The Torana had already taken the fight to V8-powered Falcons in the early days of Group C before it received a boost in power with the LH Torana SL/R 5000 L34.
Ford ruled Australian touring cars in 1973. Allan Moffat had won the Australian Touring Car Championship in the Falcon GTHO Phase III. He upgraded to XA Falcon GT Hardtop at Bathurst and duly won the first Great Race run to 1000 kilometres.
Holden needed a response. And, after being the David to Ford’s Goliath with the six-cylinder LJ Torana GTR XU-1 in recent seasons, it joined Ford in racing a V8 with the LH Torana SL/R 5000.
The LH Torana SL/R 5000 road car was released in March 1974 and looked quite different to its predecessor, with its longer, wider and heavier body reflecting the beefed-up engine.
The race-going version debuted in April 1974 and was raced by Peter Brock in the second half of that season, helping him to secure the drivers’ title.
This story is from the December 2018 - January 2019 Issue 108 edition of V8X Supercar Magazine.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the December 2018 - January 2019 Issue 108 edition of V8X Supercar Magazine.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
The F1 Legends At The Mountain
The recently departed Sir Stirling Moss is recognised as the best Formula 1 driver never to win the drivers’ world championship, but his illustrious career extended to many other categories, including an often forgotten appearance in the Bathurst 1000 alongside another legend of the sport.
Right On Track: Sprinting Back Into Action
The Virgin Australia Supercars Championship returns with shorter sprint races on the reworked calendar in 2020.
Beyond The Wheel: Racing Virtually
Racing online in the BP Supercars All Stars Eseries was a new experience for me. While there were some carryover traits from racing in real life, there were also some significant differences.
Top 10 Seasons
Top 10 Seasons
The Inside Story: The New Normal
As we prepare for the return of racing, the whole Supercars pitlane is wondering how things will look. And work.
Top 10 (Multi-Car) Crashes
10 mount panorama circuit 2014
TOP 10 MAKES
TOP 10 MAKES
VIRTUAL MOVES
The BP Supercars All Stars Eseries provided some racing during the suspension of the season, paving the way for more regular virtual contests.
VIRTUAL REALITY
The BP Supercars All Stars Eseries has paved the way for Supercars to further embrace virtual racing, opening up an important avenue to attract and engage with new audiences for the category
1960 – 2020 TOP 60 DRIVERS
Who are the greatest drivers in the 60-year history of the Australian Touring Car Championship/Supercars? We rank the top 60 with an emphasis on best championship finishes, race-winning percentage and competitive longevity. Only drivers with top 10 championship finishes were considered, to emphasise championship performances over part-time or endurance campaigns. Also, results from the Bathurst 1000 and other endurance events were only factored in when they were part of the championship.
