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LX Specifications
When first released in early 1976, the LX was a mild facelift of the LH sedan with the addition of a stylish new three door hatchback body style to complement the four door model lineup. However, many upgrades and additions during its production run made the LX a much superior car to its predecessor.

Mechanicals were as before but trim changes were made to the interior and exterior of all cars, and badgework was repositioned. The new hatchback came as an SL and an SS (an S version available for export only). The SL had a trim level equivalent to that of the SL sedan while the SS was the hatch version of the SL/R with engines optional up to the 5.0 litre V8.

All SSs, even the 3300 six cylinder version, had the front spoiler from the SL/R 5000, but had different striping, wheel covers and centre console. The LX SL/R 5000 sedan now had a black painted bonnet and bold identifying black out lettering across the boot spoiler and alone the lower half of the doors. The hatchback equivalent to the SL/R 5000 (ie. the SS hatchback with a 5.0 litre V8 fitted) had no such adornment. It was differentiated from the smaller engined SS hatchbacks simply by the '5.0 litre' badge on the hatch. The front spoiler was slightly smaller than that used on the LH SL/R 5000 and the L34 option was not offered.

The three speed T-bar Trimatic was now available on the 5.0 litre engined cars. Interiors had orange instrument graphics and the sports models (SS & SL/R) had a silver finish dash fascia. A new headlight flasher and dimmer stalk was fitted to all models in lieu of the old floor mounted item which dated back to the 1948 model Holden. The bucket seat moulding shape was improved and all models had seven inch round headlights with the SS hatchback gaining quartz halogen inserts.

In July 1976, the XT4 engines were fitted across the range to comply with the new ADR 27A exhaust pollution laws, and power outputs were altered accordingly. Modifications were made to distributors, carburetors, camshafts and compression ratios to meet the new regulations, and the engines were basically the same as those used on the HX series.

Late in 1976, the Torana 1900 sedan was replaced by the new Sunbird. This had the same body and powertrain as the 1900, but new interiors and the addition of RTS (radial tuned suspension) set it apart from the Torana. RTS was a major upgrade in suspension design and geometry. Springs and dampers were recalibrated and anti roll bars were added to the front and rear suspension. The overall result for the Sunbird was a much improved, better handling car, aimed squarely at the Japanese market threat. Externally, it differed from the Torana 1900 with colour coded grilles, new wheel covers and 'Sunbird' badging. A Fashion Pack option was available with plaid cloth seat and door trim inserts which were available in three colours, coordinated with the exterior. Bumper bar rub strips were added.

The Sunbird hatchback was released in mid 1977. RTS was added to the six cylinder and V8 Toranas a around the same time, making these cars vastly superior to their predecessors. All LXs with RTS had 13 x 5.5 inch wheels and steel belted radials.

Late 1977 saw the arrival of the A9X option, perhaps the most desirable Torana of all. This package was available on all SL/R 5000s and 5.0 litre SSs built from September 1977 onwards, and once again was introduced to homologate these improvements for touring car racing and, in particular, Bathurst. The main improvements for the A9X were the much stronger 10 bolt Holden Salisbury type differential and the addition of rear disc brakes. Available in both sedan and hatchback body styles, it had the L34 type wheel arch flares, 14 x 6 inch sports road wheels and a large rear facing bonnet scoop with provision for cold air entry to the carburetor. Ducting was fitted from the front spoiler to provide cooling to the front brakes.

The A9X's entire rear floor panel pressing was new to accommodate the new rear axle assembly with the upper trailing arms mounted further apart. The steering rack was mounted solidly to the front crossmember, not on rubber bushes as before. The engine and gearbox were the standard issue L31 5.0 litre V8 and M21 (Australian) four speed manual, however some cars were fitted with the Borg Warner Super T10 four speed manual (option number MC7) in lieu of the Australian gearbox. Also fitted to the A9X were a heavy duty radiator, a thermo controlled electric engine fan and a radiator overflow reservoir. To match the new rear brakes, HX allot front brake assemblies were used and a new PBR master cylinder with integral proportioning valve and plastic reservoir was fitted. The radio and centre console were deleted as were the SL/R 5000 paint outs on sedans.

These vehicles with RTS, four wheel disc brakes and 5.0 litre engines were probably the best road cars offered by GM-H in the 1970s. Differential ratios up to a tall 2.60:1 made them very good open road touring cars. Even though they did not win their inaugural Bathurst in 1977, they totally dominated touring car racing throughout 1978 and 1979 with Peter Brock winning the 1979 classic by a record six laps (37km).

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.
DIMENSIONS
  • 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/V 8VB69 - 24 FEB 1976 UC - MAR 1978 $4790 (6)
  • TORANA SL (6/V 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

A9X
Holden's Torana A9X Hatchback hit the racetracks in late 1977 as GMH attempted to halt the big dollar Moffat Ford Dealer Team steamroller that took first and second placings in the 1977 Australian Touring Car Championship. Peter Brock threw down the gauntlet to Allan Moffat at the Sandown 500 with a debut victory in his privateer Torana A9X, but both Moffat and Colin Bond took sweet revenge with a one/two result at Bathurst as lack of development proved costly for the leading Toranas. In 1978, the A9X had proved to be both an excellent road and race car as Peter Brock, now back with Holden Dealer Team, blitzed the ATCC. The A9X Toranas, with a 400hp V8, roller rocker overhead cam gear, four wheel disc brakes, Detroit locker diff and wide allow wheels set the pace at Bathurst with Brock grabbing pole from Ford's Bond and Moffat. Brock was slow away on raceday in foggy conditions then charged back through the pack as rivals dropped by the wayside. Brock and New Zealand co-driver Jim Richards cleared away to win by a lap from the A9X of Grice/Leffler. Things got even better for A9X and Holden in 1979. Bob Morris won the ATCC from HDT's Brock and John Harvey without Ford getting a look in. Then Brock and Richards thrashed all-comers at Bathurst to record an unprecedented six-lap vistory with Brock claiming a lap record on the last circuit in his fabulous A9X. It was the end of an era for Torana with five Bathurst tophies on the shelf while gaining a deserved reputation as on of Holden's great sporting icons.

The 1978 & 1979 Bathurst winners
The Torana A9X was the ultimate Torana and like the two before, it was a Bathurst winner. The A9X was never allowed the fan-fare of other Holdens as the GM-H management were still a bit apprehensive about the 1972 government ban on 'Super-cars'. This car would have blitzed the super-cars that were banned just a few years earlier. One of biggest differences was this Torana could not only fly in a straight line but it could handle and brake hard and in line with it's four wheel disc brakes as standard fitment. But like any vehicle be it a Skoda or a Ferrari, in the hands of inexperienced or over confident drivers this car could be lethal so it was decided to hold it back from production until just before Bathurst. With those awesome looking flares, fat tyres, bonnet bulge, spoilers, cooling ducts and best of all, the throaty roar of the lions heart, 280kW of unadulterated power this Holden was like no other! The GM-H team were so frightened that this car would cause a riot that they didn't even issue a press release to proclaim any of it's virtues. In fact it was slipped into the showrooms very quietly so as not to arrouse to much attention! What about that name 'A9X' could it stand for the ninth year of Australian Torana 'X' race cars or did some one throw three darts at an alphabet and number sheet using there left hand, blind folded standing on a stool with one leg pointing to the south and holding a glass of XXXX in the other hand! The A9X Torana was simply a limited run production model incorporating the Bathurst 'performance equipment package' and of course it was part of the LX range of Toranas althougth the back floorpan was modified to accept GM-H's new Salisbury rear axle plus disc brakes which they used in the UC. Another UC feature that first appeared on the A9X was the direct mounting of the steering gear on to the chassis to give some 'feel' to the driver so when the power was unleashed at least it was more controlable, this car was not designed to be driven around town, it didn't even have a radio as standard but then when a car makes this sort of noise it makes it's own music. It was what you would call the bare-bones so they weight could be kept down to a minimum. Some people have commented to me about they had an A9X and it had a radio but believe me it was an option for them.

One of the most awesome displays in the history of 'The Great Race' was in an A9X at the hands of Peter Brock in 1979 when leading by an unbeatable margin Brocky decided to show the public just how good the Torana was and posted a lap record on the last lap! I remember watching this feat and wondering why anyone would risk this but latter my respect for the car and particularly the man behind the wheel grew enormously! Brocky commented on this later and he said something along these lines, 'I knew Moff (Alan Moffat) was commentating as his car had blown so I wanted to show him how good the A9X was! The Holden 5.0 V8 has proven itself time and time again to be very reliable over the distance of Bathurst and will continue to do this.

The road version and race version differed alot and you had to have a CAMS licence to even buy a race version which could not be registered on the road. Most road going A9Xs were 4-door while most of the race cars were 2-door.

Specifications
  • L34 = Big valve, Holley carb, 9.8:1 compression 308ci V8 (179kW)
  • L31 = Standard 308 V8
  • L33 = Standard 253 V8 high compression
  • L32 = Standard 253 V8 low compression
  • L1# = 4 cylinder
  • L2# = 6 cylinder
  • L3# = 8 cylinder
  • A9X = performance equipment package (limited run)
The last 'Hot Torana' Torana A9X (race versions) (1977 - 1978)
  • Price at introduction: $12500
  • Total number built: 380 - 500
Engines:
  • 5 litre V8, front mounted
  • 260kW @ 6000rpm (approx HDT, read note)
  • 434Nm @ 3400rpm (approx HDT, read note)
  • redline 5500 rpm
  • These figures varied as the rules left teams open to develope there own camshafts etc.
  • Standing quarter-mile 15.2 seconds (3.08:1 final drive)
  • Standing quarter-mile 15.7 seconds (2.6:1 final drive Bathurst)
  • 44.8 km/h per 1000 rpm (2.6:1 final drive)
Transmission:
  • Only racing A9Xs came with the Borgwarner T10.
  • Four-speed manual (M21)-Road version
  • 1st = 2.54 = 97km/h @ 5500 rpm
  • 2nd =1.83 = 135 km/h @ 5500 rpm
  • 3rd = 1.38 = 179 km/h @ 5500 rpm
  • 4th = 1.00 = 210 km/h @ 4700 rpm
  • Conrod straight 270 km/h @ 6000 rpm (around 165 mph in the old figures)
Dimensions:
  • Length - 4509mm
  • Width - 1704mm
  • Wheelbase - 2586mm
Fuel Tank:
  • 120 litres (custom made)


Date of Production: February 1976.
Total Number Built: 49,902
Models Available: S sedan (4 & 6 cylinder)
SL sedan (4 & 6 cylinder)
SL/R sedan (6 cylinder & V8)
SL Hatchback (6 cylinder & V8)
SS Hatchback (6 cylinder & V8)
A9X option available with 5.0 SL/R & 5.0 SS models
Engines Available: 1.9 litre (1900), 4 cylinder
2.8 litre (2850), 6 cylinder (173ci)
3.3 litre (3300), 6 cylinder (202ci)
4.2 litre, V8 (253ci)
5.0 litre, V8 (308ci)
Transmissions Available: 3-speed manual (6 cylinder)
4-speed manual (4 cylinder, 3.3L 6-cylinder & V8)
3-speed automatic (4 & 6 cylinder, V8)
Differential Ratios: 4 cylinder (1900) - 3.9 manual, 3.55 auto
6 cylinder (2850) - 3.36 manual, 2.78 auto
6 cylinder (3300) - 3.08 manual, 2.78 auto
V8 (4.2) - 2.78 manual, 2.78 auto
V8 (5.0) - 2.78 manual, 2.78 auto
2.60:1 diff & T10 (4 speed) gearbox available with A9X option
Brakes: Front:
S models - drums
SL, SL/R & SS models - power-assisted discs (254mm)
A9X model - discs (293mm)
Rear:
S, SL, SL/R & SS models - drums (228mm)
A9X model - discs (293mm)
Instruments/Controls: S & SL models:
Speedo, odometer, fuel gauge, foot-operated park-brake, brake warning light, hi-beam indicator, turn signal indicator, generator warning light, oil pressure warning light, temperature warning light clock (SL only)
SL/R & SS models:
Speedo, odometer, fuel gauge, foot-operated park-brake, brake warning light, hi-beam indicator, turn signal indicator, battery charge gauge, oil pressure gauge, water temperature gauge, tachometer, alternator warning light
Interior Dimensions (Sedan): Front leg room: 1021mm (40.2 inches)
Rear leg room: 843mm (33.1 inches)
Front headroom: 937mm (36.9 inches)
Rear headroom: 919mm (36.2 inches)
Front shoulder room: 1372mm (54.0 inches)
Rear shoulder room: 1364mm (53.7 inches)
Glass area: 23,835 sq. cm (3695.5 sq. in.)
Exterior Dimensions (Sedan): Total length: 4509mm (177.5 inches)
Total width: 1704mm (67.1 inches)
Total height: 1331mm (52.5 inches)
Wheelbase: 2586mm (101.8 inches)
Front track: 1400mm (55.1 inches)
Rear track: 1372mm (54 inches)
Kerb weight: 1143 - 1183kg (2520 - 2609lb)
Turning circle: 10.97m (36 ft.)
Fuel tank capacity: 55 litres (12 gallons)
Cargo capacity: .31 cu. mt (10.8 cu. ft.)
Interior Dimensions (Hatchback): Front leg room: 1021mm (40.2 inches)
Rear leg room: 775mm (30.5 inches)
Front headroom: 932mm (36.7 inches)
Rear headroom: 916mm (36.1 inches)
Front shoulder room: 1372mm (54.0 inches)
Rear shoulder room: 1367mm (53.9 inches)
Glass area: 24,903 sq. cm (3860.1 sq. in.)
Exterior Dimensions (Hatchback): Total length: 4509mm (177.5 inches)
Total width: 1704mm (67.1 inches)
Total height: 1326mm (52.2 inches)
Wheelbase: 2586mm (101.8 inches)
Front track: 1400mm (55.1 inches)
Rear track: 1372mm (54 inches)
Kerb weight: 1170 - 1209kg (2580 - 2666lb)
Turning circle: 10.97m (36 ft.)
Fuel tank capacity: 52.5 litres (11.5 gallons)
Prices at time of introduction: S 1900 4-door sedan - $4,345
SL 1900 4-door sedan - $4,813
S 2850 4-door sedan - $4,584
SL 2850 4-door sedan - $5,249
SL/R 3300 4-door sedan - $5,798
S 4.2L 4-door sedan - $6,027
SL 4.2L 4-door sedan - $6,284
SL/R 4.2L 4-door sedan - $6,485
SL/R 5.0L 4-door sedan - $6,485
SL 3300 hatchback - $5,683
SS 3300 hatchback - $6,088
SS 4.2 V8 hatchback - $6,813
SS 5.0 V8 hatchback - $7,275



BODY CODES
MODEL CODE BODY ENGINE
S 8UG69 Four-door Four
SL 8UH69 Four-door Four
SL 8UH77 Three-door Four
  8UH77 Three-door Four
S 8VB69 Four-door Six
SL 8VC69 Four-door Six
S 8VB69 Four-door V8
SL 8VC69 Four-door V8
SL 8VC77 Three-door Six
SL 8VC77 Three-door V8
SL/R3300 8VD69 Four-door Six
SL/R4200 8VD69 Four-door V8
SL/R5000 8VD69 Four-door V8
A9X 8VD69 Four-door V8
SS 8VD77 Three-door V8
A9X 8VD77 Three-door V8