TORANA MARKET GUIDE

IT IS 40 years since Holden built the first home-grown 3-door Hatch to reach production and created a Touring Car legend. Reams have been written about that car; the famous A9X. These words are different and dedicated to versions that are more accessible and affordable. The Hatch came in specification levels ranging from humble to heroic. The cheapest six-cylinder car was a 3.3-litre in SL trim. Lots of six-cylinder Hatchback Toranas were destined to disappear; re-appearing later with transplanted 5.0-litre engines and all the addenda signifying their transformation into an SS or A9X replica. Determining how much to pay for an unmolested six-cylinder Hatch is challenging. A glance back to the Aussie Value Guide of 2006 showed the LX SL 3.3 Hatch in Cond. 1 at $8000. 4.2-litre versions of the SL cost 50 percent more and the SS 5.0-litre a hefty $18,500. Assuming price relativities have remained constant and knowing that a very good SS will today bring around $70-80,000, the ‘six’ in similar condition should manage $30-35,000. 4.2-litre V8s in SL trim have hit $45,000 while an SS with the same engine should reach $60,000. Modifying these cars to go faster than full-on racers doesn’t do a lot to enhance long-term value. Factory-correct SS fourspeeds in the mould of our superb photo-car are devilishly difficult to locate and values for one in this condition should soon get into six-digit territory. Finding and buying one could prove even more daunting than working out how much to pay. There seem to be more authentic A9X Hatches on offer than SS 5.0 versions. Patience and avoiding any questionable backstories is imperative. On-line ID guides are useful for initial research but there is no substitute for verification by someone whose credentials to undertake that task are unquestioned. Your local Torana Club knows how to find them.