GREEN MACHINE HATCHBACK

Grant Bonnici
1976 Holden LX SS Torana

ARTICLE: JESSE BONNICI | PHOTOGRAPHER: JESSE BONNICI

Grant’s LX Torana hatchback isn’t just a car; it’s a living testament to his dedication and passion. For three decades, this machine has been more than mere transportation; it’s been a continuous craft and reflection of Grant’s hard work and attention to detail.

From the moment Grant first laid eyes on it, he knew the Torana was something special. Purchased three decades ago, fresh off his P Plates, it began a journey filled with passion and grunt as his first V8. While it may have started life as a genuine 308 manual SS Hatch, it has since undergone many transformations to what it is today.

Grant’s love affair with Toranas traces back to his earliest days behind the wheel, with fond memories in LJ’s, LC’s, and GPaks running in the family. But it was the desire for something with a bit more power that led him to the SS Hatch. In no time, he became the proud owner of what would soon be a highly desirable and power-punching iron lion. Over the years, it has seen numerous engine combinations and aesthetic changes.

The heart of this beast is none other than a Holden 355 Stroker assembled and tuned by the hands of Steve at S&S Racing Dyno Centre. From its angry bottom end featuring a Harrop 355 Stroker Crank and Pavtek Girdle with SRP Pistons, to its Lumpy Custom Grind Camshaft and Flowcraft Heads, every component has been chosen for maximum performance and reliability. With a Harrop High Rise manifold and Holley 4150 Carby providing breathability, the 355 roars to 500 Horsepower with no struggle. Attention to detail is key with Grant; everything in the bay being painted or dressed up accordingly, the catch cans being hidden, and the battery relocation ensuring the bay is presented to top quality. The block is painted in Holden Orange, making the engine stand out with everything else in the bay being predominantly black or silver, creating one mouthwatering finished product.

But it’s not just about raw power; the driveline has been engineered to withstand every ounce of power. A 3-Speed Built Trimatic transmission, B&M Ratchet Shifter, and 4200 TCE Stall Converter ensure smooth power delivery, while a custom tailshaft and Shortened 9” Differential with 4:11 Ratios keep things moving smoothly, with Mickey Thompson 255 Radials on Billet Specialtie Winlites providing the traction for the car to get the power down.

Externally, the Torana is a vision of beauty in Mint Julep Green. Despite it nearly being half a century old, the original paint remains remarkably well-presented. The only elements no longer in original condition are the bonnet, now cut and suited for the reverse cowl scoop, and the engine bay, which has been smoothed and resprayed prior to the engine combination being finished. The undercarriage, interior, and inner guards have additionally been stripped and restored while mini-tubbing the chassis.

The vehicle has been thriving with the existing engine combination since 2013/14, doing an extensive amount of street cruising, including many drives to Hanging Rock for the annual picnic and many other events, enjoying time alongside mates and attending his son Prostreet Media’s car events, instilling the passion for vehicles, car shows, and photos since young. In the future, the Torana will do a ¼ Mile pass to beat his personal previous best 11.52 from 2006 with the 308, but for now, Grant is content with clocking up the street kilometres.

SPECIAL THANKS
Steve SnS Racing & Dyno, Chris Goganj, Tullamarine Panelworx