Legendary Holden Torana race car expected to sell for $2 million at auction

One of Australia’s most iconic racing cars – the Holden Torana LX, first driven in Adelaide in 1977 – is up for auction.

Australia’s iconic Holden Torana race car is up for auctions and expected to sell for nearly $2 million Picture: Lloyd's Auctions

A piece of Australian motorsport history that first debuted in Adelaide is expected to eclipse $1 million at an upcoming auction.

The 1977 Holden Torana LX, raced for two years by renowned Australian Touring Car Championship driver John Harvey for the Holden Dealer Team, is one of the country’s best-known race cars.

Presented in the iconic HDT Marlboro livery, the Torana debuted at the Adelaide Rothmans 250 in 1977 where it placed fifth.

The following year, it placed third at the same race.

In 1978, the Torana’s successes established a precedent that no other Australian manufactured race car has been able to match since.

The LX Torana was the first Australian car built for homologation purposes to be used as a dedicated racer.

Homologated race cars are built according to specific and intricate rules from a governing racing body.

The car is sitting at nearly $1 million with three days to go until auction. Picture: Lloyd's Auctions

Under the hood of the 1977 Holden LX Torana.

Currently sitting at $695,000 with three days to go until auction, Lloyds Auctions chief operations officer Lee Haymes said he “wouldn’t be surprised” if the car sold for $2 million.

“The significance and provenance of this car is paramount to Australian history and is something that is very special and extremely rare, there is no other like this car, it is one of one,” he said.

The car was sold in 1986 to an Adelaide-based collector who kept it until his death in 1992.

In 1993, it was sold to a collector in Box Hill who restored it to be displayed at the National Motor Sport Hall of Fame at Bathurst.

The current owner purchased the Torana in 2002 and has personally known Harvey since 1999.

Included in the sale are Harvey’s original period-correct helmet, racing overalls, gloves, boots and a Marlboro hat, as well as three sets of spare wheels.

John Harvey’s signed Marlboro HDT racing jacket, part of a $1 million auction. Picture: Lloyds Auctions

Also included with the car are worn boots, a helmet and Marlboro visor. Picture: Lloyds Auctions

Trophies, racing memorabilia and documents are also included.

For more information on this auction and other classic cars, visit Lloyds Auctions online.