LJ Torana 2 door.

When I purchased this car I knew its history all the way back to 1976. I restored it with the intention of it lasting another 30 years without the need for any further attention, because I never intended to part with it. Unfortunately I find myself in a situation where I may need to release it to another appreciative owner if the price is fair. I have tried to give an overview in the pictures of the standard of the body and work that was done.
All metal repairs were cut and welded edge to edge with no overlapping material to hold moisture and dirt. All welds were neutralised and sealed internally. There is less than 2mm of filler anywhere in the body. The doors were replaced with nearly impossible to find at the time original undamaged and non rusted items. The front and rear window frames of this body were miraculously not rusted away and are all original metal with no holes bogged up. The bonnet and door hinges are also perfect.
Paint and primers used were all premium quality 2 pack. The car has had new hood lining, carpet, full rubber kit, all window channels etc, fitted. Doors open and close like new without needing to be slammed. The underbody rubbers and mounts were also replaced as were brakes, shockies, steering rack, all suspension/steering components etc as would be expected. The body is quiet and has no rattles or squeaks when driven. It is the standard you would expect from a dedicated restorer who intended to keep the car forever.
The interior is re-trimmed in a very simple and basic style, using original pattern vinyl, which is my preference. All the backing boards and kick plates, rear parcel shelf, etc are high tensile 2mm aluminium sheet rather then the cardboard which inevitably deforms and falls apart. The panels are backed with a sound absorbing material to eliminate any tinny sounds or vibrations. The interior is well sound proofed. It has been upgraded to retractable seatbelts.
The 1UZFE engine is an all aluminium 4l Toyota quad cam V8 from a Soarer. I chose this because I wanted a V8 without the weight and fitting issues of the normal holden/chev options. All computer electronics were deleted and it has a custom tunnel ram with dual Holleys. It showed 320RWHP on the dyno and returns an excellent 9.2 litres/100Km's. (32Mpg)
Heads are stock with a set of mild Kelford Cams that pull hard from 2200-7200rpm. Ignition is MSD 6AL finished off with MSD leads and Accel coil. The 4 speed /overdrive transmission is semi automatic, much like a permanent tiptronic system, just shifted at the lever. It is backed up by a 3.55 ratio Limited slip diff.
Extractors are custom built tuned length, stepped, 4 into one with merge collectors and are ceramic coated. Exhaust consists of a 3" X pipe from the collectors, merging back to twin 2.5" pipes finished off with Supertrapp mufflers at the rear. All fabricated entirely from mandrel bends. It has been to the drags twice for final tuning and ran low 12's at just under 110mph. It is quiet and legal for Qld testing procedures, but still produces a fantastic note when spun to the limiter.
As you see the car pictured is EXACTLY how it was presented for Qld engineering and it was approved without objection. Yes, even the bonnet scoop is compliant. No chassis reinforcing kit was required due to the smaller size and weight of the engine, so the body has not been molested with the ugly bolt on kits that make fitting decent headers and exhaust systems so difficult. At just 246 cubic inch capacity the 1UZFE can legally be supercharged or turbo charged in this vehicle.
I never intended it to be either a 'show' or 'performance' car. rather something that was nice to drive, performed well and looked clean and tidy. I have accumulated some extremely difficult to obtain spares that will be included with the vehicle when it finds a new caretaker.
The car is currently on full Qld rego but would easily qualify for club concession rego if that is your preference. I choose to drive it when and where it suits me without needing 'permission'. This car has nice manners and is easy to drive in traffic, plus it's a real pleasure to travel long distances in due to the comfort of the series 6 RX7 front seats.
Inspections are welcome and I will happily take serious people for a drive. Do not expect a test drive unless you can convince me you are deadly serious and can put a significant deposit in my hand. I'm not advertising joyrides. ;o)
The starting bid is realistic as Shannons Insurance have valued the car above this price. At the most recent renewal they significantly increased the previous insured value at their own discretion, which is proof this car is an appreciating asset you can enjoy.
If you have read this far you obviously know what you're looking at and the time, money and dedication it takes to complete a project like this. Experienced people will also know it would be impossible to buy and build a Torana to this standard for anything close to the starting price.
Thankyou for your interest.
PLEASE NOTE,
The personalised plates are NOT included unless the car reaches the buy it now price of $45000.

Also published at eBay.com.au