The Holden LX Torana

The LX Torana was the second vehicle in the third generation of Holden Toranas.  The LX model was first produced in early 1976.  There were some major cosmetic changes to this model of the vehicle to significantly change the body style.  For example, the headlights were round instead of rectangular (as they were on the Holden LH Torana).  The body pieces surrounding the windows were body colour instead of black making the vehicle look flashier.  Last, the Holden badge on the front of the vehicle was slightly larger.

Holden LX Torana SL Hatchback

The LX model also offered a hatchback option with an 1897cc engine; however, the two-door vehicle did not have the unique body style upgrades as discussed prior.  It was more of the plain body style used in the LH model.  However, the LX did have three models of the hatchback with an SL, SS, and SL/R model.  The LX Torana SL model was available as a sedan or a hatchback, while the SS model was only available in the hatchback.

The SL/R 5000 model was a sedan version, but it did have a hatchback version in the SS model that had a nice V8 engine (5.0 litre) that was visibly different with 5.0 litre badging and a smaller spoiler to make it standout more.  The SL/R 5000 sedan was different that all other sedan models because it had a ‘painted’ bonnet and lettering on the spoiler and doors.

The T-bar Trimatic became available in the all V8 engines (5.0 litre) in the SS and SL/R models.  If this option was chosen, the vehicle interior was given more sporty look which orange graphics and a silver dash. A new stalk with a headlight flash and dimmer was fitted along with nice bucket seats.  The exterior was enhanced with round seven inch headlights including halogen inserts.

Sunbird With RTS Advertisment

In mid-1976 the Holden Torana LX vehicles were subject to the new Australian Design Rule (ADR) 27A emission regulations.  This meant that specific equipment needed to be used in order to reduce the emissions.  There were no specific emissions, but reductions were imminent.  With that said, engine outputs on the LX Torana were changed according to the following:

  • 118 horsepower (hp)/88 kilowatts (kw) to 105 horsepower (hp)/78 kilowatts (kw)
  • 135 horsepower (hp)/101 kilowatts (kw) to 111 horsepower (hp)/82.5 kilowatts (kw)
  • 185 horsepower (hp)/138 kilowatts (kw) to 161 horsepower (hp)/120 kilowatts (kw)
  • 240 horsepower (hp)/180 kilowatts (kw) to 216 horsepower (hp)/161 kilowatts (kw)

Note: During 1976 Australian finalized its scale conversion system by converting to the metric unit.  With that said, kilowatts (kW) were now being used to specify power output as opposed to horsepower (hp).

After this ruling all XT4 engines used in the Holden vehicles were updated to meet the guidelines and reduce emissions.  The engines were redesigned similar to those used on all models in the HX model line-up, including components such as camshafts, carburettors, distributors, and compression ratios.

Holden LX Sunbird Sedan

By late 1976 a new model of the Torana LX was launched called the Sunbird.  It featured a four-cylinder 72 kW (96 hp) engine with either four-speed or three-speed automatic transmission.  In fact, Holden rebranded the LX so that all four-cylinder LX models were now featured as the ‘Sunbird’ while the six-cylinder and eight-cylinder vehicles were Toranas.

The Sunbird and Toranas are slightly different physically with different grilles, wheel covers (chrome), and badgering with Sunbird.  The Sunbird was available in a four-door sedan options or a three-door hatchback option.

Both of those models also provided the RTS package as an option – radial-tuned suspension.  This was the first handling type package of its kind providing a much safer and improved vehicle.  A special perk of the Sunbird was the ‘fashion pack’ which offered plaid cloth and door trim in different colours.  Bumper bars were available with rub strips.

Holden LX Torana SL/R 5000 with A9X option

The LX series would not be the same without adding a performance racing vehicle.  In 1977 the A9X Option was produced with the intent of winning the Bathurst 1000.  The A9X Option included a V8 (5.0 litre) engine offered in the LX SL/R and SS hatchback vehicles, but looked very similar to the L34 from the Torana LH including an additional front scoop for airflow.  The vehicle was enhanced with better brakes, axles and 10-bolt differential.

Luckily the A9X Option, driven by Peter Brock, won the 1977 Sandown Hang Ten 400.  However, he drove a disappointing race at the Bathurst that same year losing to Ford.  Some refinements were made making the A9X a dominating vehicle and one to beat.  In 1978 and 1979 Peter Brock and Bob Morris drove to victory wining the Australian Touring Car Championship and the Bathurst 1000 (driven by Peter Brock and Jim Richards) in both years.

The LX Torana model line-up was well received and produced roughly 66,000 vehicles.

MINOR FEATURES

  • Power front disc brakes all models except S.
  • SL identified by bright trim surrounding tail lights.
  • SL sedan wheel trims different from SL hatch (SL hatch used SL/R wheel covers).
  • Four cylinder grille different from those on six cylinder and V8 cars.
  • Auto sedans used T-bar shift lever and auto hatchbacks had new ‘pistol grip’ lever.
  • A9Xs used HQ – WB stud pattern wheels.
  • Hatch Hutch tent sold as a camping accessory for hatchback cars.
  • Split fold down rear seat backs in hatchbacks.
  • Radio fitted in centre console in hatchbacks, in dash for sedans.
  • New ignition lock January 1978 to meet ADR 25A law.
  • RTS models identified by badges on front guards and glovebox lid.
  • Engine output figures now quoted as gross kW.

Torana Hatchback Advertisment

LX SLR 5000 Sales Brochure
LX SLR 5000 Sales Brochure

DIMENSIONS

IMPERIAL   METRIC
FUEL TANK 12 GALLONS 55 LITRES
WHEELBASE 101.8 INCHES 2593 mm
TRACK (FRONT) 54.9 INCHES 1395 mm
TRACK (FRONT SL/R / SS / RTS) 55.3 INCHES 1405 mm
TRACK (REAR) 54.0 INCHES 1372 mm
TRACK (REAR SL/R / SS / RTS) 54.4 INCHES 1382 mm
HEIGHT (SEDAN) 52.6 INCHES 1335 mm
HEIGHT (HATCH) 52.2 INCHES 1325 mm
WIDTH 67.5 INCHES 1705 mm
LENGTH 177.6 INCHES 4510 mm

PRODUCTION

DOMESTIC 62 110
EXPORT (WHOLE) 123
EXPORT (CKD) 3 744
TOTAL 65 977

ENGINE

PRIOR TO JULY ’77 (ADR 27)
  COMP.
RATIO
OUTPUT ENG.NO.
PREFIX
1900 LC
(EXPORT)
8.6 74 Y
1900 HC 9.0 76 Y
2850 LC 8.3 71 HE
2850 HC 9.4 78 HD
3300 LC
(EXPORT)
7.8 75 HM
3300 HC 9.4 82 HL
4.2 V8 9.0 130 HR
5.0 V8 9.7 186 HT
JULY ’77 ONWARDS (ADR 27)
COMP.
RATIO
OUTPUT ENG.NO.
PREFIX
1900 9.0 72 Y
2850 MAN 8.3 78 HE OR XQE
2850 AUTO 9.4 87 HD OR XQD
3300 MAN 7.8 81 HM OR XQM
3300 AUTO 9.4 88 HL OR XQL
4.2 V8 9.0 120 HR
5.0 V8 9.2 161 HT

TRANSMISSION

SPEED SHIFT POS OTHER
MC6 4 MAN FLOOR 1900 ONLY
M15 3 MAN COL RHD
MC2 3 MAN COL LHD
M20 4 MAN FLOOR AUST
M21 4 MAN FLOOR 5.0
MC7 4 MAN FLOOR BW SUPER
A9X
M40 3 AUTO FLOOR
/ COL
TRIMATIC

FINAL DRIVE

BANJO – 2.78, 3.08, 3.36, 3.55, 3.90
LIMITED SLIP OPT
SALISBURY – 2.60, 3.08 (A9X ONLY)
LIMITED SLIP STD

MODELS AND RELEASE DATES

MODEL SEDAN
(OPT)
HATCH
(OPT)
RELEASED AVAILABLE
UNTIL
PRICE AT
RELEASE
TORANA S 1900 8UG69 24 FEB 1976 SUNBIRD – NOV 1976
TORANA SL 1900 8UH69 8UH77 24 FEB 1976 SUNBIRD – NOV 1976
SUNBIRD SEDAN 8UG69
(A8Z)
16 NOV 1976 UC – MAR 1978
SUNBIRD HATCH 8UH77
(A8Z)
29 SEP 1977 UC – MAR 1978
TORANA S (6/V8) 8VB69 24 FEB 1976 UC – MAR 1978 $4790 (6)
TORANA SL (6/V8) 8VC69 8VC77 24 FEB 1976 UC – MAR 1978
TORANA SL/R 8VD69 24 FEB 1976 UC – MAR 1978
TORANA SL/R 5000 8VD69
(XU2)
SEP 1977 A9X – SEP 1977 $6820
TORANA SL/R 5000 A9X 8VD69
(A9X)
24 FEB 1976 LIMITED RUN – 307
TORANA SS 8VD77 SEP 1977 A9X – SEP 1977 $6450
TORANA SS A9X 8VD77
(A9X)
MAR 1977 LIMITED RUN – 100

PAINT CODES

GMH DULON BERGER TYPE
ABSINTH YELLOW 1886 15949 1D008 SOLID
AQUARIUS 1914 17778 SOLID
CHARMOIS 1887 15950 1G009 SOLID
COTILLION WHITE 15951 1J007 SOLID
DURHAM BEIGE 15952 1G016 SOLID
FLAMENCO RED 1926 30517 1F007 SOLID
JASMINE YELLOW 1927 30518 1D108 SOLID
MADEIRA RED 1928 30519 1F034 SOLID
MANDARIN RED 1890 15953 1F072 SOLID
MINT JULEP 1915 17779 SOLID
OPALINE BLUE 1929 30520 1B074 SOLID
PALAIS WHITE 1930 30521 1J001 SOLID
PANAMA GREEN 1931 30522 1C002 SOLID
PAPAYA 1916 17777 1E020 SOLID
TUXEDO BLACK 2214 15991 SOLID
ULTRA BLUE 1932 30523 1B104 SOLID
VALENCIA ORANGE 1933 30524 1E028 SOLID
ANTELOPE 1894 15940 2G006 METALLIC
ATLANTIS BLUE 1934 30525 2B002 METALLIC
BORDEAUX 17773 2F003 METALLIC
CARIBBEAN TURQUOISE 1935 30526 2B013 METALLIC
CONTESSA GOLD 1896 2D002 METALLIC
DEAUVILLE BLUE 15944 2B016 METALLIC
DYNASTY GOLD 1936 30527 2D004 METALLIC
JADE GREEN 15945 2C010 METALLIC
PERSIAN SAND 1925 2G024 METALLIC
PERSIAN SAND MK II 30183 2G023 METALLIC
ROYAL PLUM 17774 2A005 METALLIC
SADDLE TAN 30528 2G027 METALLIC
SIERRA TAN 17776 2G003 METALLIC
SUPER MINT 1938 30529 2C009 METALLIC
WINDSOR BLUE 1939 30530 2B023 METALLIC

TRIM CODES

GMH TRIM CODE TRIM CODE
CHARMOIS 60A * / 60B ** 17053 / 17214
FLAX XS5 *
SIENNA 65A * / 65B **
SLATE BLACK 18V * / 18X ***
TAN 67V * / 67Y ** 17057 / 17117

* VINYL, ** CHEVRON, *** RANIER

1976 GM-H Sales Brochure; Holden LX Torana 1900

Holden LX Torana 1900

Holden LX Torana 1900S, 1900SL

Holden LX Torana 1900S, 1900SL DetailsHolden LX Torana 1900S, 1900SL Details-2Holden LX Torana 1900S, 1900SL Details-3

1976 GM-H Sales Brochure; Holden LX Sunbird, “Dedicated to the Driver in every family”

Holden LX SunbirdHolden LX SunbirdHolden LX Sunbird

1976 GM-H Print Media Advert: Holden LX Torana SL/R 5000, “The Torana With Hairs On Its Chest!”

1976 GM-H Print Media Advert: Holden LX Torana SL/R 5000, “The Torana With Hairs On Its Chest!”

1976 GM-H Print Media Advert; Holden LX Torana Hatchback, “Heads, it’s a Beaut. Tales, it’s a Boot.”

1976 GM-H Print Media Advert; Holden LX Torana Hatchback, “Heads, it’s a Beaut. Tales, it’s a Boot.”

What is the difference between LH and LX Torana?

Holden’s LH Torana was significantly larger as well as being wider when compared to the previous model, the LJ Torana.

Unlike other Holden models of the era, the LH received significant praise for its handling. The LH was available with either a 4, 6 or 8 cylinder engine.

The LH Torana is easily distinguished from the model, the LX Torana as the LH had square headlamps and these were replaced with conventional round headlamps the LX model was launched.

Holden made the LX Torana a mild facelift over the LH and the LX was available as a lift-back and sedan. The LX had a number of significant engineering updates which included the radial-tuned suspension that allowed superior handling but also provided an acceptable ride.

This setup favoured radial tyres as these were becoming the standard at the time. The LX retained the range of engine options with 4, 6 and 8 cylinder engines being available. These V8s were also available on the SS and SLR models, with the most sought after and rarest being the race-homologated A9X option package.