The 1980 Hardie-Ferodo 1000 was the first for the new Group C formula, but there was controversy between two teams due to the close appearance of the logos.
Founded in 1979, the Country Dealer Team raced in the classes using Holden Geminis and later sold modified versions of these in addition to Commodores.
However, the Country Dealer Team logo was very close in appearance to the one used by the Peter Brock-led Holden Dealer Team’s version.
This led to the HDT placing an injunction on the CDT during the Bathurst weekend, which resulted in the latter changing its logo design after this event.
Ironically enough, Brock collided with one of the CDT Geminis at the top of the mountain during the race ending with the smaller capacity car rolling. Brock went a lap down, but ‘The Rock’ happened for Dick Johnson and the HDT ended up completing a hat-trick of victories.
As for the CDT, Jim and James Faneco released a limited range of Geminis based on its touring cars.
Sold through Holden dealers Australia-wide that supported the CDT’s racing efforts and built in the squad’s New Performance Vehicles Division based in Bayswater, Victoria, 1.6-litre SLX versions were modified to create the enhanced versions.
Borg Warner, Repco Muffler Fit, BP Australia, Supershock Australia and VDO Instruments all contributed to the build of the Geminis.
Engine modifications included blueprinted parts, works twin manifold, twin Weber carburettors, racing camshaft, full extractor and free-flow exhaust system.
A bodykit featuring a front air dam, wheel arch flares, rear deck spoiler, stripes and logo, in addition to CDT identification plates made the CDT Gemini special.
Further development carries through with each Gemini model until 1983 and the TF version marked the last.
CDT expanded into the Commodore market rivalling HDT with modified V8 offerings and turbo V6 or 4.0-cylinder variants as well.
However, by the mid-1980s after producing the Dick Johnson Grand Prix Turbo Falcon the CDT disappeared from the race track and modifying scene.
Models produced by the CDT are now highly sought after and rare.