1977 Holden Torana A9X Sedan

SOLD! – $230,000 after Auction.

Model Overview:

The Holden LX Torana A9X was built to win races… and that’s exactly what it did on its way becoming the most successful Australian Touring Car ever to be released by G.M.H.

The A9X was engineered specifically to adhere to the Australian Group C Touring Car regulations. These regulations mandated car manufacturers to produce road-legal versions of their competition cars in sufficient numbers, equipped with all the necessary components for racing.

Production was exclusive, with only 305 A9X Sedans and 100 A9X Hatchbacks built between August 1977 and December 1977 at the Holden Dandenong plant, in addition to 52 GMP&A ‘lightweight’ (11 sedans and 41 Hatchbacks) racing shells.

The A9X adopted a specifically engineered portion of the rear floor pan, enabling the installation of the heavy duty Salisbury LSD rear axle assembly with shortened HZ GTS axle tubes and new disc brakes. As a result, the A9X became the first Holden model to come standard with four wheel disc brakes.

The Radial Tuned Suspension allowed for a comprehensive overhaul of the front end, introducing new upper control arms, steering arms, shock absorbers and suspension mounting points with the A9x gaining unique revised geometry. New rear suspension pick-up points and extra diff clearance were provided to allow for a lowered suspension height. Furthermore, the A9X steering rack is unique and solid mounted to the cross-member instead of using the typical rubber mountings.

The A9X featured terrific braking performance with Holden HX front disc brake assemblies (276mm ventilated rotors) and HZ GTS rears (293mm solid rotors) clamped by single-piston calipers with a brake proportioning valve within a new dual-tandem master cylinder.

All A9X Torana’s were equipped with the ADR-compliant L31 versions of the 5.0 litre V8 with its 161kW (216bhp) and 400Nm (295 ft/lbs) which provided strong performance even in standard form, given the car’s light 1308 kg kerb weight and fantastic power-to-weight ratio. The A9X did undergo some unique engine-related changes, such as installing a heavy-duty radiator, replacing the belt-driven engine cooling fan with a Davies Craig thermostatically-controlled electric cooling fan and adding a coolant recovery system. Some cars with dealer-optioned air-conditioning had twin electric fans fitted.

The most noticeable addition to the engine accessories was a new rear-facing, bonnet-mounted carburetor induction scoop. This was designed to capitalize on the excellent airflow provided by the low air pressure zone at the base of the windscreen. Additionally, it allowed race teams to install a cold-air box to further decrease inlet temperatures. Another unique A9X only item were the front spoiler brake cooling ducts, that allowed the brakes to receive high airflow for cooling purposes.

The M21 four-speed gearbox was fitted to all cars as standard, although an optional Borg-Warner T10 gearbox was available for Racing outfits. The vehicle’s racing DNA was evident in its minimalist interior, which deleted sound deadening and even a radio, and had uniquely mounted seats. Externally, the A9X could be identified by its wider Group C size rear bolt-on flares that allowed for 10″ sized rubber and of course the distinctive reverse air scoop, atop a blacked-out bonnet.

With approximately 100 modifications differentiating it from other LX Toranas, the A9X is a true racing special.

*Australian factory motorsport homologation specials like the A9X with it’s proven pedigree, are now gaining rising status among astute international collectors.

Vehicle:

This Genuine Holden Torana A9X Sedan is well known and documented Vehicle from new. Retaining it’s original Dealer Books and Vehicle Identification Certificate with a mere 105, 431 Klm’s driven in total.

This A9X Torana is the #321 made and only 1 of 8 Sedans built in Tuxedo Black exterior (15991) and Black / Grey interior (2214 – 18V).

Originally sold through Paul Collins Holden in Waikerie, South Australia with Dealer Fitted Air-Conditioning, this car is shown by the Vendor to be a 5 Owner car with the current Owner / Vendor owning it for over 10 Years himself. A large history file is well documented with Owners names and advertisements through the years, by such names as Collector Car experts Ecurie Bowden and Classic Throttle Shop for example.

Presented in close to original condition, this car received an repaint over 20 years ago which is now showing stone chips and imperfections. The Factory Interior is Highly original and is in great condition. The Factory Mechanicals are Highly original and are in great condition. The Factory Body / Panels are Highly original (without no corrosion) and are in great condition.

Mechanical:

Powered by it’s original HT Code L31 Engine and retaining all original A9X Factory mechanicals, this car has been maintained its whole life as a cherished collectors item. Even the Air-Conditioning was just recently re-gassed. The Vendor drove this car over 200 klm’s to the Chicane Showroom and is told to be driving perfectly and exactly as it should.

Body:

This A9X Sedan body presents very straight and original with some stone chips and marks showing to its exterior duco. Most importantly, this car presents without any signs of corrosion at all. All panels are original including all the unique A9X only items including the Flared Guards, Hood Cowl and Rear Spoiler. Front Spoiler and Brake ducts are the only known items, replaced with reproduction units.

Interior:

All Factory original 18V Code and majorly untouched in great condition.  An aftermarket stereo is fitted with two speakers in rear parcel shelf. Easily rectified back to original if need be.

Summary:

Rare, Genuine and Investment grade. A special car with full history.

History & Maintenance:

Supplied with original Owners Guide & Owners Manual with original Vehicle Identification Certificate. Full History Documented and is supplied with sale. This A9X has been Owned by Collectors since 1985 after the original 1st Owner.

Inspection:

Inspection available at the Chicane Auctions Showroom by Appointment.
Monday – Friday 10:00 am – 4:30 pm
Saturday 10:00 am – 2:00 pm

*SPECIAL MELBOURNE GRAND PRIX F1 Weekend – Inspections available!

Buyers Premium:

6.5% of Winning Bid Amount. (GST Inc.) Debited from Auction Winning Bidders Bank Card.
Example: $50,000 Winning Bid + Buyers Premium $3,250 (6.5%) = $53,250 AUD Total Amount.

Bidding:

Register to Bid.
If Reserve Price is Met, a yellow banner will say “Reserve Met”.
Bidding is in $250 Increments. Our system will extend the Auction by 2 Minutes if a bid is placed within 2 minutes of Auction End.
We use an Autobid system. Place your highest bid & Autobid will increase your bid by $250 increments up to your highest bid amount, ONLY if another bidder is competing with you & bids up to that amount. In the case of a tie bid, precedence is given to the earliest bid. If the Reserve Price is not met, the highest bidder has first right to negotiate purchase.

Conditions of Sale:

Vehicle information is provided to us by the Vendor. Each Vehicle is to be personally verified by the Bidder, for its Condition & Authenticity. The Chicane team check-over the vehicles for internal checks & auction suitability only, not of a qualified inspector, mechanic or other professional.  Classic Cars can have many unseen flaws & Odometer readings can be incorrect.  We Highly advise to inspect any Vehicle before bidding, as Items are sold as is, without cooling off period under Victorian LMCT Auction Guidelines. All Vehicles are sold unregistered unless otherwise stated.

Please refer: Terms & Conditions or our Buyer FAQ’s pages.