Holden Torana History

The Holden Torana ('to fly' in the Ngarrindjeri language) debuted in 1967 as the HB series — a compact based on the British Vauxhall Viva, fitted with four-cylinder engines. By the LC and LJ series (1969–1974) it had grown to accommodate six-cylinder engines, with sporty GTR and XU-1 variants that became icons of Australian touring-car racing.

The LC Torana GTR XU-1, introduced in 1970 with a race-developed 186-cubic-inch six, became the car of choice for Peter Brock, who used it to finally break Ford's stranglehold at Bathurst — winning the 1972 Hardie-Ferodo 500 solo over 500 miles in wet conditions. The LH and LX series (1974–1980) added V8 options for the first time, producing particularly powerful SLR 5000 and A9X variants that further enhanced the Torana's racing reputation.

The Torana was discontinued in 1980 as the Commodore took over the mainstream and performance roles. Total Torana production covered more than 13 years and all four major series (HB, LC/LJ, LH, LX).