Holden Torana

Holden Torana

Holden LX Torana SS with A9X option
Overview
Manufacturer Holden (General Motors)
Also called Holden Sunbird
Production 1967–1979
Body and chassis
Class Compact car/Mid-size car
Chronology
Successor Holden Camira

The Holden Torana is a mid-sized car manufactured by Holden from 1967 to 1980. The name comes from an Aboriginal word meaning "to fly". The first Torana (HB series) was released in 1967 and was a four-cylinder compact vehicle with origins in the British Vauxhall Vivas of the mid-1960s.

Whilst the 1969-73 (LC and LJ series) cars included more popular, longer-wheelbase six-cylinder versions, and with the 1974-77 (LH and LX series) cars adding eight-cylinder versions to the mix, a range of four-cylinder versions continued for the entire production life of the Torana (with later versions being marketed as the Holden Sunbird from November 1976).

Changing tack in Australian motor sport, Holden released the LC Torana GTR XU-1 in 1970, with performance-enhanced drivetrain and handling. From this time through to the release of the Holden Commodore, the Torana remained Holden's most successful sports/performance vehicle, with many victories garnered in rallying and circuit racing.

The introduction of the VB Commodore in 1978 was preceded by the arrival of the updated UC Torana/Sunbird twins, but with no sports versions or V8 engine options. The Torana was subsequently discontinued in 1979, followed by the four-cylinder Sunbird in 1980.

In South Korea, the LJ Torana was produced locally as the Chevrolet 1700 (시보레 1700, 1972–1978) and Saehan Camina (새한 카미나, 1976–1978).

First generation

HB

HB Torana

Holden HB Brabham Torana SL
Overview
Production 1967–1969
Body and chassis
Body style 2-/4-door sedan
Layout FR layout
Related Vauxhall Viva HB
Powertrain
Engine 1159 cc OHV I4

Introduced in May 1967 to replace the HA series Vauxhall Viva in the Australian market, the first Torana model was a facelifted HB series Vauxhall Viva. It featured a two-door body, 12-inch (305-mm) wheels, and a 56-bhp 1.2-litre four-cylinder engine mated to a four-speed gearbox. A Borg-Warner Model 35 three-speed automatic transmission was optional. Drum brakes were fitted front and rear, with power-assisted front disc brakes optional.

In early 1968, a "Series 70" engine option was added. This engine had a higher compression ratio, a higher-lift camshaft, and a single CD Zenith-Stromberg carburettor, which boosted output to 69 bhp (51 kW; 70 PS). Power-assisted front disc brakes were standard when this engine was used, and the automatic transmission option was now no longer available with the standard 56 bhp (42 kW; 57 PS) engine. A 'sports' model was also released in October 1967, called the 'Brabham' Torana, named in honour of the well-respected Australian race-car driver, Sir Jack Brabham. The Brabham Torana's engine was based on the Series 70, but twin CD Zenith-Stromberg carburettors with sports air cleaners were fitted. Together with the low-restriction exhaust system, this boosted the power to 79 bhp (59 kW; 80 PS). The Brabham also included wider wheel rims and red-wall tyres, power-assisted front disc brakes as standard, different badging, and black body accents. An automatic transmission was not available on this model.

In September 1968, the '69 Torana' was released, sometimes called the HB Series II. This featured locally made body panels, replacing the imported bodies of the original HB. The model lineup now included a four-door sedan which was developed in Australia, with four-door bodies shipped back to the UK to be constructed and sold as the Viva. A collapsible steering column was now fitted, together with a new recessed instrument cluster, new indicator switch, and new steering wheel borrowed from the contemporary full-sized Holden. These local components replaced the previously imported Vauxhall items. A consequence of using these local components was the loss of the stalk-operated headlight dip switch and horn. The dip switch ended up on the floor, as was the case for full-sized Holdens. Dual-circuit brakes were now standard on all models, though power-assisted front disc brakes were still optional with the standard 56 bhp (42 kW; 57 PS) engine. The Brabham Torana was still available, in two-door form only. It now included a sports steering wheel similar to the contemporary Holden Monaro GTS, full instrumentation, different badging, and different black accenting. The HB Torana continued until late 1969. Total production was 16,318 with imported panels and 20,243 with the locally manufactured bodies.

Second generation

LC

LC

Holden Torana (LC) Deluxe 1200 4-door
Overview
Production 1969–1972
Body and chassis
Body style 2-door sedan
4-door sedan
Powertrain
Engine 1159 cc OHV I4
1599 cc OHC I4
130 cu in (2,130 cc) GMH 130 OHV I6 (Export)
138 cu in (2,262 cc) GMH 2250 OHV I6
161 cu in (2,639 cc) GMH 2600 OHV I6
173 cu in (2,835 cc) GMH 2850 OHV I6
186 cu in (3,049 cc) GMH 186 OHV I6
Dimensions
Wheelbase
  • 2,430 mm (96 in)
  • 2,540 mm (100 in)
Length
  • 4,120 mm (162 in)
  • 4,380 mm (172 in)
Width 1,600 mm (63 in)
Curb weight
  • 805–835 kg (1,775–1,841 lb) (Torana 4)[1]
  • 950–1,010 kg (2,090–2,230 lb) (Torana 6)[1]

The next generation of Toranas (LC) appeared in October 1969 and were available with either a four- or six-cylinder engine. The inline six had a capacity of 138 cu in (badged as the '2250'); a more-powerful 161 cu in engine (badged as the '2600') was optional. The six-cylinder cars had a longer wheelbase (100 in against the 95.8 inches (2,430 mm) of four-cylinder models),[2] a more aggressively styled, slightly longer nose to accommodate the larger engine, and offered a choice of three- or four-speed manual gearbox or a three-speed Trimatic automatic transmission. The Torana was Wheels magazine's Car of the Year for 1969.

The four-cylinder engine was initially of 1159 cc, and offered either 56 or 69 hp (42 or 51 kW). The more powerful Brabham model was discontinued. In July 1971, a bigger overhead cam 1.6-litre engine with 80 hp (60 kW) was added; this engine was also sourced from Vauxhall in the UK. The 1600 received a strengthened gearbox, as well.[3]

Body styles were all new and available in either two- or four-door versions, and were offered in base (four-cylinder only), S, or SL trims. A two-door sports model, the GTR, had the 2600S motor with a two-barrel Stromberg WW carburettor and front discs as standard. Front discs brakes were an option for all other models. Bucket front seats were standard for all LCs, with a front bench seat optional for four-door S and SL six-cylinder models. Later in production (July 1971), the 161-ci engine was replaced with a larger 173-ci version (badged as the '2850') which also made it into the last of the LC GTR cars in two-barrel form (2850S).

In August 1970, the first genuine performance Torana, the GTR XU-1, was developed by Holden along with Harry Firth of the Holden Dealer Team for competition in popular Series Production racing series in Australia, as well as in off-road rallying. However, the main purpose of the Torana GTR XU-1 was to keep Holden competitive against the big and powerful Ford Falcon GT-HO V8s in the Hardie-Ferodo 500 (Bathurst) endurance race that some consider to be the jewel in the crown of Australian motorsport.

The LC Torana GTR XU-1 was equipped with a 160-brake horsepower 186-cu in (3-litre) six-cylinder engine, fitted with three Zenith-Stromberg CD-150 carburettors, cast-iron headers, a performance cylinder head and camshaft, and an Opel four-speed manual gearbox. This car featured a rear spoiler, guard flutes, wider steel rims, full instrumentation, and front disc brakes as standard. The Torana GTR XU-1 proved to be a strong performer on both the road and track due to its favourable power/weight ratio. It soon gained popularity in Australia, being an ideal race car in many forms of motor sport, especially Series Production touring car racing and rallying. It successfully replaced the V8 Monaro GTS 350 as Holden's frontline track race car in 1970, winning many touring car and rally events, but for the famed Bathurst 500-mile (800 km) race which Ford won in 1970 and 1971 with its XW Phase Two and XY Phase Three Falcon GT-HOs, respectively.

Holden built a total of 74,627 LC Toranas.[4]

LJ

LJ

Holden LJ Torana 6 S 4-door
Overview
Also called Chevrolet 1700 (ROK)
Saehan Camina (ROK)
Production 1972–1974
Body and chassis
Body style 2-door sedan
4-door sedan
Powertrain
Engine 1.2 L OHV I4
1.3 L OHV I4
1.6 L OHC I4 (1972 only)
1.8 L OHC I4 (late 1972-1974)
138 cu in / 2.25 L OHV I6
173 / 2.85 L OHV I6
202 cu in / 3.3 L OHV I6

In February 1972, the facelifted LJ Torana was introduced with the six-cylinder models now visually associated with the larger Holden HQ series. Many mechanical components were shared with the LC, with the major changes limited to the choice of engines. The four-cylinder Torana retained its 1200 and 1600 engines, but was now also available with a 1300-cc unit. The old 1200 was now only available as a two-door Standard version, while the 1300 equipped the Deluxe model and was also available with four doors and an automatic transmission. The 2250 and 2850 engines carried over into the revised six-cylinder Torana models, and the 3300 engine (known as the 202 in the HQ range) was adopted as the engine for the LJ Torana GTR sedan. Gearbox choices remained the same across the range.

A race-bred version of the 3300 engine was also fitted to the LJ Torana GTR XU-1, producing well over 200 bhp (149 kW; 203 PS). By now equipping the XU-1 with the 202-ci engine and larger CD-175 Zenith-Stromberg triple carburettors, as well as a new close-ratio M21 four-speed Australian-made transmission (commonly known as the Aussie 4-Speed), this gave the nimble XU-1 the power boost it needed to seriously challenge the powerful Ford Falcon GTHO Phase III, which had won the 1971 Hardie-Ferodo 500 production-car endurance race held annually at Bathurst.

In the somewhat wet 1972 Hardie-Ferodo 500, the lightweight HDT Torana GTR XU-1 was able to finally claim victory against the heavyweight GT-HO, driven solo for 500 miles (800 km) by Peter Brock. This would be the start of the 'Peter Perfect'/Torana legend, and the first of five Bathurst wins for the Torana in its colourful 10-year racing career at Bathurst.

The Holden Dealer Team also developed a 300 bhp (224 kW; 304 PS), 308ci V8-powered version of the GTR XU-1, often erroneously referred to as the GTR XU-2. The V8 Torana did race in Sports Sedan racing in the hands of Brock and Colin Bond, and was extensively road tested by HDT boss Harry Firth and young team engineer/driver Larry Perkins, but the car never made it past the prototype stage. This was due to the 'supercar scare' of 1972, which involved vast political pressure being placed upon Holden, Ford, and Chrysler to abandon their proposed specially built 'Bathurst Supercars', such as the V8 GTR XU-1. This was the result of a media frenzy that was reporting against these soon-to-be released "bullets on wheels" available to the general public. In effect, all three manufacturers (Holden, Ford and Chrysler) bowed to this pressure, and Holden postponed its introduction of a V8 Torana for two years until the release of the larger LH series Torana in 1974.

A total of 81,813 LJ Toranas were built by Holden in Australia, with some exported to New Zealand, but only in six-cylinder form, likely due to the similar four-cylinder Vauxhall Viva HC range being sold there, as well. The 2850SL model, with bucket seats and four-speed floor shift or Trimatic three-speed automatic, was also shipped to New Zealand in CKD kit form for local assembly from 1973, becoming the first Kiwi-built Torana.

South Korea

The LJ Torana formed the basis of the Chevrolet 1700 in South Korea, produced by GM Korea between 1972 and 1976. Unlike the Torana, the 1700 was also available as a five-door station wagon. Powered by a 1,698-cc four-cylinder engine, the 1700 sold poorly in the Korean market with only 8,105 units produced; the car was perceived to suffer from high fuel consumption.[5]

Due to poor Chevrolet 1700 sales, the car was revised as the Camina in 1976 (General Motors Korea was renamed Saehan Motors in 1976). However, the Chevrolet version continued to sell alongside it until both models were discontinued in 1978. A smaller 1,492-cc engine was fitted to deliver better fuel economy than its Hyundai and Kia competitors, but sales did not recover with only 992 cars sold in two years.[6] The 1700 and Camina replacement, the 1977 Saehan Gemini, was a development of the Isuzu Gemini (sold in Australia as the Holden Gemini).[7]

TA

TA
Overview
Production 1974–1975
Body and chassis
Body style 2-door sedan
4-door sedan
Powertrain
Engine 1.3 L OHV I4
1.8 L OHC I4

In 1974, the six-cylinder LJ Torana was replaced by the new mid-sized body six- and eight-cylinder LH Torana series. To fill in time before the March 1975 release of the four-cylinder GM world T-car Holden Gemini, the short-wheelbase four-cylinder (1.3- and 1.8-litre) LJ models were given a basic facelift incorporating a body-colour plastic-moulded front grille assembly and revamped rear light lenses. This car was released in February 1974 on the Australian market only, in both two- and four-door forms, as the TA Torana. It was only produced for 11 months with a total production run of 11,304 units.[8]

Third generation

LH

LH

Holden LH Torana G-Pak
Overview
Production 1974–1976
Body and chassis
Body style 4-door sedan
Powertrain
Engine 1897 cc Opel CIH I4
138 cu in (2,262 cc) GMH 2250 OHV I6 (Export)
173 cu in (2,835 cc) GMH 2850 OHV I6
201 cu in (3,298 cc) GMH 3300 OHV I6
253 cu in (4,143 cc) GMH 253 OHV V8
308 cu in (5,044 cc) GMH 308 OHV V8
Dimensions
Wheelbase 2,590 mm (101.8 in)
Length 4,510 mm (177.5 in)
Width 1,704 mm (67.1 in)
Height 1,331 mm (52.4 in)

March 1974 had the first completely new Torana body, with the arrival of the larger mid-sized LH series, produced in four-door sedan style only. Despite the larger external size, the car was relatively cramped by mid-1970s standards. It resembled other GM products of its generation, notably the Opel Ascona. It was unique in that, following the addition of a four-cylinder option in May 1974, the same body style was available with a choice of inline-four, inline-six, or V8 engines, specifically, 1.9-litre Opel four, 2.85- and 3.3-litre Holden 'red' sixes, and 4.2- and 5.0-litre Holden V8s. Low-compression versions of the fours and sixes were also available for export markets.[9]

Exports to the Philippines also occurred, where it was sold as the "Holden 1900".[10]

The 5.0-litre engine was reserved for the sporting LH Torana SL/R 5000 sedan. A special build derivative of the SL/R 5000 was the Bathurst-intended 'L34 Option', of which only 263 were built, with a higher-compression engine with stouter components for more power and durability in competition use. The most notable external feature of the L34 was the bolt-on wheel arch extensions, designed to accommodate the larger racing rims and tyres.[11]

The L34 option, which was first seen in 1975, proved to be fast and successful, yet fragile, in Australian touring car racing. It was eventually superseded by the evolutionary A9X option made available in the LX Torana series in 1977. The A9X was delivered with a standard 5.0, but used the L34 motor in races which was developed by Repco for the LH SL/R 5000 H.O. L34. The A9X version of the Torana had a larger 10-bolt Salisbury differential with disc brakes and had the option of the Borg Warner Super T10 four-speed. Hardly any cars were delivered with Super T10 option, so in effect the immortalized A9X was a pretty stock car with a better differential and suspension. The LH Torana in L34 form won the famed Bathurst 1000 touring car race with Peter Brock and Brian Sampson in 1975 and with Bob Morris and John Fitzpatrick in 1976, with the L34 motor being fitted to the A9X, so in effect winning with that car, as well.

According to Holden Dealer Team boss Harry Firth, Holden chose to have the V8 engine in the SL/R 5000 developed by Repco on their dyno which led to massive oil surge problems on the race track and had a number of teams, including the HDT, suffer numerous engine failures in both testing and races in 1974. Firth believed that using the same V8 engine he had developed for the stillborn V8 GTR XU-1 would have solved this problem, as the HDT had already cured the oil problems, but Holden ignored his warnings.

Prototype wagon and hatchback versions of the LH Torana were built, but never reached production. Overall, a total of 70,184 LH Toranas were built. A few special models of the LH were built, the somewhat sporting Plus 4 and G-Pak models. The Plus 4 arrived in September 1974 and was an attempt to move a few more of the slow-selling four-cylinder models.[12] The G-Pak, first seen in February 1975, received the 3.3-litre inline-six. Both came with a four-speed manual, sporting instrumentation, and disc brakes in front.[12]

New Zealand assembly got off to a troubled start. General Motors New Zealand, which still had a wide four-cylinder Vauxhall Viva/Magnum line on sale, had planned a 2850 six 'S' model with bench front seat and three-speed column manual shift and the 3300SL with bucket seats and four-speed manual or three-speed Trimatic floor shift.The New Zealand government, though, imposed a 60% sales tax (a post-first oil crisis measure) on cars with engines over two litres just as GM launched the LH in mid-'74, and only a few of each were built. The LH was then withdrawn temporarily and relaunched some months later with the Opel 1.9-litre I4 and floor-shift manual or automatic (SL only) gearboxes. Six-cylinder Toranas would never again be built in New Zealand and were only very rare imports after this. GM New Zealand also built a few unique local 'sports' special editions, but the changes were only cosmetic.

LX

LX

Holden LX Torana S Sedan
Overview
Also called Holden LX Sunbird
Production 1976–1978
Body and chassis
Body style 3-door hatchback
4-door sedan
Powertrain
Engine 1897 cc Opel CIH I4
173 / 2.85 L OHV I6
202 / 3.3L OHV I6
253 / 4.2 L OHV V8
308 / 5.0L OHV V8

The mildly facelifted LX series arrived in February 1976. Cosmetically, the most obvious changes were to replace the LH's rectangular headlights with round headlights, side window surrounds were changed from body colour to black, and the front Holden badge was enlarged. A two-door hatchback body was introduced as an alternative to the four-door sedan, although the 1,897-cc Opel unit was not offered in the new body style. Soon after its introduction, in July 1976, the LX was subjected to performance-reducing engine modifications to comply with new mid-year emission regulations (ADR 27A). Power outputs (from now on specified in kilowatts, as part of Australia's metrication programme) changed as:



LX Sunbird

When the LX Torana was introduced, it featured a choice of four-, six- and eight-cylinder engines. In November 1976[13] the four-cylinder Torana was revised and relaunched as the Holden LX Sunbird.[14] Reflecting the new emissions rules, power from the Opel-sourced engine was down from 76 to 72 kW (102 to 96 hp).[15] From this point, all four-cylinder models were marketed as Sunbirds and the six- or eight-cylinder models as Toranas. The original LX series Sunbird was a single-trim range, with four-speed manual and three-speed automatic transmissions. There were minor trim differences compared to the Torana, notably the grille (with vertical bars) and distinctive chrome wheel covers. It was marketed as a four-door sedan and as a three-door hatchback, unlike the short-lived four-cylinder LX Torana.[16] The introduction of Sunbird also coincided with the first attempt by Holden to add a handling package to its range of cars. The introduction of 'radial-tuned suspension' (RTS) began with the LX Sunbird sedan and hatchback and then the LX Torana.

A9X option

During 1977, the LX series also had the development of another limited-build high-performance option aimed at winning in Australian Touring Car racing, and in particular at the annual Bathurst 1000 touring car race. This 'A9X Option' was available on the 5.0-litre V8-powered SLR 5000 sedan and SS hatchback models.[17] The A9X visually resembled the L34-optioned LH model, but with the addition of a rear-facing bonnet scoop that was specially designed to increase airflow through the engine bay to produce maximum power in racing conditions. The A9X package varied from the old L34 in road form in that whilst the engine was not modified, the A9X nevertheless had some special mechanical features such as rear disc brakes, heavy-duty axles, and a heavy-duty '10 bolt' differential.

After being rushed into racing service, Peter Brock gave the A9X a dream debut by winning the 1977 Hang Ten 400 at Sandown. However, after he put his Torana on pole position, the A9X ultimately lost its debut Bathurst race in 1977 to the Ford Falcons of Allan Moffat and Colin Bond. The A9X package was soon refined and proved dominant during the following two seasons of touring-car racing in Australia. Drivers Peter Brock and Bob Morris were victorious in the 1978 and 1979 Australian Touring Car Championships, respectively, and A9Xs shared by Peter Brock and Jim Richards won the 1978 and 1979 Bathurst 1000's. In a show of the A9X's superiority, Brock and Richards won the 1979 race by a record six laps, with Brock setting the touring-car lap record on the last lap of the race.

Overall, a total of 65,977 LX Toranas were produced by Holden.

UC

UC

Holden UC Torana Sedan
Overview
Production March 1978 – September 1980
Body and chassis
Body style 3-door hatchback
4-door sedan
Powertrain
Engine 1892 cc Starfire OHV I4 (Sunbird)
1897 cc Opel CIH I4 (Sunbird)
2835 cc Red 173 OHV I6
3298 cc Red 202 OHV I6

The introduction of the UC Torana in March 1978 occasioned the demise of V8 power and the cessation of the sporting SL/R variant in the Torana range of cars. The UC series featured a significantly modernised frontal appearance and a completely new interior dash layout. Torana was now rationalised to a choice of two equipment levels and two six-cylinder engines, the 2.85-litre and the 3.3-litre. A 'Deluxe Pack' was an option that allowed the UC Torana SL to compete with Ford's TE Cortina Ghia, which comprised laminated windscreen, tinted side and rear windows, intermittent wipers, radio/cassette player, cloth trim, sports instrumentation, and bumper overriders.

Holden UC Sunbird Sedan
Holden UC Torana SL Hatchback

The Holden Sunbird was also updated to UC specifications and continued to sell well as a 1.9-litre four-cylinder car, sharing its body architecture with the UC Torana sedan and hatchback. The UC Sunbird expanded into three trim levels: base (manual only), SL, and SL/E. It did very well in New Zealand, where it was assembled, particularly in fleets, where it competed with the Ford Cortina and a variety of Japanese models. SL/E trim was also available in New Zealand. The UCs had square headlamps and a smoother front end. LX and early UC Sunbirds were fitted with a 1.9-litre Opel engine. Later UC models had the locally produced 1,892-cc Starfire Four engine that was also installed into the Australian-produced versions of the Toyota Corona and in four-cylinder versions of the Holden Commodore. This sluggish motor was simply a crudely cut-down version of the long-running Holden six-cylinder engine. The hatchbacks were deleted in 1979, leaving only the sedans for the 1980 model year. The last Sunbird was built in September 1980.[18] The Sunbird was replaced initially by a four-cylinder version of the Holden Commodore, before the arrival of its natural, albeit smaller, successor, the Holden Camira, from 1982.

At one point, design consideration was given to a five-door hatchback version of the UC Torana, which had a similar side profile to the Rover SD1 and rode an extended wheelbase. The idea never got past the clay-modelling stage, probably in most part due to the impending introduction of the GM V-Car, the Commodore.

After release of the VB Commodore in November 1978, it soon became clear to GM-H that the Torana was too similar in size when compared to the more modern Holden Commodore. As a result, the UC Torana was soon dropped from the Holden range in 1979. The UC Sunbird continued through 1980 with a new, locally manufactured 1.9-litre Starfire engine (based on the 2.85-litre six) replacing the imported Opel unit.

For a while at least, talk of further extending the Torana/Sunbird's production life beyond 1980 occurred, with a facelifted 'UD' model, of which prototype models of the sedan and hatchback were actually built - featuring frontal styling similar to the Opel Ascona B. However, due to the car itself being outdated when compared to the new Japanese opposition (notably the Chrysler Sigma, Datsun Bluebird, and Mazda 626), Holden decided on an easier route by simply introducing the Starfire engine into the VC-series of Commodore sedans and wagons.

Ultimately, the title of four-cylinder mid-sized Holden was taken over in 1982 by the Camira, Holden's version of GM's front-wheel drive 'J-Car'. However, the Starfire engine did remain available for another two years in the VH-series Holden Commodore, and continued to be fitted to the VK-series in New Zealand.

Just over 55,000 UC series Toranas and Sunbirds were produced.[19]

Torana concept cars

Torana GTR-X

GTR-X
Overview
Production Initially 1970 (3 Bodies built but never released)
Body and chassis
Body style coupé
Layout FR layout
Powertrain
Engine 186 in³ / 3.0 L I6]
253 cu in / 4.2 L V8

The Torana GTR-X was designed during the era of the LC series, and was seriously considered for production in the early 1970s. The GTR-X had a wedge-shaped fibreglass body featuring a hatchback rear access, and the prototype cars had LC Torana GTR XU-1 mechanical components.

The GTR-X looks similar to iconic sports cars of the 1970s, such as the Maserati Khamsin, Ferrari 308 GT4, Lotus Esprit, and Mazda RX-7. It weighed 1,043 kg (2,299 lb) and has a top speed of 210 km/h (130 mph). The Torana GTR-X in production would have been the first Holden car to be factory fitted with four-wheel disc brakes.

When Holden released a promotional brochure about the GTR-X, they said, "Its long, sleek hood is accentuated by a low, wedge-shaped grille. The body line sweeps up at the rear to an elevated tail light assembly. Simplicity is the keynote. It is achieved by concealed headlights, sharp windshield rake, recessed parking and turning lights, and flush petrol filler access and door handles. Front and rear bumpers assume the contour of the body. To identify the car, the GTR-X identification is contained within a crisp black and orange stripe running parallel to the rocker panel".

The Torana GTR-X was highly developed by Holden from concept, and though brochures, photography and promotional films were produced to show how serious they were in putting the car into production, the company was ultimately unable to justify the high cost of committing itself to production given the size of the Australian population then.

The only existing complete prototype GTR-X car has been recently restored back to its original white paint finish and remains on public display at the Salmon Street offices of Holden in Melbourne, Victoria. This car, originally white as pictured, was painted silver in the mid '70s. It had UC Torana SL/E wheels fitted and a few other cosmetic changes (bonnet badge, etc.) in an attempt by Holden to move the car with the times and "restore it". During this period, it toured motor museums around the country, including the National Motor Museum at Birdwood in South Australia. In 2003, the car was returned to its original build condition (white) by Car Shine in Melbourne, prior to being shipped to the US to the General Motors Technical Center at Michigan for the celebration of automotive design spanning the past 75 years.

One other preproduction GTR-X is in the hands of a former long-time Holden employee, along with the body mold jig to make more fibreglass bodies. Whether this car will ever be finished is unknown due to the age of the owner. The picture of this orange car can be seen in Norm Darwin's book release of the Torana, but the name and location of the owner is kept secret to prevent possible theft.

Torana Mystere

Mystere
Overview
Production 1977 (1 built)
Body and chassis
Body style coupé
Layout FR layout
Powertrain
Engine 308 in³ / 5.0L V-8

In 1977, Recaro built a concept car for the 1977 Sydney Motor Show; the vehicle was based on a Holden Torana LX SS Hatchback. Appearing on the front cover of the October 1977 Modern Motor magazine, the concept was put together by the Recaro Australia Managing Director David Bones and marketing director Robin Luck (a former editor of Modern Motor).

The vehicle was designed and built by Arcadipane Automotive (Peter Arcadipane), featuring a 'Monza' style front end coupled with a rear end that had been shortened by some 355 mm and was powered by a 308-cu in V8 backed up by an M21 four-speed manual transmission. The plan was to release the vehicle once two key issues were ironed out, those being; confirmation of GMH's backing for mechanical warranty and getting the cost of the vehicle below $15,000. In addition to the body modifications, the key unique feature of the vehicle was its interior. Recaro commissioned a special tanner in West Germany to produce sufficient hides to upholster all seats in a unique green colour that was to be a feature of the car's paintwork (however, the cost of this full leather interior formed a significant challenge in meeting the $15,000 target).

Only one Mystere was produced. The vehicle has survived and is owned by an enthusiast in Melbourne.

Torana TT36

Torana TT36
Overview
Production 2004 (1 built)
Body and chassis
Body style 5-door hatchback
Layout FR layout
Powertrain
Engine 3.6L Twin Turbo HFV6

In 2004, Holden released a luminous, hot pink or "ManGenta" medium-sized, rear-drive concept car called the Torana TT36 (Twin Turbo; 3.6-litre V6). The project was originally named XP54, reflecting the acronym 'eXperimental Project' and coded 54 in recognition of Holden's so-called Studio 54 design workshop in the outer suburbs of Melbourne. The model was said to debut a new platform for General Motors and previewed the look of the 2006 VE Commodore.

By applying twin KO4 Warner turbochargers, an air-to-air intercooler, and variable valve actuation to its Alloytec 190, then dropping the compression to 9.0:1, Holden engineers were able to deliver a power peak of 280 kW and no less than 480Nm of torque, with 90% available from just 1600 rpm.

The prototype visited the National Motor Museum at Birdwood in the Adelaide Hills in early 2008.

References

  1. 1 2 Braunschweig, Robert; et al., eds. (12 March 1970). "Automobil Revue '70" (in German and French) 65. Berne, Switzerland: Hallwag AG: 332–333.
  2. ↑ Norm Darwin, 100 years of GM in Australia, 2002, page 276
  3. ↑ "LC specifications". Queensland Torana Club Inc. Retrieved 2013-11-30.
  4. ↑ Tony Davis, Aussie Cars, 1986, page 114
  5. ↑ "Chevrolet 1700". Autocade. JY&A Media. Retrieved 2009-10-17.
  6. ↑ "Camina (1976–8)". Autocade. JY&A Media. Retrieved 2009-10-17.
  7. ↑ "Saehan Gemini". Autocade. JY&A Media. Retrieved 2009-10-17.
  8. ↑ Norm Darwin, 100 years of GM in Australia, 2002, page 281
  9. ↑ "Holden Torana LH Technical Specifications". Unique Cars and Parts. Australia. Retrieved 2013-12-06.
  10. ↑ Holden 1900 brochure cover – Philippines market, www.flickr.com Retrieved on 14 October 2014
  11. ↑ Adam Croy, Ashley Webb, "1975 Holden Torana SL/R5000 – The Contender", NZ Classic Car
  12. 1 2 "Holden Torana (LH Torana)". GoAuto.com.cu. Australia: John Mellor Pty. Retrieved 2013-12-06.
  13. ↑ Holden Torana LX Technical Specifications at www.uniquecarsandparts.com.au Retrieved on 26 November 2010
  14. ↑ The Holden Heritage - Eight Edition
  15. ↑ World Cars 1977. Pelham, NY: The Automobile Club of Italy/Herald Books. 1977. p. 398. ISBN 0-910714-09-6.
  16. ↑ Holden Sunbird sales brochure T232 of March 1978
  17. ↑ Australia Muscle Car, Issue 35, page 52
  18. ↑ Aussie Cars, © 1987
  19. ↑ Tony Davis, Aussie Cars, 1986, page 152

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