This 1977 Holden Torana TCM Race Car is a race-winning example of an Australian icon, run by one of Australia’s most notable racing drivers. It would suit a car collection or can come in “ready to race” condition. It is powered by a naturally-aspirated 5.0-litre V8 engine which sends power to the rear wheels through a four-speed H-pattern manual transmission. The odometer currently shows 43,330km. The Holden Torana burst onto the Australian motorsports scene as part of the Group C Touring Car circuit and has held an enviable reputation for racing success ever since.

Part of the Torana’s allure was its brattish, loud nature in an era where the more sophisticated crowds gravitated towards the Holden Monaro. What was a regular four-door sedan on everyday roads was transformed into a racing weapon thanks to a V8 engine, pumped guards, aerodynamic duck tail, and a great-big air dam on the bonnet. The most notable Holden Torana is the LX Torana SL/R 5000 (with A9X package) which dominated the late 1970s racing scene in Australia and found considerable success in the Australian Touring Car Championship. Holden Toranas are especially desirable on the used car market, but race-prepared cars are still used in the Touring Car Masters series in Australia. This Torana is still painted in its most recent race-used livery, which was designed to commemorate owner John Bowe’s retirement from Touring Car Masters.

However, the car has been painted in numerous liveries which could be used on the car and still be considered “period correct”. It currently rides on a set of 15-inch alloy wheels that hide a set of AP Racing brake calipers. The wheels are wrapped in semi-slick Hoosier tyres. There are simply too many specifications and parts to list with this car, a summary can be supplied. Manufactured by Holden in Australia and complied as an LX Torana in early 1977, this example is now a championship-winning Torana which has been piloted by John Bowe in Touring Car Masters.

It was built by Bendigo Retro Muscle Cars using top-tier parts and an engine by Synergy Race Engines. The car is John Bowe’s last full-time race car and has won three national TCM championships and over 58 individual races. The seller notes this car could suit a collector or it could be raced again in TCM and be instantly competitive. On the outside it’s obvious this is a race-worn vehicle and there are marks, scuffs and scrapes over varying panels. However, the livery wrap remains in decent condition (albeit with some peeling edges).

Panel cracks are seen around the left headlight, the grille is stone chipped, the right tail-light is cracked, and the bumpers contain significant scuffs. All four wheels display in fair order without major marking. Inside, this stripped-out cabin presents fairly. The bucket seats show no obvious tears, the dash and instruments function as intended, and the doors appear in great condition. Minimal scratches are seen on the roll cage and the floor contains no obvious damage.

This car will come with a suite of spare parts and John Bowe’s offer of help in setting it up.