Rare Holden to be auctioned in the UK
A Holden Torana claimed to be a rare Bathurst GTR XU-1 will be amongst the star lots of a classic car auction to be held at Britain’s Practical Classics Classic Car and Restoration Show in March 2022.
Publicity material for the car incorrectly refers to it as a 1979 model and misspells Peter Brock’s name (“Peter Brook”) when referencing the Torana’s racing history (1972 Bathurst 500 victory, pictured below, left).
Nevertheless, the auction house believes the car is possibly the only Bathurst XU-1 in the Northern Hemisphere and one of only 150 built in the period to achieve homologation for racing. “The engine number for each of the 150 specials was recorded in the service manual by Holden, so technicians would be able to service the vehicle in accordance with specific requirements for this model. All of the original books are present with the car, which is offered in the original ‘Strike Me Pink’ livery,” said the auctioneer, Classic Car Auctions.
The Torana is UK registered and has been owned by the vendor for 29 years. Last started in 1985, and in need of restoration, the car is offered with a guide price of between £45,000 ($85,257) and £55,000 ($104,203).
A running 1973 XU-1 in Australia, pictured below right, sold in 2021 for a record $348,000.
The Holden will feature in an extensive catalogue that marks the return of Classic Car Auctions to the show for the first time in three years.
