What is a Torana car in the USA?
The Torana is an Australian-built Holden compact car that was never sold as a new model in the United States. In the USA today, it exists mainly as a private-imported classic or collector’s item, not a mainstream American vehicle.
Origins and identity of the Torana
The Torana name was used by Holden, GM’s Australian subsidiary, to denote a family of small-to-mid-size cars launched in the late 1960s. Over the years it evolved through several generations, offering two-door coupes, sedans, and hatchbacks. The lineup earned a strong following among enthusiasts, particularly for its performance variants that linked the car to Australian touring-car racing and local motorsports culture.
Notable performance variants
- GTR XU-1 — a racing homologation model that helped establish Torana’s touring-car credentials.
- A9X — a late-1970s high-performance variant with upgraded power and handling.
- SL/R 5000 — a later high-performance street version powered by a V8.
These variants, alongside standard sedans and hatchbacks, solidified the Torana’s reputation as a practical everyday car with a surprising performance edge in Australia and New Zealand.
Torana in the United States
Officially, Holden did not import Torana models to the United States for sale as new vehicles. The Torana was designed for right-hand-drive markets and faced stiff competition from domestic GM models in the US, such as the Chevrolet Nova and Pontiac Vega. In the American market, Toranas only appear as private imports or within car-collector circles, making them rare and niche sightings.
Today, Toranas in the US are predominantly found through private importers, restoration projects, and at specialty car shows. They remain a rarity compared with Holden’s more widely exported models in other regions.
For Americans interested in owning a Torana, sourcing documentation, parts, and service can be a challenge, so enthusiasts typically rely on specialists who understand Australian-era Holden parts and right-hand-drive conversions.
If you are considering bringing a Torana to the United States, here is a high-level outline of the typical steps involved in private import and compliance.
- Verify eligibility under the 25-year rule and confirm the year and specifications of the vehicle.
- Work with a reputable automobile importer or broker who specializes in classic Australian cars.
- Ensure compliance with U.S. regulations, including EPA emissions and DOT safety standards, or pursue any eligible exemptions.
- Navigate state-level registration and potential modifications required by your state’s DMV or emissions agency.
- Plan for ongoing maintenance, sourcing of parts, and trusted service centers familiar with Holden/Torana hardware.
In practice, importing a Torana to the USA is a specialized project that appeals to collectors and restoration enthusiasts who value Australian automotive history. Availability of parts and expertise varies, so thorough planning is essential.
Summary
The Torana is a historically significant Australian Holden model that never saw official U.S. sales as a new car. In the United States, it remains a rare import and a niche collector’s item rather than a mainstream choice. Enthusiasts who pursue a Torana typically do so through private imports, careful documentation, and a willingness to navigate the complexities of importing an Australian-era vehicle. For those drawn to its racing heritage and unique Australian automotive story, the Torana offers a distinct, if scarce, link to Holden’s international presence.
How much is a 1977 LX Torana worth?
Understanding the chart
| MODEL | YEAR | Cond 1 |
|---|---|---|
| LX TORANA V8 HATCH | 1977-78 | $45,000 |
| LX TORANA SS V8 HATCH | 1977-78 | $72,500 |
| LX TORANA A9X SEDAN | 1977-78 | $105,000 |
| LX TORANA A9X HATCH | 1977-78 | $235,000 |
What kind of car is a Torana?
The Holden Torana is a mid-sized car that was manufactured by Holden from 1967 to 1980. The name apparently comes from a word meaning "to fly" in an unconfirmed Aboriginal Australian language.
What does Torana stand for?
A "torana" is a decorative, ceremonial gateway found in Hindu and Buddhist architecture, typically marking an entrance to a temple, stupa, or shrine. In the context of Indian architecture, a torana is the entire gateway, consisting of two upright posts and one or more crossbeams. However, in Nepalese usage, the term can refer specifically to the decorated upper panel above a doorway, according to the Rubin Museum of Himalayan Art. It is also the name of a Holden car model produced from 1967 to 1979.
Architectural torana
- Structure: A torana typically includes two upright posts supporting one, two, or three transverse beams.
- Materials: They are often made of wood or stone.
- Decoration: Toranas are usually elaborately carved and can feature mythological creatures, symbolic motifs, and elaborate reliefs.
- Examples: Famous examples include the four toranas at the Great Stupa in Sanchi, India, and the decorative panels found in Nepalese temples and monasteries.
Holden Torana
- What it is: A model of a compact/mid-size car produced by the Australian manufacturer Holden from 1967 to 1979.
- Models: Several versions were produced, including the LC, LJ, LH, and LX series, with performance-enhanced models like the XU-1 and A9X becoming iconic muscle cars.
- Motorsport: The Holden Torana was very successful in Australian motorsport, particularly at the Bathurst 1000 race.
Other uses
- Toran: In some contexts, "toran" also refers to a garland or textile hanging, often made of leaves and flowers, used to decorate doorways for festivals and auspicious occasions.
- Software: There is also a software product named Torana used in medical imaging for managing and routing scans, notes www.snac.com.au.
What is Torana called in English?
A torana (Sanskrit: तोरण; [tawr-uh-nuh]) is a free-standing ornamental or arched gateway for ceremonial purposes in Hindu, Buddhist and Jain architecture of the Indian subcontinent.
