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In the 1960's, Holden realized that there was a market for smaller cars, so in 1964 Holden released the Vauxhall Viva. But it was not a great success. In 1967 Holden released a marginally better car, and called it the HB Torana (Torana was an aboriginal word meaning "to fly")
In 1968 Holden released the LC Torana. It was similar to the HB but with a longer wheelbase and an all new body.
1968 also marked the introduction of the 6 cylinder engine into the Torana, as well as the sports models the GTR and GTR X-U1 .
In 1972 Holden released the LJ Torana. It was basically the LJ with a few minor differences, including a new grill, new split rear lights, Holden continued making the GTR, GTR XU-1 as the LC versions were very popular.
In March 1974 Holden released the new LH. It was basically a smaller Kingswood, it was a noticeable amount bigger than the LJ/LC. 1974 also marked the introduction of the V8 engine into the Torana continuing the tradition of the GTR XU-1 Holden introduced the SL/R 5000 (Sports Light/Racing)
The next Torana was the LX, which looked a lot like the LH, but with square front headlights, as well as Radial Tuned Suspension, which means the LX handled a lot better than the previous Toranas. The LX model also introduced the hatch back version of the Torana. The LX model continued the SL/R 5000, as well as introducing the sports hatch the SS Torana. The racing version of the LX was called the A9X which was very successful on the track.
In 1978 Holden released the UC Torana. It had the best suspension, gears in any Torana, but sadly they ditched the V8 engine, so the UC was not nearly as popular, In 1979 Holden was making the Kingswood Wagon, the Commodore Sedan, the UC Torana, the Gemini, they had to ditch something, sadly they picked the UC Torana.
http://www.amvn.com.au/torana/index.html
Excelent site for the history and specs of the Torana
http://www.ozemail.com.au/~attila/
Where i got alot of info
same info as above site
The CAR
General Motors Holden TORANA
The release of the first TORANA, model HB, was in 1967.
The TORANA (an aboriginal word meaning to fly) was conceived from the English Vauxhall Viva and developed in Australia over 10 years to merge within the Holden range.
It has been one of the most versatile of the Generals' fleet with seven models (HB, LC, LJ, TA, LH, LX & UC), many styles (Brabham, S, SL, GTR, XU1, SLR, SLR 5000, L34, A9X) having engines (4, 6, 8 cylinder) locally made and imported, gear boxes (3, 4 speed man & 3 speed auto) and many body styles (2, 4 door & hatch backs).
The TORANA has made an impact in all areas of motor sport ie: circuit racing, rallying (both here and overseas), motocross, hillclimbs, stock car racing, drag racing and speedway.
They have been, and still are in some cases, popular as a compact family sedan, sporty road car, traffic patrol pursuit cars, economical second car, young persons first car and build up projects for restoration and street machines.
With the various combinations in drivetrains, all of these uses are possible.
It is difficult to come across someone who hasn't said: ". . we used to have one of them once .. "
This Australian legend still lives on.
NOTE: The Torana GTRX was the one that should have been but never was. Prototypes were built back in the 70's for a fibreglass sports car ahead of it's time, however production never happened. Even though it is hardly mentioned it is not forgotten. The only living example is a fully working car in a museum in South Australia.