Tim Laidler's 2000HP Showstopper SV88 VL

The way Tim sees it, he saved this genuine SV88 VL. The shell was rotting in a field. We all know too well this kind of find often isn't conducive of much, being that the shell may be too far gone. But what Tim has done with loads of fabrication work, extreme styling touches, and who could forget blood, sweat and tears, is testament to getting things done.

Named ‘EXCESV’ for obvious reasons, Tim’s VL is built to play. Whether that’s at the drags or on a skid pad, it’s arrived on the scene to make both audible and visual noise. Up front is an APM-built 540ci Merlin IV Chevrolet Iron Big Block that has run up 2105hp on the APM engine dyno.

“The big carbon hat is a statement piece. It’s for no other reason than we wanted to do it. We want to go drag racing. We’d like to do a high six-second pass or a low seven in this car. We’ve got the power there," said Tim.

Step inside the VL and it’s serious business. The cage has been inspected and is approved to go racing. Up front is a pair of Kirkey seats that are covered with trim to resemble the factory SV88 style, and in the rear it’s all SV88 - albeit fresh and new. The steering wheel is a Momo period-correct item, and the shifter is a clear giveaway this VL intends on going very, very fast.

Other than the huge carbon fibre injector hat sitting above the 14/71 PSI blower, the other big statement piece on EXCESV are its 22-inch, three-piece wheels. They certainly grab your attention. Tim told us that he got the design and look from a stance car.

From what started as an $8000 find in a paddock, it’s certainly marked itself as one of the most talked about VLs in the country. To learn more about Tim’s VL check out the full walk-around video below.