This 1977 Holden LX Torana Hatch has been in the same ownership for over 25 years. After serving as a daily driver with a 253 4 speed, it was taken off the road and underwent a comprehensive mechanical upgrade, replacing the running gear with a forged-piston 308 V8, stall-converted Trimatic transmission and 9-inch LSD rear end, supported by uprated suspension and brake hardware for a tough driveline package. The body, flares, paintwork and interior remain as purchased many years ago and now require refurbishment. The vehicle has seen minimal use over the past 10 years, stored under cover with the engine just serviced in preparation for sale.

DRIVE-LINE:

Power is supplied by a strong 308ci Holden V8 built from a virgin block bored 30-thou and fitted with forged flat-top pistons and A9L rods. It features a Crane 286 camshaft with anti-pump-up lifters, chrome-moly solid pushrods, L34 heads with new valves, guides and seals, triple valve springs and Yella Terra adjustable roller rockers. Supporting hardware includes a high-volume oil pump and sump, Edelbrock manifold, Quadrajet carburettor, electronic ignition, HQ radiator with AU Falcon thermo fans and high-torque starter motor. Pacemaker extractors feed into sports mufflers and dumpers. A Stage-2 shift-kitted Trimatic automatic with TCE 3500rpm stall converter drives a custom tailshaft and 9-inch diff with Richmond 3.55:1 gears, LSD centre and boxed trailing arms. Suspension consists of Kings front springs with Monroe shocks and VU Ute rear springs with Pedders shocks, with braking provided by HQ front discs and HT rear drums. A 120-litre Brown Davis drop tank completes the package. Although built over a decade ago, the rebuilt engine has travelled less than 1,000km in total.

EXTERIOR:

The LX Hatch presents well from a distance, with L34 flared guards and a A9X bonnet scoop with period-correct Hotwire wheels giving it a strong street presence; however, inspection reveals bubbling and various corrosion in the bodywork. Wheels are 14x8 Hotwires with 245/60/14 Yokohama 352 tyres on the front, and extremely rare 15x10 Hotwires with 265/60/15 Yokohama 352 tyres on the rear — the latters stamped ‘For Race Use Only’. An unpainted A9X style rear spoiler is supplied with the sale.  Prospective buyers are strongly encouraged to inspect the body condition in person.

INTERIOR:

The interior features an SS-style silver dash fascia with original SS ashtray, full SL/R instrumentation along with an Autometer Monster Tacho and aftermarket water temp / oil pressure gauges. Rear quarter trims are SL/R-style, while the remainder of the cabin remains standard Torana specification. A B&M shifter handles the transmission selection duties. Overall presentation is usable, with various areas requiring tidy-up — the driver’s seat, in particular, requires retrimming.

SUMMARY:

Overall, this 1977 Holden LX Torana Hatch is a toughened Australian muscle machine fitted with a strong 308 V8 and upgraded running gear for serious performance and street capability. With forged internals, L34 heads, a stall-converted Trimatic and 9-inch LSD, matched to upgraded suspension, brakes and race-stamped Hotwire wheels, it offers impressive period appeal. Used sparingly since mechanical completion, it now requires refurbishment, but provides an excellent foundation for a desirable and powerful LX Hatch.