When GMC took over the Holden factory in Australia, they had a handful of unique vehicles to manufacture and sell. Among the group was the Holden UTE.

Some may think the vehicle is familiar as it is similar to the US Chevrolet El Camino, but it has that unique Australian twist that makes this muscle car even better.

The Holden UTE, Australian Made

The Holden UTE is the after-work blue-collar worker that shows up at the club looking drop-dead gorgeous. The sports car meets the working truck in a unique blend of opulent interior and an industrious and menacing exterior.

Holden made the unique truck to be the best muscle car with practical uses on the market in Australia. After its launch, the budget-friendly vehicle was an instant favorite. The truck was made to be a working vehicle during the week and a hot muscle car during the weekend.

However, the UTE was shut down just a few years after GMC took over the Holden company. Some models have survived through the years and have become as hard to get as the US El Camino.

Let Jerry find your price in only 45 seconds

No spam · No long forms · No fees

Find insurance savings

A look under the hood of the Holden UTE

MORE: The 4 Cheapest Pickup Trucks to Keep on the Road

The Holden UTE was first produced in 2003 according to the data provided by

Auto Evolution

. Through four generations of models, it carried on, awing consumers with its ability and beauty. In 2013, Holden introduced the VF-based UTE that survived until the line was shut down in 2017.

The front of a UTE was a beautiful muscle car based on the Commodore and updated with a new rounded front fascia, hexagonal grill mouth, and angled headlights. The sleek design became more aggressive as the trim levels increased.

Inside the luxury is abundantly clear even in the lower trim levels. European styles dominate with rounded instrument clusters and a 7" touchscreen above the high center stack. The silver inserts and thick steering wheel add to the sports image of the muscle car.

High bolstered seats in limited colors added to the muscle car effect while keeping the occupants in the proper places during hard turns.

Under the hood, you can spy a small but gas-efficient 3.6-liter engine in the lower trim levels. For a higher performance level that was guaranteed to turn heads, opt for the 6.2 liter LS3, one of the top trim levels.

Though either engine was designed to be as efficient as possible, there is an option for a natural gas engine as well.

Prices varied widely for the Holden UTE. Lower trim levels sold for $1,850 when they were first released. The highest and most decked-out trim level topped out at a little under $25,000.

In today's market, you can scarcely find a Holden UTE, and when you do it will most likely cost you. The Holden UTEs sell for as much as $99,000 for the newest high trim models.

How is the Holden UTE different?

MORE: These Discontinued Cars Need to Be Resurrected

The Holden UTE is not just another car and truck mash-up. It is a complete luxury vehicle with the ability to do the light dirty work anyone would need.

What made Holden UTE different is the European-style interior, muscle car engine, and the working person's truck bed with a low rider spirit.

Clearly, the Chevrolet El Camino is closely related to the Holden UTE, but the UTE is a stature lower than the El Camino. With the slanted headlights and puffed-up muscle car features, the Holden is the English Bulldog compared to the El Camino's American Bulldog. Both have their unique body style and hauling abilities that mix perfectly with the luxurious interiors.

Get the best insurance for your vehicle

Once you find the perfect Holden UTE, you need the best protection for it at the right price to fit your budget. Let Jerry assist you in finding the perfect quote with only a few clicks. Within seconds,

Jerry

can have the quotes you need and will even assist you in switching over to your desired company!

Are you overpaying for car insurance?

Compare quotes and find out in 45 seconds.

Try Jerry