Corsa Specialised Vehicles


Corsa Specialised Vehicles is a small-scale automaker established in 1994 that is based in Mildura, Victoria, Australia. Its range consists of V8-engined high performance cars based on those produced by Holden.
Since its founder, Peter Dichiera, decided that CSV would not simply build modified versions of existing Holden cars, in 1996 it obtained government approval under the Australian Design Rules scheme. In so doing, CSV became a "secondary manufacturer" in the same mold as its established large-scale rival, Holden Special Vehicles.
CSV's famed tuner reputation was established with the first vehicle built in 1994. Badged Corsa 220i, it was based on a Holden Berlina. The interest arising from the favourable results of this new high performance sedan against an HSV equivalent, as published in a national automotive magazine, caused CSV to build a further two vehicles by special order and begin exhibiting at Australian motorshows.
The full CSV range has included:
The individual model designation of each vehicle is based on the engine kilowatt-output. For example, the Mondo was offered as the GT305, a "Stage 2" GT350R and the GT400R.
Apart from high capacity and high output V8 engines, enhanced suspension and braking systems, CSV models have been characterised by upgraded interiors and full body kits.
Over time, CSV has gained various high performance achievements in the local Australian industry that have included:
Still based in Mildura, CSV's operations expanded to Melbourne for a time before their closure. The brand also has a presence in Perth, Western Australia, as CSV Australia.
This CSV is not to be confused with HSV's Middle Eastern export CSV badge, which stands for "Chevrolet Special Vehicles" instead.