When GMH fitted the six cylinder engine to the LC Torana, it was logical to also allow the all Aussie Trimatic auto transmission to follow suit. As for the manual transmission, the GM engineers knew the clutch from the four-cylinder Torana would be ill-equipped to handle the torque of the sixes, so they instead fitted a larger diameter 8.62 inch version (instead of the regular 6.25 inch version), with a heavier plate Belleville design diaphragm spring unit.
The suspension system used on all LC Torana's was basically the same as on previous models, although spring and damper rates were revised for the six cylinder versions, and the mounting points were naturally different. In addition to higher rated springs and shocks the six cylinder Torana's were equipped with plenty of rubber bushings to enhance ride quality and isolate road noise.
The rear suspension on all models remained a coil sprung design utilising four links, the two outer links being mounted directly on the coils and the inners were diagonal. Only the GTR scored a rear sway bar, and was the only model blessed with front disc brakes - although they could be optioned on all the other models. Because the fours ad tiny 12 inch wheels they simply couldn't take the 10 inch discs available on the sixes, and instead they got 8.4 inch units.
The wheel and tire combinations were far from great, particularly by today's standards. The 13 inch wheels on the sixes were very narrow at 4.5 inches, as only the GTR got 5.5 inchers. The four cylinder Torana's had a misely 4 inch wide wheel to deal with. Worse still were the standard fare tires, even the GTR not benefitting from radials, instead getting B70H x 13 red band crossplies.
Apart from the engine size and extra length, there were only a few other minor points that differentiated the fours from the sixes. The fuel tank was increased in size from eight to ten gallons, and the six cylinder engines were also fitted with a new type of pre-engagement starter motor.
Today the LC Torana is a highly sought after model, the "W-Style" frontal
treatment looking as good today as it did back in 1969.
Years of Manufacture: 1969 - 1972
Number Built: 74,627 (1,633 XU-1's)
Price at Introduction:
Torana 4: $1828
Torana S 4: $1928
Torana SL 4: $2088
Torana S 6: $2226
Torana SL 6: $2576
Torana GTR: $2766
Torana GTR XU-1: $3148
(for 4 door option, add $130, for automatic
transmission add $260)
Models:
Torana 2 door
Torana S 2 and 4 door
Torana DeLuxe 2 and 4 door
Torana SL 2 and 4 door
Torana GTR 2 door
Torana GTR XU-1 2 door
Torana GTR XU-1 Bathurst
From June 1971
Torana 1200 (replaced Torana)
Torana 1200 DeLuxe (replaced Torana
S)
Torana 1600 DeLuxe (replaced Torana
SL)
Date(s) of Introduction:
All models excluding
XU-1:
28th October, 1969
XU-1: June, 1971
Re-naming of some models (see above):
June, 1971
To Identify:
Four cylinder models:
Flat grille features vertical bars
Two circular tail lights
Six cylinder models:
Centre of grille stands proud (outward)
forming "V" shape, with Holden badge
located in centre
Grille features both vertical and
horizontal bars
Attractive rectangular wrap-around
tail lights
Fuel cap located at centre rear
between tail lights
GTR:
Three slanted vertical louvres
in lower section of front guards
Lower flanks of car, including
grille receive "black-out" treatment
Inclusion of both "GTR" and "Torana"
badging
GTR XU-1
Three slanted vertical louvres
in lower section of front guards
Lower flanks of car, including
grille receive "black-out" treatment
GTR XU-1 decals
Front and rear spoilers
Body:
Unitary construction (Monocoque)
Exterior Dimensions:
Total Length:
Four cylinder: 4120mm
Six cylinder: 4387mm
Total Width (all models):
1600mm
Total Height at kerb weight:
Four cylinder: 1359mm
Six cylinder: 1354mm
GTR: 1346mm
Wheelbase:
Four cylinder: 2433mm
Six cylinder: 2540mm
Front Track:
Four cylinder: 1295mm
Six cylinder: 1316mm
GTR: 1326mm
Rear Track:
Four cylinder: 1295mm
Six cylinder: 1290mm
GTR: 1301mm
Kerb Weight:
Four cylinder:
Two door: 812kg
Two door 1600: 854kg
Four door: 838kg
Four door 1600: 876kg
Six cylinder:
Two door: 993kg
Four door: 1014.7kg
GTR: 1013.3kg
Turning Circle:
Four cylinder: 9.5 metres
Six cylinder: 11.1 metres
Fuel Tank Capacity:
Four cylinder: 36.4 liters
Six cylinder: 45.5 liters
XU-1: 77.3 liters
Instruments:
GTR:
Speedometer with integrated
odometer
Petrol gauge
Oil pressure gauge
Temperature gauge
Ammeter
Tachometer
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: 77.7mm x 61.0mm
Power: 56.2bhp (41.9kW) at 5400rpm
Torque: 89.8Nm at 3000rpm
Compression Ratio: 8.5:1
Series 70 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: 77.7mm x 60.9mm
Power: 68.9bhp (51.4kW) at 5800rpm
Torque: 92.7Nm at 4200rpm
Compression Ratio: 9.0:1
1600 4 cylinder:
Capacity: 97.5ci 1599cc
Type: Conventional, watercooled four
stroke, reciprocating piston type with
8 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: 85.7mm x 66.8mm
Power: 80bhp (59.7kW) at 5500rpm
Torque: 129.6Nm at 3200rpm
Compression Ratio: 9.0:1
138 6 cylinder :
Capacity: 138ci 2250cc 2.263 liter
Type: Conventional, watercooled four
stroke, reciprocating piston type with
6 cylinders
Configuration: Front mounted, longitudinal,
inline
Head: Pushrod and rocker actuated ohv
with two valves per cylinder
Fuel System: Bendix-Stromberg single
barrel downdraft type carburetor
Bore and Stroke: 79.4 x 76.2mm
Power: 95bhp (70.9kW) at 4600rpm
Torque: 162Nm at 1600rpm
Compression Ratio: 9.2:1
161 6 cylinder :
Capacity: 161ci 2640cc 2.834 liter
Type: Conventional, watercooled four
stroke, reciprocating piston type with
6 cylinders
Configuration: Front mounted, longitudinal,
inline
Head: Pushrod and rocker actuated ohv
with two valves per cylinder
Fuel System: Bendix-Stromberg single
barrel downdraft type carburetor
Bore and Stroke: 85.7 x 76.2mm
Power: 114bhp (85.0kW) at 4400rpm
Torque: 211.9Nm at 2000rpm
Compression Ratio: 9.2:1
161S 6 cylinder (GTR):
Capacity: 161ci 2640cc
Type: Conventional, watercooled four
stroke, reciprocating piston type with
6 cylinders
Configuration: Front mounted, longitudinal,
inline
Head: Pushrod and rocker actuated ohv
with two valves per cylinder
Fuel System: Two barrel Bendix-Stromberg
downdraft type carburetor
Bore and Stroke: 85.7 x 76.2mm
Power: 125bhp (93.2kW) at 4800rpm
Torque: 202.5Nm at 2800rpm
Compression Ratio: 9.2:1
186 6 cylinder (GTR XU-1):
Capacity: 186ci 3050cc
Type: Conventional, watercooled four
stroke, reciprocating piston type with
6 cylinders
Configuration: Front mounted, longitudinal,
inline
Head: Pushrod and rocker actuated ohv
with high performance camshaft, 161 head
with larger inlet and exhaust valves,
V8 valve springs. (Note: A longer duration,
higher lift camshaft was used in the
XU-1 Bathurst model)
Fuel System: Triple 1.5 inch 150 cds
Stromberg sidedraught carburetors. (Note:
Needles changed for XU-1 Bathurst model)
Bore and Stroke: 3.625 x 3.00 inches
(92.1 x 76.2mm)
Power: 160bhp (119.36kW) at 5200rpm
Torque: 190lb-ft (256.5Nm) at 3600rpm
Compression Ratio: 10.05:1
Ignition and Electrical:
12 volt with 35 amp alternator
Bosch two-contact voltage regulator
standard on all models
Lucas electronic voltage regulator
optional on six cylinder models
38 amp/hour batteries fitted
to 4 cylinder models
44 amp/hour batteries fitted
to 6 cylinder models
Coil and distributor ignition
on all models
Exhaust:
Cast iron manifold and single pipe
XU-1: Twin manifolds, two inch system
and sports muffler
Four Cylinder: 6.25", single dry plate diaphram spring
actuation type
Six Cylinder: 8.62" with heavier plate Belleville design diaphragm spring
Strengthened for GTR XU-1 Bathurst
model
Rear Axle Ratio:
71ci engine: 3.89:1
Series 70 and 1600 engine: 4.125:1
Manual S, SL and GTR: 3.08:1
TriMatic S and SL: 2.78:1
XU-1: 3.36:1 (3.08:1 optional)
Limited slip differential standard
on XU-1, optional on all other models
Top Speed in Gears:
138ci 2.25 liter 6 cylinder 3 speed
manual:
1st: 34 mph (55 km/h)
2nd: 68 mph (109 km/h)
3rd: 89 mph (143 km/h)
0-100 km/h: 17.6 seconds
Standing Quarter Mile (400 metres):
19.8 seconds
161ci 2.834 liter 6 cylinder 4 speed
manual:
1st: 30 mph (48 km/h)
2nd: 50 mph (80 km/h)
3rd: 76 mph (122 km/h)
4th: 92 mph (148 km/h)
0-100 km/h: 15.3 seconds
Standing Quarter Mile (400 metres):
19.0 seconds
186ci 3048cc 6 cylinder GTR XU-1 4
speed manual:
1st: 32 mph (51.5 km/h)
2nd: 52 mph (83.7 km/h)
3rd: 86 mph (138.5 km/h)
4th: 112 mph (180.3 km/h)
0-100 km/h: 9.2 seconds
Standing Quarter Mile (400 metres):
16.2 seconds
Suspension:
4 cylinder models:
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
6 cylinder models:
Front: Independent, higher rate
coil springs, concentric high control
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 Holden "Banjo" type
live rear axle
Steering:
Rack and pinion
Brakes:
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
1200 4 cylinder model:
Front: 8.0 inch (203mm) drums standard,
8.4 inch (213.4mm) discs optional
Rear: 8 inch (203mm) drums
1200 DeLuxe and 1600 4 cylinder models:
Front: 8.4
inch (213.4mm) discs standard
Rear: 8 inch (203mm) drums
6 cylinder models (excluding GTR):
Front: 9.0 inch (229mm) drums standard,
10 inch (254mm) discs optional
Rear: 9 inch (229mm) drums
GTR and GTR XU-1:
Front: 10 inch (254mm)
discs standard (Note: XU-1 models
had the dust shields removed)
Rear: 9 inch (229mm) drums
Wheels:
4 cylinder models: 4.00J x 12
6 cylinder S and SL: 4.50JJ x 12
GTR and GTR XU-1: 5.50JJ x 13
Tyres:
4 cylinder Torana 1200, S and SL models:
5.50 x 12 blackwall crossplies standard,
6.20L12 blackwall or white band crossplies
optional
4 cylinder Torana 1200 DeLuxe and 1600
models: 6.20L12 blackwall
crossplies standard
6 cylinder Torana S and SL models:
A78L13 blackwall crossplies standard,
A78L13 white band crossplies or B70H13
red band crossplies optional
GTR and GTR XU-1 models: B70H13
red band crossplies standard
For everyone whose been looking for a small car with a ton more go, Holden introduces
the new 1600 overhead cam Torana, you have to drive it to understand there's
a small car that can eat the miles so easily. Torana 1600 overhead cam - Holden's
mighty little mile eater...