1976 Holden LX Torana SS – Today’s King-of-the-Mountain Tempter

By: James Robinson, Unique Cars magazine

Date: 20.05.2017

Not quite the real deal… But when it looks this good, do you care?

Of all the iterations of the Torana, the LX is unquestionably first among equals. Few cars in Australian motor racing history are as iconic, and even fewer are steeped in as much pedigree as the LX.

This is the car that made the name Brock what is today. In 1978 and ’79, Peter Brock and Jim Richards won the Bathurst 1000 in a Holden Torana LX A9X.

Even more impressive was that at the ’79 Bathurst 1000, Brock and Richards won by a quite frankly absurd six laps over their next competitor, a commanding record that still stands at Mount Panorama to this day. And what’s more, Brocky set the touring-car lap record on the final lap of that race. Just extraordinary!

There were only 100 real A9X two-door hatches ever made, with roughly 60 said to still be knocking around, and they were truly special cars. Power came from a 5.0L V8 that pumped out 186kW and 434Nm and was mated to a Borg Warner Super T10 four-speed manual gearbox. Other trick componentry included a big, 10-bolt Salisbury locking diff, rear disc brakes and heavy duty axles.

This particular LX is not a real A9X, but has been faithfully replicated in several areas to make it a fitting tribute to the road-going racer.

Based on a genuine 4.2 V8 LX SS hatch, this Torana has been fitted with the A9X flare kit. It was originally Mint Julep but has been resprayed in Palais white with blackout bonnet and accents.

The vehicle has also been recently re-trimmed in black vinyl which includes the hood lining and two-piece carpet.

Other modifications made to the vehicle include a period correct 308 V8 with 10:1 compression mated to an original M20 4-speed manual gearbox, polished ‘drop’ fuel tank, 15-inch B45 Simmons wheels wrapped in 265/50/15 rubber at the front and 295/50/15 at the rear, extractors with a twin exhaust system fitted, twin thermo fans, a Holley carburettor and re-chromed scuff plates. 

The seller is asking $94,990 for this chrome bumper weapon, which doesn’t seem like such a bad deal considering that real A9X hatches are valued at well over $300k at the moment. 

If you’re keen on this Aussie Muscle legend, which of course you’d have to be, you can check out the full listing here. 

Unique Cars magazine Value Guides

Sell your car for free right here