HOLDEN Ute 2003-2007 Photos, engines & full specs

Registered as a utility vehicle and powered by a Chevrolet LS1 engine, the Holden Ute was an underdog for the sports cars segment.

The Holden Ute was one of the most Australian cars someone could describe. But don't get fooled by its utility look. It wasn't built to move your fridge or your couch from place to place, even though it could easily do that and do it fast. Due to specific country regulations, it was registered as a utility vehicle, but it was a true hot-rod. It was the Australian grand-nephew of the Chevy ElCamino.

From the outside, the VY version shared some parts with the Commodore lineup, especially the headlights. The bumper and the grille were different, even though they fit from one to another. But the Ute was after the A-pillars. It featured a short cabin for two occupants, and then it was cut. The carmaker installed a bed in the back, just in case the owner needs to load something.

Inside, the Ute featured the same dashboard as the VY Commodore, with a wave-like dashboard and a curved instrument cluster. The high-bolstered seats and the tall center console were specific for a sports car. Because that's what it was. It was a sports-car with a bed.

Under the hood, Holden installed a 3.6-liter V-6 engine for the base model. It was a marketing strategy so it could advertise it at a lower price. But most of the vehicles sold were the V-8 versions, with the 315 hp engine. An engine which was rarely left stock.