1977 Holden LX Torana SS Hatchback

Holden's LH Torana, introduced in March 1974, represented a major step forward for the local arm of General Motors - for the first time the Torana was designed and built with Australian tastes and conditions in mind. Boasting all-new bodywork with clean, uncluttered lines, the mid-sized LH was offered with a wide choice of engines, ranging from a 1.9-litre four-cylinder, 2.8 and 3.3-litre sixes through to V8s in either 4.2 or 5.0 capacity. In 1976, Holden revamped the Torana to become the LX, introducing a hatchback version for the first time. Sold in either SL or SS guise, the LX hatchback was equipped with the 3.3-litre six although the bigger V8s were optional. At a time when hatchbacks were all the rage, Holden were keen to jump on the bandwagon and even released a unique accessory known as the "Hatch Hutch" that transformed the Torana into a mini camper when fitted. Inside, the LX Torana received various revisions, including a new instrument panel and more supportive seats. The LX was also the first Holden to receive the Radial Turned Suspension in March 1977 and relatively few hatchbacks were made, with production totals reaching 8,527 units before the UC Torana was announced in 1978. The LX Torana is becoming increasingly sought after today, partly due to the rarity - few good ones have survived - and also for being indelibly linked to one of the greatest Holden muscle cars of all, the A9X Toranas that were so much a part of the Golden Era of Group C racing in the Seventies.