2024 will mark 50 years since the introduction of the L34 Torana. See one of only a handful of surviving and still competing L34 race cars driven and prepared by Rod Hatfield. This car is one of the most stunning examples of L34's still in existence which first raced at Phillip Island in 1974 finishing third.
The L34 Torana was a purpose built race car and homologated specifically to take on the Bathurst 1000 in 1974. The L34 won the great race on two occasions - in 1975 and 1976. However in 1975 it filled 6 of the top 10 finishing positions and in 1976, it filled the first 7 winning positions of the race, such was the L34's dominance.
In addition to this powerful display, it also won over 50 official ATCC races over a three-year period, which was then proceeded by the mighty A9X Torana of which the blueprint was formed from the L34.
To celebrate this incredible car, we will have various static displays around the circuit across the weekend as well as morning parade laps of over 40 L34 Torana road and race cars throughout the three day event.
Some of these vehicles will also feature in a spectacular display at the Cowes Cars Show on Friday, March 8th between 4pm and 8pm where we will see the main drag of Cowes shut down to traffic with over 60 vehicles currently planned to be in attendance.
Also flying the Torana flag at this year's Phillip Island Classic will be Heritage Touring Car regular Tony Sawford in his iconic 1979 Allan Grice Craven Mild A9X Hatchback.
The L34 was the heartbeat of the A9X Torana of which the former was given a gearbox and diff upgrade to form one of the most dominant touring cars for the 1970s era. In fact it was so dominant that Peter Brock's winning HDT A9X Torana finished the race six laps ahead of it's nearest rival and broke the lap record on the last lap at the 1979 Bathurst 1000. The last time we would see the HDT A9X Torana competing at Bathurst before a new ear was ushered in with the arrival of the Holden Commodore in 1980.
The 2024 Phillip Island Classic Festival of Motorsport will take place on March 8-10th at the famed Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit. Tickets at the gate. Patrons under 17 years of age are free to enter if accompanied by an adult.
Visit the event page here.
Author: Trent Collett / Tim Hatfield
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