Hiring a modern V8
 

One of my Australian friends has a car he keeps referring to as a V8. It's big, loud and nice to drive.

I'm planning my next trip to oz in July. I'll be based in Brisbane as per usual and will be doing some driving this time. I'm looking forward to driving Brisbane-Melbourne along the Newell and then back to brisbane via Canberra (the snowy mountains), Sydney and the Gold Coast.

I would like to do this in a relatively new V8. We don't have these in Ireland so it would be a unique experience for me and my gf, to whom I have a great deal of trouble explaining the attraction of these large vehicles.

Does anybody know a place in Brisbane (if not melbourne will do) where I can hire one of these?

If I can only hire it in melb, i'll need to be able to drop it off in Brisbane.

Thanks in advance,

AZG

I suggest you try the 3 major national chains, Hertz, Avis and Budget. I looked up the first two out of curiosity but became frustrated with their websites. Avis seemed to have nothing above a Holden V6 but Hertz seemed to offer the possibility of a Ford Fairlane Ghia, which I think is a V8. Although I've never owned one, I've had a fondness for large V8s ever since the glory days of enormous American imports with tailfins and tons of chrome. Modern Australian-designed V8s are a pale reflection of these monsters, but still have satisfying growl and lots of torque. They also handle quite well. You will be looking for an Australian Ford (Fairlane range) or GM Holden (Statesman/Caprice/Monaro?). The Monaro 2-door coupe, which is sold in the US as the Pontiac GT, I'm sure that would suit you down to the ground. On the highway their fuel consumption is not much worse than a V6 model, but I imagine that the rental charges will be heavy.

Hi Neil,

Thanks but I have checked each of those out and none have V8s listed on their web sites. I thought the Fairlanes were all V8s too but the ones on the web site are V6s. The manaro would be pretty cool but to tell you the truth, i'd be happy enough with a Commodoore S V8/SS or HSV.

I've found a number of smaller specialist car hire places online but they seem so either offer cheaufer driven vehicles or specialise in expensive sports cars (ie. Jag convertables, high end BMWs - ewwwww).

A fairlane would be perfect if it were a V8 (even though my ozy friends would laugh at me ;-)).

I am almost certain that you will not find any of the major rental companies offering V8's as part of their fleet. You will have to find a smaller specialist hirer but I do not like your chances.

Cheers

Paul_S

OK Thanks. I just had a quick look on the trading post and noticed I can pick up a 2nd hand 1993 HSV for around 13K. I might just buy one. Then either sell it or bring it home with me ;-)