1974 Holden LH Torana SL/R 5000 Sedan

Description

The LH Torana was a significant car for Holden on a number of levels. It was the first Australian designed and built mid-sized sedan, closer in size to the new HQ than the previous, smaller LC/LJ Toranas and better suited the local conditions as a result. The new LH also took on - and ultimately defeated - Ford at Bathurst. Well received by the critics and Australian public alike when launched in March 1974, the new Torana was available with an extensive choice of engine, transmission and trim levels. Topping the model range was a high performance derivative known as the SL/R (which stood for Sport Luxury/Racing) intended to replace the XU-1. Fitted with a 3.3-litre six as standard, buyers looking for more grunt were able to specify either of the two V8s available (4.2-litre or 5.0-litre) and all came with a four-speed manual gearbox. The SL/R package consisted of a blacked-out grille, rear panel, rocker panels and door window trims (on the SL/R 5000 front and rear spoilers were also fitted) plus front disc brakes, anti-roll bars front and rear and more upmarket interior as standard, with a sports steering wheel and full instrumentation. The SL/R package provided the foundation of the fearsome L34 homologation specials that dominated touring car racing in the mid-1970s, with the likes of Peter Brock and Colin Bond at the wheel. Costing $4,415 when new (or 40% more than a base model Torana sedan), the SL/R 5000 was of Holden's few performance offerings in the mid-1970s. Few original SL/Rs have escaped unmodified over the years, ensuring orignal examples like the car on offer here are now a rare and treasured collector's items.