The transition of the ute from farmer tool to performance vehicle was rapid and this rose through the 1990s.
Holden accelerated this through the SS version of its Commodore-based ute and the HSV Maloo, but in 2001 the local manufacturer took it a step further with the UTEster concept.
Based on the VX Commodore SS, it was described as ‘urban cool’ targeting the inner city population when it debuted at the 2001 Melbourne International Motor Show.
Famed designer Peter Hughes was the lead for the project, but the youthful members of the team completed much of the work on the concept.
Ideas such as a removable top and rear glass panels were inspired by sports cars. A special compartment in the hard tonneau cover provided a space for the glass top to be stowed, while the rear window lowered down into the body.
Similar to the trend at the time, aero dimples were featured on the tonneau cover.
The distinctive ‘Marque Yellow’ was completed by Car Tech, which was mixed by Jet Black grille, rear valance panel, mirrors and surround of the windscreen.
Alpine provided the DVD/VCD/CD and LCD monitors all remote control operated with 12-inch subwoofers and eight other speakers placed throughout the cabin.
Although hoped to be put into production, this vanished when the cost to manufacture and safety standards forced it to be shelved in 2002.
Some ideas carried on through the removable tonneau cover featuring on the Crewman Cross8 ute.