1973 LJ Torana GTR XU1 (SOLD)

Price:

$65,000

Vin:

8D11PCH275587J

Chassis Number:

BLJ34502B

Build date:

5/73

Model:

LJ82911

Body:

23030B

Trim:

1870 50X

Paint:

567 15337

ENG:

XU1

TRANS:

blank

AXLE:

G95

Chassis Number on inner guard:

BLJ34502B

Specifications:

The car is a genuine LJ GTR XU-1 that was built at the Acacia Ridge plant in Brisbane on the 30th April 1973. It received its ADR Compliance in May that year, hence the 5/73 date. It was sold through Ron Hodgson Motors, Cabramatta, Sydney, the same month.

EXTERIOR

The car has retained its original colour (Sunburst Metallic), which is still mostly original and in generally very good condition. There is minor "orange peeling" present on the boot lid. This is only evident upon very close inspection. Previous damage repairs to the front passenger side quarter panel and nose cone has been professionally and meticulously re-beaten and lead loaded. There is no other accident damage to the vehicle as far as I am aware. It has a very straight body, as can be seen in the pics.

It has been said that only 4 examples of the XU1 were sold in this colour. It was only available on 1973 models, and cost an extra $35 as an option! Every other metallic finish as an option cost $25. Maybe this is a reason for its rarity.

Generally, the body is in excellent condition, however, it is certainly not a concourse example. Some work will need to be done to get it to that condition. There is minor surface rust on the A pillar inside the door frame, and a spot below the rear windscreen on the body join. These have both been present since I have had the car and have not increased over that time.

INTERIOR

The interior largely remains original and intact. A roll of NOS Roebuck vinyl was found in the long grain pattern, and about a month was spent getting the door trims spot on. A chrome moulding was used in lieu of the original, as the profile was no longer available.

Window winders, door openers and all locks work properly. The steering wheel is the original one.

The seats were thankfully in great condition and just required cleaning and protecting. Rear trims are original and untouched.

Seat belts were sent to Reg Reginato in Qld for total refurbishment. The dash is cracked in places due to sun exposure through the windscreen, but a carpet cover is in place to protect from further deterioration. All gauges (dated 4/73) and controls work, as does the heater, fan and ciggie lighter. The radio panel is intact.

The headlining is original and intact, and generally in very good condition. The door light switches were removed, but the dome light is still operational. The handbrake boot is a reproduction item. The console is original as is the surround, although part of the surround is missing.

The boot mat is original, although the tank cover is a reproduction. The carpet is aftermarket and generally OK, however I had considered looking at purchasing a better quality one that fitted better. Then again, maybe I'm just being too fussy. The kick panels are new and much the same as the carpet......its just difficult getting new stuff to fit absolutely perfectly.

MECHANICALS

The car is currently running an XU1 spec engine built in a Blue motor block. It has a fully counterweighted crank, Starfire rods, ACL Duralite pistons with competition rings, ACL Race Series bearings through out, Ian Wade ground cam (to 72 Bathurst Spec "HX" dimensions), Wade anti pump up lifters and standard volume JP oil pump. The flywheel is a Yella Terra lightened item, and the clutch is a heavy duty RPM set up.

It still retains it's original head (2815843) with a casting date of L32 (November 1972). This has remained untouched with the only addition being a set of Yella Terra "Street Terra" roller rockers, which were installed as high rpm insurance for club racing. The manifold and carbies are the original items and in excellent condition. Air cleaners and wing nuts are original. The carbie linkage is a new reproduction item. The old linkage is available, but really, why would you bother! The distributor is a Blue motor electronic type, and far superior to the original points type. The motor and clutch was blueprinted and balanced after completion.

The gearbox is the original box (correctly called the XU1 M20 and NOT an M21) with the 899 cluster still installed. This gives them a fairly long third gear (1.25:1) as opposed to the standard 1.38:1 found in the M21. The diff is the standard Banjo lsd with a 3.36:1 ratio. I have had no issues at all with it.

The exhaust comprises Genie headers, Lukey resonator and a custom built XU1 spec rear muffler with two 1.5 inch tail pipes. Original ones ran 1.25 inch pipes. The whole system is stainless steel, including the baffles in the muffler! It cost a packet, but I have never needed to worry about the system rusting out ever.

MISCELLANEOUS

The Sprintmasters are not original 1973 issue. They are from the early eighties (the only ones manufactured without a date stamp I have been informed). They are in excellent condition. The spare was bought in 2002 as a new CSA item. They still have the original wheel nuts, and the centre caps are the chrome plated brass items that came out on the early rims. Tyres are Bridgestone Eagers.....205/60/13.

The front and rear ends and cross member was removed from the car just after I bought it, and sandblasted and powder coated black. While they were out, I spent a week under the car wire brushing, rust proofing, body deadening and chasing out Red-Backs! New ball joints, bearings, bushes and tie rod ends were fitted. There are King springs all round that are lowered one inch. This makes the car sit nicer than an originally sprung one. It still retains its original sway bar and fittings.

Generally speaking, this car is a reliable, honest car that is happy to be travelling every day to work, and letting loose at a race track on the weekend. It has made 4 trips to Bathurst and never given me any trouble. One trip was made in 42 degree heat, and it never missed a beat...can't say the same for myself though!