Australia stopped building large cars in 2017. This 2016 Holden Calais VF II is one of the last of them, drawn up and assembled in Elizabeth, South Australia, by people who knew precisely what a big rear-drive sedan had to survive on our roads.

That knowledge shows up first in the ride. Decades of local tuning went into these cars, and you feel the benefit every time you meet the sort of mid-corner bump that unsettles far more expensive imports. The Calais takes it, stays flat, and carries on as though nothing happened.

The 3.6 litre V6 adds the character. It is muted around town and turns genuinely good-sounding when you lean on it, sending drive to the rear wheels the way large Australian sedans always did. Point it at the Hume and it holds a long, level gait that very few modern cars can match.

The cabin was clearly specified by someone who assumed you would be sitting in it for hours at a stretch. Black leather with contrast stitching, five adults accommodated properly rather than theoretically, and a boot sized for a weekend away with nobody negotiating over what gets left behind.

This one has covered 91,000 km and complied in February 2016, which for a car of this type is barely broken in. Values for a good VF Calais have been firming steadily, so the ownership case only gets easier to argue. Worth seeing in person if you are anywhere near Melbourne.

Enthusiasts have been labelling these a future classic since roughly 2018. For once the internet was right, and the people who bought early are the ones now enjoying themselves at barbecues by declining offers.

All prices displayed exclude government charges. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information provided, MM Carz recommends you confirm with one of our consultants to confirm specific specifications/features about the car. Please also note our vehicles may not always be on display, as they may be in for detailing--please contact us in advance to confirm availability before visiting our showroom.