Like the Monaro and Falcon GT-HO, Holden’s Torana GTR XU-1 occupies a special place in Aussie motoring folklore.
The chance to own one of these cars does not come along very often, let alone one of the sought-after ‘Strike Me Pink’ editions.
But one could be yours when the car crosses the block at Shannons Autumn auction on Monday, April 29 in Melbourne.
With promising results at Bathurst in 1970 and again in 1971, Holden released an updated XU-1 for 1972, based on the LJ series Torana, with revised styling plus several interior components lifted from the new HQ range.
Mechanically, the XU-1 package was used to homologate various components like heavy-duty springs, revised camshaft and lightened flywheel.
With Globe Sprintmaster wheels and 3.08:1 diff, the LJ-model Toranas were capable of hitting 225 km/h down Conrod Straight at Bathurst.
In 1972, wet weather and the driving genius of Peter Brock combined to defeat the mighty GT-HOs in the Hardie Ferodo 500, and thereafter the XU-1s earned a “Giant Killer” reputation.
The 1972 LJ Torana being offered for sale is expected to generate plenty of excitement when it is offered with no reserve.
Originally delivered by Melville Motors in South Australia, the car’s early history is unknown, but by 1976 it was log-booked by CAMS as a Sports Sedan in Western Australia.
During its racing career it was lightened extensively in the doors, before being purchased by the vendor in 1994, who has since rebuilt and largely returned it to production specification.
It presents as a complete and interesting car, with an older restoration.
The panels and ‘Strike Me Pink’ paint were refreshed some years ago, however a significant number of the racing modifications have been retained.
The black interior is complete and in good condition.
All the XU-1 hallmarks are evident inside and out, including the XU1 only nibless rims.
The original engine was log-booked with the car but is no longer fitted, instead it has the engine it was last raced with, a very stout modified 202ci motor.
Shed stored for 24 years, it was club registered in 2017 and is being offered for sale unregistered and with No Reserve.
With a build date of Janury 25, 1972, it has been authenticated by Holden as the first LJ-model XU-1 to be recorded for production at the Elizabeth plant in South Australia.
Guiding range is $80,000 to $100,000.
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