Three Classic Holdens - One Owner: Classic Restos - Series 55
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- čas přidán 30. 05. 2024
- Fletch travels to southern New South Wales to meet Steve Hennessy, who always aspired to own a classic car, but never in his wildest dreams did he think he would ever own three classic Holdens.
Steve’s first Holden was a 1975 SLR 5000 LH Holden Torana, which brings back great memories of his first trip to Bathurst at age 10 in 1975, the same year Peter Brock won the iconic event in the same car, a 1975 SLR 5000 Torana. It took Steve some years to acquire his first classic as family and work commitments took precedence. The paint, bodywork and interior were in good condition, but the drivetrain needed to be rebuilt. Steve took no shortcuts, ensuring the car was rebuilt to the original specifications.
Thinking that the ’75 Torana would be his first and only classic car, Steve was surprised when another member of his car club, the ‘NSW Torana Club’, approached him to discuss if he would like to buy his 1977 L31 LX Torana SS Hatchback. The car then had only two owners, one of whom had owned it for 30 years. After a family meeting to discuss the opportunity of getting another Holden classic, the deal was done. Over time, the car had lots of aftermarket accessories added, but Steve preferred his cars in their original spec and went about restoring the car. Although his two classics were based on the same model, they were different in their own way, with the L31 SS having the new Radial Tuned Suspension (RTS). The most significant difference was the two-door versus four-door; the two-door had larger doors and felt longer and lower when driving.
Steve's appreciation of Australian automotive manufacturing history has grown, not just for Holden but also for Ford and Chrysler. He believes we should honour and respect this heritage just as much as heritage buildings.
Then, two classics became three with the addition of a 1985 SS VK HDT Commodore. This car was the basis of the HDT Race Cars raced by Peter Brock as a privateer and HDT. The VK is the last of the Group C race cars, replaced by the new regulation Group A race cars.
Steve’s VK spent most of its life as a daily drive, accumulating many kilometres. The paint and interior were in reasonable condition, but the mechanics needed some tweaking. Steve wanted it restored to the original spec like his other cars.
Steve’s knowledge of each of these cars and Holden is enormous, as he knows all the technical and historical changes over the life of these cars. Today, Steve is the President of the ‘NSW Torana Club’, and he says this association has become integral to his family’s life, allowing them to share great times with like-minded friends through his love of Holdens and his initial desire to own a classic. - Auta a dopravní prostředky
Nice to hear someone saying how they appreciate other makes of cars, rather than just bagging them. A lovely collection in original condition.
The reality is that if you're a Holden fan, then you're also probably a closet Ford and Chrysler fan. For years, they did the same type of cars and engines.
I'm sure stuff like the Tesla and BYD is their true nemesis.
70s & 80s cars are the best it was a great era
What a passionate custodian of three great vehicles. Love that he has kept them original specs and drives them regularly for each unique experience. Thanks Fletch for another great episode
Very nice trifecta
They put my 87 nissan n13 to shame🤣. Beutiful cars Fletch. Aussie Graham.
Awesome collection
awesome cars
Owning 3 classic Holdens , deciding what am i driving this time round😍, and all back to factory standard🏆🏆🏆
Love stock Holdens bloody brilliant.
Great video👍 Three awesome Holdens and in great hands.
Love these toranas!
I’m with you mate,keep it original!
Far to many get modified and ruined. They were perfect from factory,keep it that way.
🤘
Great car’s great memories I’m a ford man and I totally agree that these cars are a part of the Australian history that legend’s likes Peter Brock and Alan Moffat made the cars legendary.
I think the history of the Aussie automotive industry rivals ours here in the States like no where else in the World. But, whoa Nellie, it sure was dark in that shed.
Nice cars. Worth the effort. Thank you.
Great Interview with Steve. He is the man to listen to when it comes to
Toranas & Classic Holdens. Great to watch , so exciteing .
Beautiful Cars. And Steves wife
Annemarie makeing the
Magnificent
Grazeing Platter. Wow.
We all know where to get a bite to eat now.. ❤🎉💫💥🚘🎊💫❤
Love the vk these nolothane strut tops would have to go but that's nit picking amazingly collection
I owned a a VK SS back in the 90s, 3238 was the build number. Great cars
Thanking you Steve, for showing all of us the Brocky History. Torana 1 has a Big Nut. 😁
Dream car garage, haha, every Holden lovers cars. I was just saying to my wife Australia has lost so much you go to buy a new car and what do you get it's all imported you have no choice Very Sad. Great episode once again FLETCH 👏
how true.back to standard they drive at thier best!
Legendary cars
Fletch you remind me of Don Johnson from the hit show Miami Vice with the pink jacket😂
Beautiful cars. And it's a nice thing to see someone who appreciates other makes of cars. I say it's no longer Holden against Ford against Chrysler it's all of us against that Electric shit.
I so agree with that!
A great ,episode fantastic collection. Yes, a great era of Bathurst ,I used to make the pilgrimage to Bathurst from '74 till 2010, V8 Super cars are nowhere near as exciting to me ,over regulated, control of the race from someone on a computer in the pits.
Years ago, i nearly purchased an original LH Torana SL with T-bar auto, 202 six and factory jetfan wheelcovers.......for $3000. I had the deposit in my pocket ready to hand over. I test drove the car. It looked and drove like new. Trouble was, i had a mate with me who somehow talked me out of buying it, and i headed home after the test drive with no deal being made. That night, i went to bed and slept on it, and decided to go back there tomorrow WITHOUT my mate, and purchase the car........but it was sold! I was so angry with my 'mate'!
What would this same car be worth now? Not $3000, i can assure you.
Anyhow, Holdens i HAVE owned include an HG Kingswood 186, a VB Commodore 202 sedan and a VK Commodore wagon 202 carby six. All three were good cars, but not buying that Torana is my No.l motoring regret.
It made this video in a way, hard to watch.