1974 HOLDEN TORANA L34 SL/R 5000
HIGHLIGHTS: – Rare Sebring Orange L34 Sedan – Believed to be rebodied by Rob Hanns (HDT) early in life – Correct, original ‘HZ code’ Repco L34 308ci V8 engine – Correct Heavy duty M21 four speed manual transmission – Original Banjo differential – Original L34 interior – L34 flares, stripes and body kit – Professionally repainted in original Sebring Orange – 14” steel rally wheels
This 1974 Holden LH Torana SLR 5000 Sedan is one of the infamous L34 optioned cars used for race homologation in Holden’s campaign to conquer the Australian Touring Car Championship and Bathurst. Continuing on from success of the GTR XU1, the LH Torana had big shoes to fill in 1974. In stepped Repco Engine Developments who were tasked with creating the L34 package for the SLR 5000 to turn it into a turn key race winner. The most important part of the package was the heavily reworked 308ci V8 engine with forged steel rods, cast alloy pistons, stronger crankshaft, roller rockers, unique cylinder head with bigger ports and valves, and a new ignition system. A Rochester Quadrajet carb was fitted, along with a high-pressure fuel pump. The cars were also fitted with tubular steel extractors and heavy-duty radiator for improved cooling.
The upgraded engine package was paired with a heavy duty M21 four speed manual transmission. For handling the cars also received a stronger rear axle, upgraded brakes and bigger 14×6” steel rally wheels. The body itself received flares like would later be adapted in the A9X as well as a different stripe kit to differentiate it from the regular SLR 5000. Unnecessary items like rubber bumper bar strips, centre console and boot mat were all deleted to save weight.
This particular car is well known in Torana circles. The car is one of four special ordered L34 cars in Sebring Orange by Bob Jane’s dealership, Southern Motors in Melbourne. The car was involved in an accident early on in its life and is believed to have been professionally rebodied by Rob Hanns of HDT at the time, who had two driver training SL/R 5000s on hand, one of which was used as a donor body for this car. As there only one or two extremely minor differences between the normal SL/R 5000 body and an L34 body, along with the fact that all of the original mechanical and interior parts were used from the L34 in the rebody, this actually remained undetected and was sold as a correct genuine car for many years until approximately 2010. As Rob Hanns was working for HDT at the time, even the rivets used to refix the tags we genuine Holden items.
We all know that the L34 is all about the motor and drivetrain, which is all original on this vehicle. The correct HZ code Repco 308ci V8 was fully rebuilt in 2007 (receipts supplied). The engine was also recently serviced with new oils, spark plugs and filters in August of this year. Twin point distributor was recently replaced with electronic ignition. The car retains its original L34 four piece extractors. The engine is still paired to the original M21 heavy duty four speed manual transmission and Banjo differential. The suspension has all been rebuilt with new bushes, springs and shocks. The front brake calipers, brake booster, wheel bearings and pads were all rebuilt or replaced.
As a race car, the L34s enjoyed a successful career at Bathurst, finishing second and third on their first attempt in 1974 before scoring successive one-two-three victories in 1975-1976. Total production of L34 SL/R 5000 Toranas was just 263 units, many of which were raced, with many destroyed. The L34 being a race homologation model of extremely low volume, has a huge collector following today. While this car may not retain its original body shell, the L34 was all about the race bred upgrades and mechanical improvements, all of which remain with the car. Obviously, we understand the car wont command the same prices being a known rebody as a completely correct item, but it may represent an opportunity to get everything that’s desirable about an original car without the same sting to the back pocket.
PLEASE CALL LOCKY MCCANN WITH SALES ENQUIRIES ON 0403 935 488
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