LJ Torana

For many the LJ is the archetypal early Torana, with its toothsome HQ Kingswood-style crosshatch grille and separate headlights, tri-square taillights and myriad motor choices.

The ‘fours’ were a 42kW-manual/51kW-automatic OHV 1.2 (until July ’72, when a 47kW OHV 1.3 took over) and 60kW 1.6 OHC, while a 71kW 2.25, 88kW 2.85, and 101kW GTR and 142kW/271Nm GTR-XU1 3.3-litre (202ci) six-cylinder engines – the larger two gathered from the HQ range – completed the octet.

Better suspension components were used and disc brakes spread further down the model range there was a host of ergonomic, safety and comfort improvements (new seats helped, while more components – like the steering column and visors – were shared with the larger Holdens), and the triple-Stromberg carburettor XU1 – sadly discontinued in July ’73 – received a sportier closer-ratio four-speed manual gearbox.

The lacklustre 1.6 gave way to a 60kW 1.76 OHC engine by early ’73, as had the 2.85 for a low-compression 96kW 3.3 in the regular S and SL sedan.

Always strong sellers, 81,813 LJ Toranas were produced in total.