Energy Polarizer controversy

During the 1980s, the Holden Dealer Team (HDT), a semi-official Australian racing outfit and car tuning partner of Holden, faced controversy after fitting cars with epoxy-resin boxes containing crystals and magnets they called "Energy Polarizers". These devices were pseudoscientifically claimed to improve performance by "aligning molecules".^[1]

1987 HDT Director model

In 1980 Peter Brock formed Holden Dealer Team Special Vehicles, a car tuning company for Holden vehicles,^[2] and produced 'homologation specials' based on the Holden Commodore.^[3] In February 1987 HDT released the HDT Director based on the Holden Commodore (VL), providing the option to install Energy Polarizer devices for AU$480. Brock described the boxes as "a magic cure" that "made a shit house car good". His belief in the devices originated from the influence of the Melbourne-based chiropractor Eric Dowker, who had helped Brock give up alcohol and cigarettes and influenced a belief in crystal healing and orgone energy. 173 units were sold with the Energy Polarizer.^[1][4][5]

Due to the controversy and the HDT team's installation of new rear suspension without prior permission or testing, Holden ended the relationship in 1987, later founding Holden Special Vehicles (HSV) with Tom Walkinshaw Racing (TWR) as its performance division.^[6][5][4][1] The Australian Skeptics awarded Peter Brock the 1986 'Bent Spoon Award' for the Energy Polarizer.^[1]

In 2011 the Holden Dealer Team released the 'Heritage Series' cars, which paid homage to the controversy by equipping the Energy Polarizer devices.^[7] In 2017 Holden produced a special edition Director model of the Holden Calais V (VF), 360 units were produced.^[8]