Manufactured by Holden from 1967 to 1980, the Torana has a rich history in Australia. It is largely thought that “Torana” was derived from the Aboriginal word for “flight” meaning “to fly”.

Originally introduced in May of 1967, the first Torana model was essentially a mildly updated version of the HB series Vauxhall Viva. It came equipped with a two-door body, 12-inch wheels and a four-cylinder engine coupled to a four-speed manual gearbox as standard.

In October 1969 the next generation of Holden Torana, dubbed the “LC” series, came onto the market and was made available with a range of four or six-cylinder engines. The six-cylinder variation had a longer wheelbase, a more aggressively styled and longer nose to accommodate the larger engine. There was a choice of three-speed column shift or four-speed floor shift manual transmissions, alongside a new locally GM-manufactured ‘Trimatic’ three-speed automatic transmission with column or floor shift options. ‘Wheels’ magazine gave the LC Torana their ‘Car of the Year’ award for 1969.

In February of 1972 the new LJ Torana was introduced with visuals more in line with the larger Holden HQ series. While many of the mechanical components of the vehicle were carried over from the LC series before it, there were changes to the choice of engine, the largest of which (the 3.3L) was adopted for the LJ Torana GTR sedan.

The LJ is prized as Holden’s most successful sports and performance vehicle up until the introduction of the VB Commodore in 1978. A second-generation LJ Torana was driven by Aussie racing legend Peter Brock in the 1972 Hardie-Ferodo 500 endurance race and claimed victory against Ford’s heavyweight XY Falcon GT-HO at the Mount Panorama Circuit. This was the first of five Bathurst wins for the Torana.

THE CAR

Built in Adelaide in October 1973, sold by City State Motors Pty Ltd and delivered to Panorama, Adelaide on 10^th December 1973, this original 1973 LJ Torana GTR has a verified 104,586 kms on the clock.

Finished in distinct Covert Metallic Green that shows appropriate patina for its age, inside is an authentic Chestnut cloth interior with herringbone inserts.

This car has its original Owner’s Guide with Warranty Certificate (that sets out the car’s full particulars), Service Books, Owner’s Manual and marketing brochure. A Holden Production Report is included that verifies all the information.

A three-owner car, it has been lovingly owned within the same family for the last 48 years and was featured in issue 48 of “Survivor Car Australia Magazine”. The car has won 1^st place in the ‘Best Original LJ’ category at the Monaro/Torana State Titles in both 2021 and 2023.

It is a numbers-matching car that retains its original 3300 HC L6 motor coupled to a four-speed manual transmission. Both are completely original and have never been removed or modified.

The car handles extremely well with a rack and pinion steering system and is equipped with power-assisted front wheel disc brakes. A ‘Roadstar’ RS-2050 mini in-dash cassette player with AM/FM capability is also included with original instruction manual.

Every effort has been made by the current owner to maintain the originality of the vehicle, with very few exceptions where this wasn’t possible. The list of non-original additions and replacements includes;

• Cobra Alarm system installed in 1995 – the alarm is no longer functioning but has been left installed.
• Dead/isolation switch in the glovebox in lieu of the working alarm.
• Ceramic-coated extractors and a stainless-steel exhaust/muffler.
• 3x Core Radiator with a new core installed in 2017.
• Big Nut master cylinder.
• The original windscreen wiper rubber has been left in situ and bypassed with new rubber and electric wiper fluid pump.
• Chrome rocker cover – the original rocker cover is included but couldn’t be re-chromed.
• LJ Fuel Cap (Rare Spares).

There are various inclusions that come with the purchase of the vehicle, these are;

• A full set of Sprinter Master rims and new Federal tyres.
• The original LJ Fuel Cap.
• A spare water pump, windscreen fluid bottle and a spare 14” rim and tyre, all new.
• A chrome (original) dress ring and two other original dress rings that were unable to be restored.

A rare opportunity to own a fantastically maintained and well-looked after piece of Australian motor history. Currently on historic registration in SA.