Australia’s 240Z Contender: The Holden Torana GTR-X

Retro Rivalry - When we think about legendary sports cars of the 1970s, the spotlight often falls on Japanese or European icons, yet Australia quietly had its own contender ready to make waves. Long before the global automotive scene stopped noticing the southern continent, Holden, a household name in Australia, was quietly crafting vehicles that combined style, performance, and innovation. Though Holden ceased all local production in 2017 and now imports cars from Germany, Canada, and the USA, its legacy is still alive in the memories of enthusiasts who remember models like the Commodore and Torana.

If the Holden Torana GTR-X could be entered into production line back in the 1970s, it would be a potential rival to the Datsun 240Z. (Picture form: ClassicDriver)

Among Holden’s lesser-known yet fascinating projects was a bold mid-sized sports car concept called the Torana GTR-X. The Torana line itself, produced between 1967 and 1980, was already a notable player in Australia’s automotive scene. Its name, derived from an Aboriginal word meaning “to fly,” hinted at the ambition behind the vehicles. 

The Holden Torana GTR-X concept is built in 1970 based on the relatively traditional Torana GTR XU-1 coupé. (Picture form: ClassicDriver)

Inspired by the global sports car craze of the 1960s and 1970s, Holden explored pushing beyond the standard mid-sized car to create something extraordinary. The GTR-X, first envisioned in the early 1970s, was built on the mechanical foundation of the Torana GTR XU-1 coupe. However, the concept car was far from ordinary.  

The Holden Torana GTR-X concept designed with a pointed nose, steeply raked windscreen and pop-up headlights also fitted with advance technology at the time such 4-wheel vacuum assisted disc brakes, retractable seat belts, foam filled fuel tank and electric windows. (Picture form: ClassicDriver)

Its designers reimagined the vehicle from the ground up, introducing a striking wedge-shaped body made from fiberglass—a nod to contemporary trends seen in the Maserati Khamsin, Ferrari 308 GT4, Mazda RX-7, and Lotus Esprit. The design featured a pointed nose, a sharply raked windscreen, pop-up headlights, and a hatchback rear, creating a compact yet aggressive profile that still looks futuristic even today.

The Holden Torana GTR-X concept has the long-grain black vinyl wrapped interior to complete two cozy racing-style seats, a three-spoke steering wheel and also a dashboard full of gauges and buttons. (Picture form: ClassicDriver)

Weighing just 1,043 kilograms, the Torana GTR-X was no lightweight in performance either. Holden estimated the sports car could reach speeds of up to 210 kph, aided by the fact that it became the first Holden car to feature four-wheel disc brakes—a notable technological leap at the time. Three prototypes were constructed, and Holden invested in promotional materials suggesting a genuine interest in bringing the GTR-X to production. Unlike their earlier Hurricane concept, this project felt like it could have been more than just a dream on paper.

The Holden Torana GTR-X concept is powered by a 3.05-litre Torana GTR XU-1 straight six engine. (Picture form: CarStyling.ru)

Despite its promise, the GTR-X never made it to showrooms. Holden ultimately decided that the Australian market was too small to cover the costs of mass production. Had it reached production, this sleek, wedge-shaped sports car could have stood as a serious rival to the Datsun 240Z, giving local enthusiasts a high-performance alternative without needing to look abroad.

The Holden Torana GTR-X concept had a fibreglass body appeared into a wedge-shaped 1970s typical styles including a hatchback rear access. (Picture form: ClassicDriver)

Only one prototype survives today, housed at Holden’s headquarters in Melbourne, serving as a quiet reminder of what might have been. The other two prototypes were unfortunately destroyed, leaving the GTR-X as a rare piece of automotive history and a symbol of Holden’s ambition during a time when the global sports car craze was at its peak.

The Australian automaker making a lot of promotional materials during the development time of the Holden Torana GTR-X concept to attarct potential customers. (Picture form: ClassicDriver)

Holden’s flair for creativity did not end with the GTR-X. Decades later, the automaker introduced the EFIJY Concept, a modern reinterpretation of the bold spirit that defined the Torana GTR-X. With its flowing, retro-inspired curves, futuristic accents, and unmistakable Australian character, the EFIJY shows that Holden’s vision for combining classic inspiration with innovative design continues to shine.

In many ways, the EFIJY acts as a bridge between Holden’s ambitious past and its imaginative present. It captures the daring, playful energy that the GTR-X once promised, proving that even though Holden no longer produces cars locally, the company’s contribution to automotive creativity—its unique blend of style, performance, and innovation—remains a proud part of Australia’s motoring legacy. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CLASSICDRIVER | WIKIPEDIA | MANOFMANY | CARSTYLING.RU ]

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