Craig Poole

Car: Holden Torana SL/R 5000 L34 Hometown: Perth, WA

What is it?

“It’s a 1974 LH Torana SL/R 5000

L34 M21 GU7 in Chrome Yellow.”

When did you buy it?

“I bought it in June 2012 from here in WA.”

Why did you buy it?

“I learned about the L34 after getting involved with other Torana enthusiasts and listening to them. Up until that point I was all about the A9X. When I learned that the L34 was the last car made by Holden (not a sub-contractor like HDT or HSV) that you bought in the showroom to take to your race shop to get ready to race it, I knew it was pretty special. I also like a car that has a good history and has documentation. This L34 has its owner manual and guide with the warranty certi cate stapled to the inside front cover. I loved the car from the minute I got behind the wheel for that test drive. It was and still is awesome.” What do you know about its life?

“It was sold new by Brisbane dealer

Zupps of Aspley on

February 11, 1975.

It has been stamped by Zupps for the

5000, 10,000, 15,000 and 20,000 kilometre services. And the car has just clocked over 80,000km. From the photos, it saw a bit of driving in the hills around Brisbane. It also sported a set of spotlights on the bumper. In the 1990s it was owned by a gent who had this L34 and another Chrome Yellow L34. He had one for himself and one for the wife! He had HIS 34 and HER 34 as the number plates, my car is the girl’s car! The spotlights had gone but it did have a set of Hotwire mags on. It was sold to a gent in WA, who I bought the car off. The car is in unrestored condition with original engine. It’s had a few touch ups along the way which is normal.”

How does it go?

“It goes good. I love driving it. With the window down and elbow hanging out sitting on 110km/h on the highway, life doesn’t get much better.”

Anything you’d like to add?

“The L34 community is a pretty good bunch of owners. I’ve had the privilege to meet some outstanding people through owning this car. I took it to Phillip Island in 2014 for the 40th anniversary get-together during the VHRR event that year. The drive from WA across the Nullarbor was amazing. I plan on just getting it out on weekends, driving it and enjoying it. The L34 has a special place in Aussie motoring history. I like all the cars from this era but for me the L34 stands tall.”