ROCCO CECERE

1976 LX TORANA

“I BOUGHT my Torana in 1984 at the age of 19, and still have her 35 years on. It was my daily until 1993 when I pulled it off the road for a rebuild. I had it painted by Rob from Offshore Boat Builders and it was back on the road in 1998 with a mild 308/M21 combo, later getting a nine-inch. The car still has the same paintjob today, which looks pretty good for its age. The interior has Scheel seats, velour trim, a hidden stereo in the glovebox and two subs in the rear in a custom-made box. The car stayed this way until early 2018, when I had a new motor built by Andrew Johnston from Murrumbateman. He started with a standard-bore 308 block with worked VN heads and a 383 COME stroker kit. The end result was 485hp on Westend’s dyno. Pete Hamilton and Kit Hunter from Perfection Automotive then sourced a Mal Wood five-speed gearbox with bellhousing, internal hydraulic clutch and tailshaft, along with all the other bits and pieces to put it together. I try to get the car out most weekends and cruise, as it puts a smile on my face every time I turn the key. This is the car I always envisioned since I was a young bloke, from the stance and looks to the mechanicals.” Photos: Ben Hosking