‘Bathurst-Inspired’ Holdens on the Block at Shannons

Six classic Holdens, including two Toranas inspired by the model’s Bathurst blitz in the 1970s when they won five endurance races between 1972 and 1979, are going under the hammer at Shannons Sydney Spring Auction on Monday.

The one that has created the most excitement so far is a 1977 LX Torana SL/R 4.2 ‘project’ sedan that has only recently been taken out of long-time storage and is expected to sell with no reserve for as little as $8,000-$12,000.

Delivered new through Ron Hodgson Holden of Cabramatta in January 1978 and equipped with a factory-fitted 253-ci V8 engine mated to Holden’s three-speed automatic transmission, the Torana sits on periods alloy wheels and is complete, but is in need of restoration.

Its odometer shows 218,000, but according to receipts the engine was rebored and completely rebuilt when the car had covered 174,500km back in the early 1990s.

Another interesting Holden in the auction is the Devil Yellow 1976 Holden LX Torana ‘5 Litre’ Hatchback that was inspired by Peter Brock’s Bathurst victories.

Purchased by the vendor in 1996, this fully restored LX Torana hatchback left the factory in 1976 as a 6-cylinder 4-speed manual SL, but now sports a mildly modified 308ci Holden V8 mated to the Turbo 350 automatic transmission as part of a comprehensive back-to-metal restoration in 2004.

This fully sorted Torana Hatchback oozes Aussie muscle, with Shannons quoting a guiding range of $26,000-$32,000.

The Holden offerings in Monday’s auction are completed by four largely original, classic models.

Pride of place in this quartet goes to a multi trophy-winning 1958 FE Special Sedan that has had two owners from new and has covered just 10,000 miles since a ground-up professional restoration carried out in 1994 at a documented cost of more than $50,000.

Showing 91,965 believed-genuine miles, the FE has been regularly serviced and always garaged. It has proved popular at classic car shows around Australia, winning numerous trophies and is being offered registered with the appropriate NSW numberplates ‘FE 1958’.

Because of its provenance and outstanding condition, Shannons are quoting a guiding range of $20,000-$25,000.

There are also two very original 1964 EH Holdens in Monday’s auction –– a bodily-restored and rare EH Panel Van still running on its original 149-ci motor ($28,000-$32,000) and a EH Special Sedan that was one-family owned from 1964-2004 and is offered in original unrestored condition with 17,185 indicated miles, believed genuine ($20,000-$25,000).

Finally, Shannons are auctioning a 1981 VC Commodore L sedan in amazingly original condition with 47,000 indicated kilometres (believed genuine) with no reserve. It is expected to sell in the $3,000-$5,000 range.

All 55 lots in Monday’s auction are on public viewing this weekend at Shannons Sydney showrooms, 65 Reserve Road, St.Leonards, from 9am-5pm Saturday and 10am-4pm Sunday. Monday’s auction starts at 7pm.

Written by Alan Zurvas

Alan Zurvas is the founder and editor of Gay Car Boys, Australia's leading LGBTQI+ automotive publication. Before launching GCB in 2008, Alan's automotive writing was published in SameSame.com.au and the Star Observer. With over 16 years of hands-on car reviewing experience, Alan brings an honest, irreverent voice to every review — championing value and innovation over brand loyalty.