1974 Holden Torana SL/R5000 L34
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September 26, 2017Barbados Green | Sedan | 5 Speed Manual | 5.0 litre V8 | 36,780 kms | SOLD
The first all-Australian Holden Torana was the LH model announced in March of 1974 and would go on to form the basis of not only Holden's dominating assault on Bathurst with legend Peter Brock at the wheel but also a winning record with the Australian Touring Car Championship.
An era when race on Sunday, sell on Monday meant the only difference between a race car and road car was a rego label, when it came time to homologate the new LH Torana for Group C racing, Holden released an option package known as the L34 to be added to the already rapid SL/R 5000 model.This transformed the Torana into a ready-made race winner and gave rise to an Australian street muscle legend, arguably the last of its kind and only 263 cars were to be produced with even less surviving today.
The most important part of the L34 package was the engine, reserved only for the sporting LH Torana SL/R 5000 sedan; a heavily reworked (by Repco Engine Developments) 5.0 litre version of the standard 308 block with forged steel rods and cast-alloy pistons, stronger crankshaft, a unique cylinder head with bigger ports and valves, roller rockers and new ignition system. A Rochester Q-jet carburettor was also fitted, along with a high-pressure fuel pump, tubular steel extractors and a heavy-duty radiator for improved cooling under tough Australian weather conditions.
The most recognisable upgrade was the body package consisting of bolt-on flares that started a copy-cat fashion tidal wave that catered for a wider wheel track and bigger rubber, higher spring rates and stiffer dampers that made the whole car feel much more in touch with terra firma as well as different decals to the standard SL/R 5000, a sports steering wheel and full instrumentation.
Offered in its original livery of Barbados Green with Black decals over Black trim this fully restored and genuine 1974 Holden Torana SL/R 5000 L34 was delivered new to Sydney by McDowell Motors in December of the same year.
Recently released from long term ownership with a well-respected collector and family this rare and excellently presented car was restored over a number of years and has received some subtle Bathurst style upgrades that only work to enhance its usability.
Outside and hard to find in this condition the panel fit and overall paint finish is excellent. Electronically matched to the factory standard the wicked Barbados Green and original style paint blackouts highlight the aggressive lines of the car perfectly, the Monaro style wheels have been replaced with lightweight Aunger hotwire wheels, a larger stainless steel drop tank was added to increase range along with a stainless exhaust system and there are small but important tell-tale signs of a masterclass restoration like the visible spot welds consistent across the entirety of the body and the use of all correct new/old stock decals.
Inside, the original sports steering wheel is neatly finished, the original GMH stereo is still present, the dash fits perfectly and shows zero signs of age, the switch gear still has crystal clear white characters and the fresh carpets and correct double stitched vinyl seat coverings are in mint condition. There’s also no centre console in the name of weight saving, just as it left the factory, all signs of a well-cared for car.
Accompanying this L34 SL/R 5000 is the original owner’s manual with delivery information printed and signed for within the front cover that also verifies the original colour combination, a parts manual and maintenance manual. In turn-key condition both inside and out this collector’s edition SL/R 5000 L34 Holden Torana is one of the last truly great Australian muscle cars, produced in a yellowish tinted era never to be repeated.
Peter Brock has said about the L34 SL/R 5000, "It was outrageously fast, and when it came to the speed at which you could go at in the wet it was faster again. Our cars were just a mile ahead. The only thing you had to worry about was another Holden.”
A credit to its last custodian and an asset to the next, this totally engaging and well restored classic not only has unbeatable racing pedigree, it is one of those special cars that has an uncanny ability to transcend generational tastes.
Rarely available for sale, this Holden Torana SL/R 5000 L34 is among the best in the country.
Recently released from long term ownership with a well-respected collector and family this rare and excellently presented car was restored over a number of years and has received some subtle Bathurst style upgrades that only work to enhance its usability.
Outside and hard to find in this condition the panel fit and overall paint finish is excellent. Electronically matched to the factory standard the wicked Barbados Green and original style paint blackouts highlight the aggressive lines of the car perfectly, the Monaro style wheels have been replaced with lightweight Aunger hotwire wheels, a larger stainless steel drop tank was added to increase range along with a stainless exhaust system and there are small but important tell-tale signs of a masterclass restoration like the visible spot welds consistent across the entirety of the body and the use of all correct new/old stock decals.
Inside, the original sports steering wheel is neatly finished, the original GMH stereo is still present, the dash fits perfectly and shows zero signs of age, the switch gear still has crystal clear white characters and the fresh carpets and correct double stitched vinyl seat coverings are in mint condition. There’s also no centre console in the name of weight saving, just as it left the factory, all signs of a well-cared for car.
Accompanying this L34 SL/R 5000 is the original owner’s manual with delivery information printed and signed for within the front cover that also verifies the original colour combination, a parts manual and maintenance manual. In turn-key condition both inside and out this collector’s edition SL/R 5000 L34 Holden Torana is one of the last truly great Australian muscle cars, produced in a yellowish tinted era never to be repeated.
Peter Brock has said about the L34 SL/R 5000, "It was outrageously fast, and when it came to the speed at which you could go at in the wet it was faster again. Our cars were just a mile ahead. The only thing you had to worry about was another Holden.”
A credit to its last custodian and an asset to the next, this totally engaging and well restored classic not only has unbeatable racing pedigree, it is one of those special cars that has an uncanny ability to transcend generational tastes.
Rarely available for sale, this Holden Torana SL/R 5000 L34 is among the best in the country.