1973 Torana LJ GTR XU1 Tribute - 308 V8 ... (SOLD)

Starting life as an August 1973 build LJ Torana S, this fully engineered pocket rocket is a genuine nod of the hat to the Holden and HDT's engineers of the 1970s. Here we have a 308 V8 powered XU-1 Tribute in stunning Hot Mustard. For sale from Bacchus Marsh, Victoria.

While the XU-1 Torana was brilliant on the tighter race tracks or as we saw in the rain in the Hardie Ferodo of 1972, the little XU-1 lacked the mumbo of the big GTHOs down Conrod Straight. Repco had already invested lots of time and money developing the F5000 version of the 308 for Sports Sedan and Improved Tourer racing and Harry Firth and the HDT organisation were also well advanced in developing an XU-1 V8 for the track. Luckily, the 308 fitted into the engine bay of the LJ Torana with only minor tweaks. And with Firth's mods including a 300BHP 308 V8, M21 four-speed box, Detroit locker diff, 6×13 inch Globe Sprintmaster wheels, a long-range fuel tank and aerodynamic aids, the V8 LJ was looking good to deliver 160 plus mph performance with the slightly heavier V8 sitting back a bit in the chassis relative to the venerable Holden Red-six.

For enthusiasts and racers, the idea of a V8 powered LJ Torana was exciting news. GMH proceeded to develop the production version of Harry’s V8 prototype, ordering three GTR (not XU1) V8s, which were sent down the Elizabeth, South Australia plant production line on 13 April 1972 for use by the Experimental Engineering team at GM’s Port Melbourne plant in inner Melbourne. Of course due to the "Super Car Scare" this project was still born.

But some Aussie enthusiasts cannot be deterred. In the hands of the current enthusiast and builder owner for over 28 years, this fully engineered V8 LJ Torana is now offered for sale.

Starting life as an August, 1973 build LJ Torana S, the LJ is fitted with a 308 V8, Top Loader 4 speed manual gearbox and 9" diff. The Torana is supplied with a full engineering report and current Victorian registration.

The Torana was repainted in Hot Mustard and XU-1 black outs 12 years ago and is rust and damage free.

Mechanically, the 308 features Flat Top Pistons with 10.25:1 compression, A9L rods, ported heads with L34 valves, Yella Terra roller rockers, Crane springs and retainers, Comp 286H Cam, balanced Yella Terra lightened flywheel, Scorcher HEI, 6 Lt oil pan with baffles and a 3 core radiator with twin thermo fans.

Fuel is delivered via a 650 HP Holley DP carby, Edelbrock Torquer manifold, XU-1 17 gallon fuel tank, 3/8" XU-1 fuel line and L34 fuel pump. The engine is fitted with Pacemaker extractors through to a 2 1/2" twin system exhaust and custom tail pipes.

Gears are swapped via a Top Loader 4 speed gearbox with a Hurst shifter and the car is fitted with a new tail shaft loop. The diff is a Ford 9" LSD running a reconditioned centre with 3.25:1 gearing. The Tory is also fitted with McDonald Brothers trailing arms.

The Torana is fitted with 4 wheel disc brakes running an XU-1 booster, HZ GTS master cylinder and Wilwood brakes on the front and VC Commodore brakes at the rear.

The LJ is riding on genuine Bathurst Globe wheels, 14 x6" date coded 1975 on the front (and the spare rim) and 14 x 7 date coded 1980 on the rear.

On the inside, the XU-1 V8 has been retrimmed in 1972 XU-1 Roebuck trim and a genuine original thick spoke GTR steering wheel. The hood lining is new and the carpet features the correct heal pad and plastic weld around the hand brake. All gauges work as does the original AM radio. Seat belts have been upgraded to Inertia Reel as per V8 requirements and a LX Torana dip switch has been fitted on the indicator stalk.

Here is an unique opportunity to acquire a fully sorted and engineered tribute to the boys at GMH and HDT and a chance to sample what could have been. Certainly a must for the Torana enthusiast collector. And a Torana that can be driven and enjoyed with performance that will excite.

Supplied with full Victorian registration and personlised plates LJO-308 included. Located in Bacchus Marsh, Victoria for your inspection. (Ref. 6163)

And if you like we will gladly arrange a video inspection/road test of the car using WhatsApp and of course there is no issue with door to door freight delivery anywhere in Australia or New Zealand.

Call Mike on 0414 278 604 or Nicholas on 0499 577 997 and let us assist you with your inquiries regarding this very desirable Tory. Also please note if you have a quality Muscle or Classic car you wish to list or have valued please give us a call at AMCS, we will be happy to assist you.