1970 Holden LC Torana GTR XU-1 2 Door Sedan

Description

Introduced in October 1969, Holden's LC Torana was a substantial revision of the HB, transforming what had essentially been a re-badged Vauxhall Viva into a truly Australian car. Available with both four and six cylinder engines (the sixes on a longer platform) and in two or four-door body styles, the new Torana was a particularly handsome design. Awarded Wheels magazine's coveted Car of the Year prize for 1969, the Torana quickly became the best selling car in its class. Trim levels included the S and SL, while for the more sporting driver there was the new GTR model. Available as a two-door only, the GTR utilised Holden's more powerful 161-cid six with a two-barrel Stromberg carburettor, new cylinder head, twin exhaust manifolds, a revised air cleaner and other modifications resulted in maximum power of 125 bhp at 4800 rpm. As a package, the GTR was the Torana equivalent of the Monaro186S GTS and similarly added a four-speed Opel-sourced manual gearbox, front disc brakes plus heavy-duty suspension, including a front anti-roll bar. Priced at $2,778, the GTR pack also consisted of full instrumentation, unique wheel covers, a wood-rimmed steering wheel and a range of bold colours. In 1970 Holden decided to replace the Monaro with the Torana as their principal weapon for the upcoming racing season and to homologate many of the changes needed the XU-1 was born. Announced in June 1970, the XU-1 took the GTR package and added an uprated engine with revised camshaft, larger valves and triple Stromberg carbies to give 160 bhp in production form, along with a bigger fuel tank, four-speed gearbox, uprated brakes and suspension. The XU-1 enjoyed great success on the track against the bigger Falcons and Chargers while production took place in two batches, the first 699 assembled between August and November 1970 and a further 399 completed from February to May 1971. With an additional 19 promotional vehicles built earlier, production of the LC XU-1 totalled 1117 units.