Post by whcaprice on Sept 9, 2007 17:12:24 GMT 9.5
Holden Torana LX
In early 1976, the Torana LH sedan went through a mild upgrade to produce the Torana LX. However, the most significant alterations were made throughout the production run rather than prior to it; eventually producing a vehicle much more superior to the precursor LH.
Most of the basic mechanics were duplicated from the LH. One of the most significant upgrades was the introduction of a smart, three door hatchback style to complement the four door versions. On all versions, the badges were repositioned, and trim changes were made to both the interior and exterior.
The new hatchback was available as an SL and an SS version. An S version was made for export only. The SL trim was equivalent to the SL sedan trim. The SS trim was the equivalent to the SL/R, including optional 5.0 liter V8 engine. All SS trim versions had a front spoiler akin to the SL/R 5000, but differed in the centre console, wheel covers, and stripes.
Practically, the major issue with the hatchback was that the trunk was much shallower than expected. Holden addressed this issue with the Hatch-Hutch accessory – a tent like area that fitted to the rear hatch and extended outward for camping and other similar purposes.
The LX SL/R 5000 sedan had a black bonnet. There was bold black lettering across the rear spoiler and the lower half of the doors. However, the hatchback version with the 5.0 liter V8 optioned was lacking the black decoration. The only differing adornment from the smaller engine hatchbacks was a 5.0L badge. Other differences between the hatchback and the sedan were a slightly smaller front spoiler and the absence of the L34 option.
On the 5.0L versions, a three speed T-bar Trimatic was now an option. Instrument graphics were orange and the SS and SL/R models had a silver dash finish. The headlight indicator was fitted as a stalk to all models, rather than the old floor mounted dipswitch that was originally from the ’48 model Holden. Bucket seating shapes were improved and the SS hatchback included quartz halogen inserts in the round headlights.
In July 1976, in order to comply with new ADR 27A exhaust pollution laws, the entire range was fitted with XT4 engines. Power outputs were then altered based on this change. Modifications to distributors, carbys, camshafts, and compression ratios were made in order to meet the new laws.
In November 1976, the 4 cylinder version was differentiated from the larger capacity 6 cylinder and V8s. The Sunbird branding was created and the 4 cylinder Torana was no more.
In mid 1977, radial tuned suspension (RTS) was added to the 6 cylinder and V8 Toranas, vastly improving the Torana’s performance. This was done even before it was fitted to the larger HZs. All LXs with the upgraded RTS had steel belted radials and 13 x 5.5 inch wheels.
In late 1977, the most coveted Torana of all arrived under the option of A9X. This option was available on all post September ’77 SL/R 5000s and 5.0L SSs in both sedan and hatchback body styles. Once again, these improvements were encouraged by and for racing and Bathurst. The main alterations were built on a different floor plan to the rest of the range in order to incorporate the addition of rear disc brakes, the stronger 10 bolt differential, L34 type wheel arch flares, sports road wheels (14 x 6 inch), and a large rear facing bonnet scoop. The bonnet scoop also had the specification for cold air entry into the carby. Cooling to the front brakes was also provided via ducting from the front spoiler.
Other than the introduction of the hatchback, the LX is also notorious for being the last Torana to be fitted with a V8 engine.
All up, the production of the LX Torana reached the number of 49,902 (including 8,527 hatchbacks). Despite not winning the Bathurst in ’77, the LX Torana with 5.0L engines, RTS, and four wheel disc brakes were arguably the best cars offered by GMH in the 1970s.
In early 1976, the Torana LH sedan went through a mild upgrade to produce the Torana LX. However, the most significant alterations were made throughout the production run rather than prior to it; eventually producing a vehicle much more superior to the precursor LH.
Most of the basic mechanics were duplicated from the LH. One of the most significant upgrades was the introduction of a smart, three door hatchback style to complement the four door versions. On all versions, the badges were repositioned, and trim changes were made to both the interior and exterior.
The new hatchback was available as an SL and an SS version. An S version was made for export only. The SL trim was equivalent to the SL sedan trim. The SS trim was the equivalent to the SL/R, including optional 5.0 liter V8 engine. All SS trim versions had a front spoiler akin to the SL/R 5000, but differed in the centre console, wheel covers, and stripes.
Practically, the major issue with the hatchback was that the trunk was much shallower than expected. Holden addressed this issue with the Hatch-Hutch accessory – a tent like area that fitted to the rear hatch and extended outward for camping and other similar purposes.
The LX SL/R 5000 sedan had a black bonnet. There was bold black lettering across the rear spoiler and the lower half of the doors. However, the hatchback version with the 5.0 liter V8 optioned was lacking the black decoration. The only differing adornment from the smaller engine hatchbacks was a 5.0L badge. Other differences between the hatchback and the sedan were a slightly smaller front spoiler and the absence of the L34 option.
On the 5.0L versions, a three speed T-bar Trimatic was now an option. Instrument graphics were orange and the SS and SL/R models had a silver dash finish. The headlight indicator was fitted as a stalk to all models, rather than the old floor mounted dipswitch that was originally from the ’48 model Holden. Bucket seating shapes were improved and the SS hatchback included quartz halogen inserts in the round headlights.
In July 1976, in order to comply with new ADR 27A exhaust pollution laws, the entire range was fitted with XT4 engines. Power outputs were then altered based on this change. Modifications to distributors, carbys, camshafts, and compression ratios were made in order to meet the new laws.
In November 1976, the 4 cylinder version was differentiated from the larger capacity 6 cylinder and V8s. The Sunbird branding was created and the 4 cylinder Torana was no more.
In mid 1977, radial tuned suspension (RTS) was added to the 6 cylinder and V8 Toranas, vastly improving the Torana’s performance. This was done even before it was fitted to the larger HZs. All LXs with the upgraded RTS had steel belted radials and 13 x 5.5 inch wheels.
In late 1977, the most coveted Torana of all arrived under the option of A9X. This option was available on all post September ’77 SL/R 5000s and 5.0L SSs in both sedan and hatchback body styles. Once again, these improvements were encouraged by and for racing and Bathurst. The main alterations were built on a different floor plan to the rest of the range in order to incorporate the addition of rear disc brakes, the stronger 10 bolt differential, L34 type wheel arch flares, sports road wheels (14 x 6 inch), and a large rear facing bonnet scoop. The bonnet scoop also had the specification for cold air entry into the carby. Cooling to the front brakes was also provided via ducting from the front spoiler.
Other than the introduction of the hatchback, the LX is also notorious for being the last Torana to be fitted with a V8 engine.
All up, the production of the LX Torana reached the number of 49,902 (including 8,527 hatchbacks). Despite not winning the Bathurst in ’77, the LX Torana with 5.0L engines, RTS, and four wheel disc brakes were arguably the best cars offered by GMH in the 1970s.