I had an ex-NSW Highway Patrol VE SS Commodore for several years, it'd been taken care of so well that I didn't realise it had been a police car until a panelbeater pointed out the modifications to me. I guess when they basically live in the car, they've got to look after it. It was a beautiful machine, and I still miss the sound of the 6.0L V8 in full song.
I didn't do much mechanically to it besides a 3" stainless exhaust system, but I lowered it 2" and sat it on 20" rims; 10" wide on the rears to try and maintain contact with the road.
I know there's no replacement for displacement, but I've got a new XR6 Turbo. There's something really satisfying and fun about the power delivery with a turbocharged engine, it's almost like being slingshotted. And while it's no V8 roar, the forced induction of a big turbo spooling up pleases the ear too.
Might not have the same presence as the SS, but it's certainly a lot more comfortable and practical. It's nice being able to go over speedbumps again.
