mobile-menu-icon
GM Authority

Meet The Stillborn 1970 Holden Torana GTR-X Concept

Manufacturers produce concept vehicles for a variety of reasons. Some preview a new direction for design language, others gauge public interest in a particular vehicle and some are unveiled to production ready looks. The 1970 Holden Torana GTR-X concept is the latter.

This gorgeous wedge shaped Holden coupe was as close to production it could be before Holden scrapped the idea last minute. It was based upon the Torana GTR XU-1 coupe, but was given a total redesign with plenty of stylish features such as the pointed nose, steeply raked windshield and pop-up headlamps (we miss those).

According to Classic Driver, the simplistic design was crafted entirely from fiberglass, and was the first Holden to be equipped with disc brakes all around. These elements made the Torana GTR-X quite feasible for production. And boy was it close. As the Torana GTR-X was about to receive a green light, executives decided against the sharp two-door. Ultimately, the domestic market was deemed too small to justify the production of the vehicle. Sigh.

It’s a shame, because the Torana GTR-X is most certainly a looker. Almost as if an Italian coach builder and a Lotus Europa had a cousin to a Datsun 240Z, a very good thing. Your author is already conjuring thoughts of what a modern day Torana GTR-X could have become.

Three prototypes were created of the vehicle, two found their way to the crusher while the lone survivor sits proudly at Holden’s corporate headquarters in Melbourne. Oh, what could have been.

Former GM Authority staff writer.

Subscribe to GM Authority

For around-the-clock GM news coverage

We'll send you one email per day with the latest GM news. It's totally free.

Comments

  1. Sean (or anyone else in Melbourne) can you confirm that all of Holden’s concepts are on public display in the lobby of their Port Melbourne headquarters building? I seem to recall that being the case. I must drop in and have a look on my next trip to Melbourne.

    Reply
    1. Michael,

      I cannot confirm that, but I would sure hope more are on public display. It’d be a shame to keep these pieces of art locked away!

      Cheers,

      Sean

      Reply
  2. Stop crushing prototype cars, GM. Sell them off to charity and make bank for a good cause. Sheesh.

    Reply
    1. Sorry it is just not that easy in this tort based legal system we have.

      Even if you sell the car to not be driven on the road you still run the risk of going to court even if you have a signed document. Something mocked up on one of these cars fail and you can be in real trouble.

      As it is we are lucky they are saving what they are.

      I have a couple friends with GM prototypes and I know how many of these cars are built. They do not call them show cars for nothing.

      Reply
  3. All of Holden’s concept cars are on display at Fisherman’s Bend HQ, quite an impression when you walk in the foyer!

    Reply

Leave a comment

Cancel