1977 - 1979 HOLDEN TORANA A9X
BODY & CHASSIS
Firstly confirm that you are looking at a genuine A9X body. Back when these cars were newish and not especially valuable re-shelling was relatively easy. However the shape of the rear floor was changed to accommodate the larger rear axle housing and miscreants needed to cut out and insert the reshaped floor pan – if they had one. The verification process will also involve checking for rust and crash repairs and don’t imagine that just because a car is expensive that it will suffer from neither. There can also be niggles like rear hatch supports that collapse or a damaged seal and that sucks fumes into the cabin. Replacements for cracked flares are available, as are new grilles and even rubber bumper rubbing strips.
ENGINE & TRANSMISSION
An engine number that agrees with the car’s production records is vital to achieving maximum money. However the obligation of preserving an original engine will prove costly if it suffers a major failure and must be repaired not replaced. The A9X came standard with an electric fan which needs to be working once the engine is warm. The four-speed M21 transmission was adequate when hitched to a standard engine but race cars got the optional T-10 four-speed and for motors that have been tweaked to deliver extra power one of these makes sense.
SUSPENSION & BRAKES
Holden’s Radial Tuned Suspension is a simple but excellent design, provided the components haven’t been allowed to deteriorate. Cars that don’t travel far can be suffering sagging springs and collapsed bushings, with body roll at moderate cornering pace and nose-diving under brakes. Parts are mostly compatible with other Toranas and not expensive. The all-disc brakes might also need some warming so be cautious when trying out someone else’s A9X.
INTERIOR & ELECTRICS
There’s not a lot inside an A9X to fade or fall apart and what there is can be found at reasonable prices in the after-market. To save weight, Holden even ripped out the console and didn’t supply a radio however owners may have subsequently replaced them. The standard seats are nasty, cheap things with skimpy padding and weak frames so make sure they are fit for use. Look also for dash cracks which can be repaired if not canyonlike. Reproduction door trims cost around $600 per pair and seat retrim kits from $1000. Recently sighted was a pair of SS front buckets, restored and recovered for a very reasonable $1250. However a pair of very good originals would cost $2000.