1977 Holden LX Torana A9X Sedan

For many Holden enthusiasts, the ultimate Torana was - and still is - the homologation special carrying the A9X codename, a car that dominated on the track and is still today revered as one of the greatest muscle cars ever sold to the public in Australia. The A9X option was available on both the SL/R 5000 sedan and SS hatchback LX Toranas but was an entirely different beast to either of these road cars. The floorpan was unique, thanks to the Salisbury rear end and rear disc brakes while other changes included the steering gear that was bolted directly to the platform, a 3.08 diff (a 2.6 was optional), front spoiler with brake cooling ducts, and a bonnet featuring a large reverse airscoop - just a few of the 100 or so differences that set an A9X apart from a standard LX Torana. Under the bonnet, Holden employed the L31 5-litre V8 mated to the tough M21 four-speed while the interior was stripped of sound deadening (the sedans even lacked a radio) in keeping with the race-oriented nature of the A9X. With Radial Tuned Suspension providing exemplary handling, disc brakes at either end giving superb stopping power and plenty of grunt from the high performance 5-litre V8 engine, critics agreed the A9X made a fabulous road burner and a great weapon on the track. One the new model was homologated, Holden cleaned up on the track each year from 1977 through to 1979 before the A9X was retired upon the introduction of the Commodore in 1980. Just 305 sedans and a further 100 hatchbacks were built according to factory records, plus a further 33 GMP&A lightweight shells. Right from the outset, Holden fans knew the A9X was something special and it has long been sought after by collectors as one of the most iconic of all Aussie muscle cars.