From the introduction of Australia's own car in 1948, the word Holden came to mean a 6 passenger 6 cylinder sedan. Succeeding Holden's became longer, lower, wider, stronger, and better looking.
But the basic concept remained - but all that changed in 1967 when the General used the Vauxhall Viva as the catalyst to create the first "small" Holden.
Before production started, prototypes were
thoroughly tested at the General's Lang Lang (Vic) testing facility.
Significantly, Holden gave no instruction to the test drivers to "nurse" the new small car, rather they encouraged rigorous testing to ensure it would be suited to the harsh Aussie roads.
The result was the Torana had the unique distinction of being Australia's only small car of the time that had been tested and built to Big-Brother standards.
The first Torana was a rather utalitarian 2 door sedan, although it did feature bucket seats and a big 16 cu. ft boot. This model was soon joined by the more upmarket S and SL models.
The 70.7ci engine delivered a lively 56.2 bhp @ 5,400 rpm. There was a low centre of gravity, rack and pinion steering, full coil suspension and a four-on-the-floor gearshift.
In 1968 came the "Series 70" version of the 70.7ci engine, producing 69 bhp. All four door models became optional with Torana S and SL, along with a three speed automatic.
Best of all, many of the safety features incorporated into the larger Holden's were incorporated into the newcomer. These included dual circuit braking, an energy absorbing steering column, double-sided safety rims.
There were other features carried over too, such as the anti-corrosion "Rustguard" process, and of course the then famous "Magic-Mirror" acrylic finish.
But best of all, the new Torana was backed up by a service network of over 600 dealerships located throughout Australia.
Years of Manufacture: 1967 - 1969
Number Built: n/a
Price at Introduction: n/a
Models:
Torana 2 Door
Torana S 2 and 4 Door
Torana SL 2 and 4 Door
Date(s) of Introduction:
2 Door: March, 1967
To Identify:
Based entirely on the Vauxhall Viva
Body:
Unitary construction (Monocoque)
Exterior Dimensions:
Total Length: 95.8" (2430mm)
Total Width: 63.0" (1600mm)
Total Height at kerb weight: 54.5" (138mm)
Wheelbase:
95.8" (2430mm)
Front Track: 51.0" (1290mm)
Rear Track:
51.0" (1290mm)
Kerb Weight:
Two door: 1,744 lbs (791 kg)
Four door: 1,803 lbs (818 kg)
Turning Circle: 9.5 metres
Fuel Tank Capacity: n/a
Instruments:
Speedometer with integrated
odometer
Petrol gauge
Oil pressure warning lamp
Temperature warning lamp
71ci 1200 4 cylinder:
Capacity: 70.7ci 1159cc
Type: Conventional, watercooled four
stroke, reciprocating piston type with
4 cylinders
Configuration: Front mounted, longitudinal,
inline
Head: Pushrod and rocker actuated
ohv with two valves per cylinder
Fuel System: Single Zenith downdraft
type carburetor
Bore and Stroke: 3.062" (77.7mm) x 2.400" (61.0mm)
Power: 56.2bhp (41.9kW) at 5400rpm
Torque: 66.5 lbs. ft @ 3000 rpm (89.8Nm at 3000 rpm)
Compression Ratio: 9.0:1
Series 70 1200 4 cylinder (optional from 1968):
Capacity: 70.7ci 1159cc
Type: Conventional, watercooled four
stroke, reciprocating piston type with
4 cylinders
Configuration: Front mounted, longitudinal,
inline
Head: Pushrod and rocker actuated
ohv with two valves per cylinder
Fuel System: Single Zenith downdraft
type carburetor
Bore and Stroke: 77.7mm x 60.9mm
Power: 68.9bhp (51.4kw) at 5800rpm
Torque: 92.7Nm at 4200rpm
Compression Ratio: 9.0:1
Ignition and Electrical:
12 volt
Exhaust:
Cast iron manifold and single pipe
4
speed All Synchromesh Manual Transmission:
1st: 3.765:1
2nd: 2.213:1
3rd: 1.404:1
4th: 1.00:1
Reverse: 3.707:1
Optional automatic transmission available on S and SL models in conjunction with Series 70 engine
Clutch:
Single dry plate diaphram spring
actuation type
Rear Axle Ratio:
71ci engine: 3.89:1
Series 70: 4.125:1
Manual S, SL: 3.08:1
Automatic S and SL: 2.78:1
Top Speed in Gears:
Slow
Suspension:
Front: Independent, coil springs,
concentric shock absorbers, short
and long upper and lower ball jointed
control arms with rubber mounted
pivot points. Box section front crossmember
rearward extension arms and diagonal
compression struts
Rear: Four link type, coil springs,
large rubber bushes and shock absorbers
mounted behind Salisbury type live
rear axle
Steering:
Rack and pinion
Energy absorbing steering column on all models
Overall ratio 16.5:1
Turning circle: 31.25 ft
Brakes:
Four wheel drum; tandem hydraulic master cylinders providing seperate systems for front and rear brakes. Two leading shoes, rear with leading and trailing shoes.
71ci 4 cylinder model:
Front: 8.0 inch (203mm) drums standard,
8.4 inch (213.4mm) discs optional
Rear: 8 inch (203mm) drums
Series 70 4 cylinder model:
Front: 10.0 inch (254mm) drums
standard
Rear: 8 inch (203mm) drums
Wheels:
Short spoke disc rim wheels 4.00J x 12, with inner and outer safety beads