1974 LH Torana SL/R 5000 L34 ... (SOLD)

In the days when the only difference between a race car and a road car was a rego label, Holden's homologation of the LH Torana for Group C racing ushered in the option package known as the L34. Added to the all Aussie-built SL/R 5000, Holden produced only 263 L34s in late 1974. And in the hands of racers like Brock, Morris, Bond, Jane, Grice and others the L34 made an indelible mark on Australian motor racing, winning every round of the Australian Touring Car Championships in 1975.

The most important part of the L34 package was the engine; a heavily reworked (by Repco Engine Developments) 5.0 litre version of the standard 308 block with forged steel rods and cast-alloy pistons, stronger crankshaft, a unique cylinder head with bigger ports and valves, roller rockers and new ignition system. A Rochester Q-jet carburettor was also fitted, along with a high-pressure fuel pump, tubular steel extractors and a heavy-duty radiator for improved cooling under the tough Australian weather conditions.

The most recognisable upgrade was the body package consisting of bolt-on flares that started a copy-cat fashion tidal wave that catered for a wider wheel track and bigger rubber, higher spring rates and stiffer dampers that made the whole car feel much more in touch with terra firma as well as different decals to the standard SL/R 5000, a sports steering wheel and full instrumentation.

Peter Brock said about the L34 SL/R 5000, "It was outrageously fast, and when it came to the speed at which you could go at in the wet it was faster again. Our cars were just a mile ahead. The only thing you had to worry about was another Holden.”

Offered for sale is a Barbados Green L34 with an very interesting history including participation in the 1975 Australian Touring Car Championship!

Originally purchased from Launceston Motors from salesman Roly Sloane by privateer racer Gene Cook of Launceston, Tasmania, the car was painted black immediately after purchase and raced as the Number 13 car in the 1975 Australian Touring Car Championship. Gene raced the car at Symmons Plains in the 1975 ATCC round. Gene sold the car to ex-racer and car dealer Barry Cassidy who on-sold the car to Mark Grima who subsequently wrote the car off in a road accident which resulted in the car having to be reshelled. During Barry Cassidy's ownership, the CAMS log books were stolen from his workshop.

It is believed that the car still runs it's original race engine, gearbox and diff plus interior trim, roll cage, race suspension and wheels albeit in the new body shell.

The current owner has sourced the Gene Cook race livery and if required will arrange for it to be reapplied to the body.

Mechanically the car has had a recent rebuild to the race engine and runs a 750 DP Holley carby, Wade cam, new headers, exhaust, the race M21 4 speed gearbox and a 9" diff. The L34 also features reconditioned brakes and the original diff comes with the car.

Now it may not be an unmolested day one survivor L34 but it is what it is, and what it is, is part of the wonderful motor racing folklore from a time that will never be forgotten by diehard Aussie Muscle car race fans. This is a verified L34 racer that clearly underscores what Holden intended when it built the L34. These cars were built to win races. And win races they did!

The car is located in Perth, WA for your inspection. Or if travel is difficult, AMCS will gladly arrange a video inspection of the car using WhatsApp and of course there is no issue with door to door freight delivery anywhere in Australia or New Zealand. (Ref. 5606)