden Ute, with it described by Holden as “a reimagined and redefined VE Series II SSV Redline Ute”, but how so?

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Well, the 270kW ‘L77’ 6.0-litre naturally aspirated V8 petrol engine has been removed, with it replaced by a 391kW (525hp) ‘LS3’ 6.2-litre unit from Chevrolet Performance.

This increased rear-wheel-drive power is matched by an upgraded six-speed manual transmission, specifically a heavy-duty T56 Super Magnum unit.

The TribUte also stands out from the VE Series II SSV Redline Ute crowd.

Finished in Red Hot solid paintwork, the TribUte also stands out from the VE Series II SSV Redline Ute crowd with GM Level 3 Track Capable FE3 suspension, stronger cross-drilled Brembo brakes front and rear, and staggered 20-inch alloy wheels.

All of these changes will be made by a Holden Certified Service Outlet and GM Certified Collision Repairer, which will use Holden Genuine and ACDelco parts.

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But the best part is the TribUTE will soon be given to one lucky punter, with a competition being held to win this main prize, which is valued at up $80,000 (including on-road costs).

Now open, the competition can be entered by having a Holden serviced at a Holden Certified Service Outlet or by purchasing ACDelco oil via the GM Trade Parts program. Entries close at 11:59pm on June 30, 2021 (AEST).

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The winner will have the keys to the TribUTE handed over to them by Supercars legend Craig Lowndes at a private event.

As reported, Holden is in the midst of winding down its Australian sales operations by the end of this year, although it will still have a servicing presence for at least the next 10 years.