Judith Durham and the Holden Torana GTR

The lead singer of the iconic 1960s Australian folks music team The Seekers, Judith Durham, and substantial-effectiveness Holdens truly feel as however they really should be at reverse ends of any discussion, but in 1969 the stars, and Lion aligned.

In a business to boost the new LC Holden Torana versions, Judith Durham sang a one of a kind tune, Breakaway, to showcase the new four- and 6-cylinder compact cars and trucks.

This involved the sporting activities-oriented two-door LC Torana GTR, equipped with a 2.6-litre 93kW/202Nm 6-cylinder engine, with two-barrel Stromberg carburettors, four-velocity handbook transmission and ‘wide’ 5.5-inch rubber.

The GTR was priced from $2766 (equal to $36,100 currently) and in 1969 was readily available in a selection of 8 colours (Kashmir White, Monza Blue, Spanish Purple, Sebring Orange, Daytona Bronze, Verdoro Environmentally friendly, Monaco Maroon and Platinum).

Durham’s vocals presented customers to ‘choose a 4, decide on a six, correct now, breakaway in a Torana’, with the singer also providing a spoken endorsement for the car and an encouragement to take a look at a Holden vendor ‘tomorrow’.

Rumour has it that Durham was not compensated in cash for her work, and was alternatively gifted a 1969 Holden Torana GTR as payment.

That car or truck, reportedly in Monaco Maroon, was bought to racer Bryan Thomson who repainted it yellow and converted it to a athletics sedan race vehicle. Thomson went on to acquire a range of trophies in the GTR like a win versus Peter Brock at Sandown in July 1973.

Thomson dropped the Holden 6 in position of a Chevrolet V8 to make the car a lot more competitive. In 1973 he offered the car to Tasmanian racer Gene Cook and focussed on a V8-driven Volkswagen Sort 3 Fastback!

Durham’s GTR was then painted black, nicknamed ‘The Light-weight Falcon’ and campaigned by Prepare dinner in the early 1970s. We’re not sure if the vehicle nevertheless exists to this day. We spoke to Gene who remembers the car or truck fondly. Gene sold the automobile some time in the 1970s but regrettably, doesn&#8217t know what took place to it.

The LC Torana was incredibly effective for Holden, with 74,627 built among 1969 and 1972. A full of 6610 LC GTRs have been created, with a barn-obtain primary crossing the auction block late previous calendar year for $42,300.

As to what value Judith Durham’s vehicle would have captivated if it remained a street car and not a racer will in no way be recognised.

Judith Durham handed away 5 August 2022 aged 79.

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