Most pre-production prototypes usually find themselves in the crusher once their service is done as test mules, and as a result, it’s extremely rare to find living examples in public circulation.

On the odd occasion a prototype does make it out alive, it’s not uncommon that it carries with it a juicy back-story, which is exactly the case with this genuine VN SS Group A.

This special-order 257 chassis was used as a pilot vehicle by HSV for drivetrain testing, and for that purpose it received full compliance tags and road registration.

The Alpine White XV2 colour is the most obvious difference between this prototype and the 302 regular-production VN SS Group As. They were all painted in the distinctive Durif Red – although three of them were quickly repainted black, including two cars used for a Tooheys giveaway campaign in 1991,which you can read more about here. .