Holden LX Torana
Reviewed by Unique Cars and Parts
Our Rating: 5
Introduction
A facelift of the LH model, the LX is best rembered
for two reasons, the introduction of the hatchback and,
unfortunately, the last to be fitted with a V8.
The hatch
was available is SL and SS versions, and in base form
came equipped with a 3300 engine, however you could option
the
253 4.2 litre V8, while the 5.0 litre V8 came as
standard with the SS.
The hatch looked great, however in practical terms the
shallow boot did not swallow as much luggage as many
thought it should. But at a time when the Sandman panel
vans were enjoying ever increasing popularity Holden
were to add the rather strange option of a tent-like
accessory named the "Hatch-Hutch", that fitted
to the rear hatch and extended outward from the rear
creating a small tent area for camping et al.
The LX range was to receive revised instrument graphics
along with an improved finish, and the indicator stalk
replaced the floor mounted dip-switch as a means for
switching between high and low beam. New re-shaped bucket
seats offered better support and were a little more comfortable.
In November 1976 the General decided it needed to better
differentiate between the 4 cylinder and the larger capacity
6 and V8's. Thus the "Sunbird" brand was to
be introduced, then in March
1977 the sensational Radial
Tuned Suspension (RTS) was fitted across the range -
even before it was fitted to the larger HZ's.
One of the most collectable Torana's was introduced with
the LX, the wonderful
A9X - a car destined for
Bathurst and the first Holden to feature four-wheel disc brakes,
something it badly needed to assist in pulling the monster
to a halt.
Not many knew at the time that the A9X was
actually built on a different floorpan to the rest of
the range so that the HX Salisbury rear axle and rear
discs could be incorporated.
In early 1978 the LX was replaced by the
UC, a much softer
car in more ways than one, rounded lines and no longer
a V8 option. Holden enthusiasts were to desert the Torana
in droves, turning instead to the new Commodore as a
source of more spirited performance.
The lack of V8 showed
back then just how important a "hero car" is
to a models line-up, and without one the Torana would
only struggle on for a few more years.
I always preferred the floor headlight dimmer on the LH over the later column stalks which are fiddly. Also the adr27a LX was slower and thirstier.
I wish I had an LH now.
A9X had some 10 kw less than an L34, and the hatches weighed more. They also went slower over the quarter. They do look bloody nice though.