This beautifully restored Holden LX Torana Hatchback has a story unlike most classic cars.

Owner Kim bought the Torana as a rusty wreck and started a complete restoration. But during the engineering and licensing process, he discovered something completely unexpected.

The Torana had been reported stolen in Victoria in 1984.

Thankfully, the original owner was found and the issue was resolved. Kim could then finish the restoration and get the Torana back on the road.

A Classic Holden With Modern Upgrades

Originally an SL with a 202 six-cylinder and automatic transmission, the Torana is now powered by a Holden 308 V8.

It’s backed by a BorgWarner T5 five-speed manual, making it a great old-school V8 cruiser.

Kim has also added several upgrades to make the car easier and more enjoyable to drive.

These include:

• Holden 308 V8
• T5 five-speed manual
• 17×10 rear and 17×8 front hotwire wheels
• BMW 3 Series power steering
• A9X-style front brakes
• Rear disc brakes
• VN Commodore differential
• Truetrac centre
• Air conditioning and heating
• Digital Speedhut gauges
• 2.5-inch stainless exhaust with X-pipe

The classic Torana SS-inspired styling keeps the car looking old-school, despite the modern improvements.

And Kim isn’t finished yet.

A 355 stroker V8 is planned for the future.

More Classics in the Collection

We also check out some of Kim’s other projects.

There’s a very rusty one-owner 1973 Datsun 240Z, an HX Holden panel van, a nearly 100-year-old Ford Model A and a beautiful Jaguar Mk2.

There’s certainly no shortage of future projects!

A Warning for Classic Car Buyers

The Torana’s unusual history also provides an important lesson.

If you’re buying a classic car or restoration project, always check the full chassis or VIN number before spending money on the build.

Kim discovered the Torana’s stolen history during the restoration. Fortunately, everything could be resolved, but it could have been a very different outcome.

Would You Fit the 355?

Kim’s Holden LX Torana is now a great combination of classic Australian styling, V8 power and modern comfort.

The big question is what comes next.

Would you leave the 308 V8 exactly as it is, or fit the planned 355 stroker?

Let us know in the comments.

Follow Aussie Garage for more classic cars, muscle cars, restorations, workshop tours and Australian automotive stories.

#LXTorana #Torana #SSHatch #Holden #HoldenTorana #AussieGarage

The post He Restored This LX Torana—Then Discovered It Was Stolen! appeared first on Australia's Home of Classic Cars, Muscle Cars & Automotive Events.

The Aussie Garage crew recently caught up with Ann and Anton to check out their impressive new custom-built shed and their latest restoration project – a largely original 1979 Holden VB Commodore.

After completing their HQ One Tonner build, the pair were ready for a new challenge. Their goal is to restore the VB the old-school way, keeping as much of its original character as possible while tackling rust repairs, mechanical work and period-correct styling.

A Shed Built for Classic Cars

The new workshop is every enthusiast’s dream, featuring a huge shed extension, a brand-new 4-post hoist and plenty of room for future projects. It’s also packed with automotive memorabilia, vintage tools and family treasures that make the space truly unique.

More Than Just a Commodore

During our visit we also checked out:

• A future Holden 253 V8 engine build
• Ann’s beautifully restored 1970 Honda QA50 minibike
• Rare automotive and family memorabilia
• Future plans for a Holden Statesman restoration

Keeping Holden History Alive

What makes this project special is the focus on preserving a classic Australian car rather than heavily modifying it. Ann and Anton are passionate about keeping Holden history alive and building cars their own way.

We’re looking forward to following the progress of this Holden VB Commodore restoration as it comes back to life.

Question for Holden Fans

Would you keep the original Holden six-cylinder engine or swap in a V8?

Get ready for the ultimate automotive experience! From vintage classics to muscle cars, modified rides, and everything in between, Aussie Garage is your go-to channel for all things cars. We bring you interviews with car owners, gear reviews, event coverage, and so much more.

Don’t miss a single moment of the automotive extravaganza! Hit that Subscribe button and become part of the Aussie Garage family. Ring the Notification Bell to be the first to catch our latest releases, so you never miss a thrilling update. We appreciate your support – it’s what keeps us going! Thank you for being part of Aussie Garage and remember to share our videos with your friends so we can grow this amazing community together.

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The post Holden VB Commodore Resto | Aussie Couple Build Dream Shed & Classic Cruiser Project appeared first on Australia's Home of Classic Cars, Muscle Cars & Automotive Events.

We’ve got something seriously unique on Aussie Garage — a 1963 AMC Rambler 660 Classic, Australian-built and unlike anything you typically see cruising our roads today. In a world dominated by Holdens and Fords, this Rambler stands out as a rare survivor with a story worth telling.

In this episode, Phil catches up with Steve to take a deep dive into one of the most underrated and uncommon classic cars in Australia. From its original roots to its carefully executed upgrades, this Rambler represents a different era of motoring — and a refreshing change from the usual muscle car lineup.

From 6-Cylinder Cruiser to V8-Powered Classic

Originally delivered as a 6-cylinder vehicle, this Rambler has been transformed into something far more unique. Sitting under the bonnet now is an AMC 327 V8, paired perfectly with a 3-speed automatic transmission, turning this classic into a smooth, powerful cruiser.

Unlike many heavily modified builds, this conversion has been done with restraint and respect for the car’s heritage. It still retains its classic styling and character, but now delivers the performance and sound you’d expect from a proper V8-powered machine.

This balance between originality and performance is what makes this build stand out — it hasn’t lost its identity, it’s simply evolved.

Bought Sight Unseen – A True Barn Find Story

What makes this Rambler’s story even better is how it was acquired. Steve purchased the car sight unseen from an auction, taking a gamble on a vehicle that had been off the road since 1992.

That’s over three decades sitting idle — a true time capsule waiting to be revived.

Bringing it back to life wasn’t about a full-blown restoration. Instead, the focus was on:

• Mechanical reliability
• Subtle upgrades
• Preserving original features
• Maintaining the car’s authentic feel

The result is a classic that still feels like a Rambler — just better in all the right ways.

Why the AMC Rambler 660 is So Rare in Australia

The AMC Rambler 660 Classic is not something you come across often, especially here in Australia. While American Motors Corporation vehicles did make their way into the country, only a limited number were brought in — and even fewer have survived to this day.

That makes this particular build even more special.

Unlike mainstream Aussie classics, Rambler models have flown under the radar for years, which adds to their appeal today. They offer something different — a unique design, a lesser-known badge, and a story that stands apart from the typical Ford vs Holden narrative.

For collectors and enthusiasts chasing something truly unique, cars like this tick all the boxes.

A Cruiser with Character

This isn’t a trailer queen or a show-only car — it’s built to be enjoyed. With its V8 power, smooth automatic transmission, and classic styling, this Rambler is the perfect cruiser for Australian roads.

It’s the kind of car that turns heads not because it’s loud or over-the-top, but because people simply don’t see them anymore.

And when they do, they stop and look twice.

Watch the Full Feature on Aussie Garage

If you’re into rare classic cars, unique builds, and proper automotive stories, this is one episode you don’t want to miss.

Check out the full video feature on the Aussie Garage YouTube channel to see this 1963 AMC Rambler 660 Classic in action, hear the V8, and get the full story from Steve himself.

SHOW US YOUR RIDE! If you live in WA and have a Vintage, Classic, or Muscle Car, Aussie Garage wants to interview you! Not in WA? Don’t worry – we’re collecting contacts because we’ll be coming to your area soon!

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Join the Aussie Garage journey today – we’ll see you in the garage!

#rambler#amc#classiccars#aussiegarage#amcrambler#vintagecars#musclecars#carbuild#carculture#oldschoolcars#v8cars#rarecars

The post 1963 AMC Rambler 660 Classic – Rare Aussie-Built V8 You’ve NEVER Seen! 🇦🇺 appeared first on Australia's Home of Classic Cars, Muscle Cars & Automotive Events.