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Holden GTR-X Coupe
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Never (Initially 1970) |
Country: |
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Engine: |
6 cyl. |
Capacity: |
186ci 160hp @5,200rpm 3 Stromberg
150 CDS horizontal carburetors |
Power: |
101kW (202) & 206kW (350) |
Transmission: |
4 speed manual |
Top Speed: |
130.49mph (210 km/h) |
Number Built: |
2 |
Collectability: |
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The Torana with the greatest reputation is, unfortunately,
one that did not make it into production.
Designed
during the LC development, but most likely to be released
alongside the new LJ models, the GTR-X used a sleek
wedge-shaped body running XU-1 components under a
fiberglass skin.
While the develpment plan called for
the use of Holden's 186S engine, many believed at the
time that is was more likely that the production version
would instead use the LJ Torana XU-1 202ci six, mated
to the M21 four speed manual transmission that would
be released with the HQ.
The GTR-X was an absolute stunner from every angle.
Inside the driver was presented with full instrumentation including speedo, tacho, electric clock, ammeter,
as well as gauges for oil pressure, fuel, water temperature
and engine vacuum, all housed in a sporty machined
aluminum dashboard.
But the looks were not just skin
deep, weighing in at only 1043kg it (alledgedly) reached
a top speed of 210 km/h in testing.
It would have been
the first Holden to be fitted with four wheel disc
brakes, but that honour would eventually fall upon
the Torana LX A9X.
A GMH promotional handout declared "The
GTR-X is aerodynamically designed. Its long, sleek
hood is accentuated by a low wedge-shaped grille. The
body line sweeps up at the rear to an elevated tail
light assembly. Simplicity is the keynote.
It is achieved
by concealed headlights, sharp windshield rake, recessed
parking and turning lights, and flush petrol filler
access and door handles. Front and rear bumpers assume
the contour of the body. To identify the car the GTR-X
identification is contained within a crisp black and
orange stripe running parallel to the rocker panel".
The GTR-X was not developed by Holden purely as a concept,
lavish brochures, photography and promotional films
demonstrating just how seriously the effort was to put
the car into production. In the end it would suffer
the same fate as the WB Kingswood, the bean-counters
unable to justify the huge cost of putting the GTR-X
into development given the small population.
Just how close did the GTR-X come to production? We
will let yet another pre-release sales leaflet
do the talking.
"Engineers dream. Sometimes those dreams become
a reality. But not often. Few companies are able to
provide the technology, the facilities, and the manpower
needed to make dreams come true.
One such dream is
the Holden Torana GTR-X. And it has come true. It is
the product of the GMH Research and Development, and
Advanced Styling Groups. It was built to assess public
reaction to an advanced design two-seater sports car.
The GTR-X borrows heavily in styling and innovation
from GMH's experimental
"Hurricane", but it is designed with the
thought of possible limited volume production. And
low tooling costs could make it available for far less
than its European counterparts".
Unfortunately the GTR-X came close, but no cigar. |