1977 Holden LX SLR 5000 Torana A9X - 1 of 1 - Madeira Red

1977 Holden Torana SLR 5000 A9X.

This 1977 Holden LX SLR 5000 Torana A9X is an exceptionally scarce example of one of Australia’s most significant performance cars. Finished in the rare factory colour of Madeira Red with its original Chamois Golf Ball interior, it combines genuine historical importance with a carefully developed mechanical specification. The car is identified as Build No. 148 and is described as one of only 405 A9X Toranas produced, comprising 305 sedans and 100 hatchbacks.

Its rarity is heightened by the colour combination: the supplied history identifies this as the only Madeira Red A9X sedan built. The car also belongs to the later production run, recognised by its wider flares and revised differential specification. For collectors, those details give the Torana a clear place within the A9X story, while the period-correct visual treatment preserves the compact, purposeful character that made the model so distinctive.

The body was repainted in acrylic in 2009 and retains the factory-style Madeira Red appearance. The two-piece front spoiler, brake-cooling ducts, widened genuine A9X wheels and period-style drop tank reinforce its competition-bred identity without disguising the car’s road-going origins. Nankang tyres are fitted in 225/50R15 front and 265/50R15 rear sizes, with a Hotwire spare, boot mat and jack included.

Under the bonnet, the original 308 block has been rebuilt with 10:1 forged pistons, Scat connecting rods, a Crane CC288 solid camshaft, Yella Terra heads and roller rockers. An Edelbrock single-plane intake and Holley 750 double-pumper carburettor support the performance-oriented build, while the detailed engine bay includes alloy rocker covers and a polished cold-air box inspired by Allan Grice’s Craven Mild race A9X. H&M extractors feed a twin 2.5-inch mandrel-bent exhaust with Sonic Turbo mufflers.

The original M21 four-speed has been replaced by a Super T10 four-speed gearbox using a Centreforce clutch and modified Hurst Speedway shifter. The standard 10-bolt Salisbury differential is retained, upgraded with 3.55 gears and a steel four-pinion limited-slip differential. Koni dampers, K-Mac sway bars and Selby springs complement the four-wheel disc brakes, giving the chassis a specification suited to enthusiastic driving while retaining a strong connection with the model’s racing heritage.

Inside, the original Chamois trim remains in place, including the seat coverings, carpets, gauges and dashboard. An LX SS centre console accommodates the Super T10 conversion and houses the stereo, along with Autometer oil-pressure and water-temperature gauges. The combination of preserved factory trim and discreet mechanical alterations gives the cabin considerable authenticity while making the modifications legible to an informed enthusiast.

The vehicle is supplied with its original owner’s log books and documented ownership history. It was reportedly with one owner from 1978 until 2017, later becoming part of an Australian muscle-car collection. Its connection to the A9X Club of Australia, identification details and supplied inspection documentation add useful context for anyone assessing this historically important Holden.

• 1977 Holden LX SLR 5000 Torana A9X sedan
• Build No. 148; one of only 405 A9X Toranas produced
• Madeira Red exterior with Chamois Golf Ball interior
• 5.0-litre 308-based engine with documented performance upgrades
• Super T10 four-speed manual transmission
• Four-wheel disc brakes and widened genuine A9X wheels

Other highlights include Condition: Used; Odometer: 100,015 km; Powertrain: Petrol; Transmission: M21 - 4spd; Engine or motor: L31 - 5.0L 308; Exterior colour: 568-30519 - Madeira Red; Interior colour: 1928-60A - Chamois Golf Ball.