As part of our growing Aussie Garage Interviews series, this chat with Daniel gave us insight into his journey with Holden, his inspiration behind each build, and how Melbourne’s strong car culture continues to shape some of Australia’s toughest street and drag car combinations.

Holden Passion on Display

Daniel’s love for Holden runs deep, and it shows clearly in both builds. The Torana represents classic Aussie muscle car heritage — lightweight, aggressive, and built with performance firmly in mind. From the stance to the engine bay, every detail reflects a carefully planned custom build, blending old-school style with modern performance thinking.

Alongside the Torana sits Daniel’s VL Commodore, another iconic platform in Australian car culture. Known for its strength and drag racing potential, the VL has been developed with power, reliability, and straight-line performance as key priorities. This build highlights why the VL remains one of the most popular choices for anyone chasing serious horsepower while keeping that unmistakable Aussie look.

Built, Not Bought

What stood out most during the interview was Daniel’s hands-on approach. These aren’t show-only cars — they’re driven, tested, and constantly improved. From parts selection to long-term plans, Daniel shared how each stage of the build has been shaped by real-world use, lessons learned, and a clear vision of what he wants from his cars.

This is exactly what Aussie Garage is about: showcasing real owners, real builds, and the passion that fuels Australia’s muscle car scene.

Melbourne Car Culture

Filmed during our Melbourne visit, this interview also captures the strength of the local scene. Melbourne continues to be a hotspot for custom Holden builds, drag racing projects, and high-quality workmanship. Daniel’s Torana and VL Commodore are perfect examples of how strong the Aussie muscle car culture remains.

Watch the Full Interview

To hear Daniel’s story in his own words and see both cars in detail, make sure you check out the full video on the Aussie Garage YouTube channel. It’s an honest look at what goes into building and owning standout Holden projects in today’s scene.

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The Story Behind the LC Holden Torana

Gavin purchased his LC Torana in 2019 during the peak of the Covid pandemic through a friend. The car came as you see it today, with most of its charm intact but featuring a few mechanical modifications. What sets this Torana apart is its untouched, original paint, which proudly shows its patina on the bonnet and sides. It’s never been restored or repaired, and Gavin intends to keep it that way.

This Torana’s journey began when it was first purchased new by a gentleman in Tuart Hill from Shacks Holden in Fremantle. After his passing, it was handed down to his granddaughter, and over the years, it changed hands a few times before Gavin’s friend bought it unlicensed. After getting it back on the road, his friend sold it to Gavin, who initially wasn’t looking for a Torana but couldn’t pass up the deal. He had been chasing a four-cylinder steel-bumper car to suit his budget, but the Torana won him over.

A Passion for Cars

Gavin’s love for cars began early, with matchbox cars fueling his imagination as a child. By the time he got his license at 17, he was hooked on owning modified cars and has always had something unique in his collection to cruise around in.

Keeping It Original

While many people have asked Gavin if he plans to restore his Torana, he’s firm in his decision to keep it as-is. “The vehicle is only original once and never again. I want to leave it as is,” he says. This philosophy aligns with his passion for preserving the car’s history.

Gavin has the Torana’s original numbers-matching engine safely stored on a stand in his garage, verified through Holden Historical Services. For now, though, he’s running a modified 202 engine, which features a Blue Engine bottom end and a Red Engine top end, bored out 60 thousand to create a 208 engine. It’s paired with a 390 Holley 4-barrel carburetor, pacemaker extractors, and a mild exhaust system. Despite the engine modifications, the rest of the driveline remains stock, maintaining the car’s originality.

A Step Back in Time

The interior of Gavin’s Torana is like stepping into a time capsule. Everything from the seats to the door cards and dash is original. Gavin has added a couple of gauges for temperature and oil pressure to monitor the engine’s performance, but these were installed in a way that allows for easy removal without damaging the interior, just in case he ever decides to sell the vehicle.

A Nod to History

One unique detail of Gavin’s Torana is the reproduction Shacks Holden sticker on the rear window, created by Stick This Decals in South Australia. Gavin had part of the original sticker left on the car and sent it to Jason at Stick This Decals to replicate. While it may not be an exact match to the original dealer sticker, it looks fantastic and adds a nostalgic touch to the car.

A Car Worth Celebrating

Gavin’s LC Holden Torana is a stunning example of originality and passion. It’s not just a car—it’s a piece of history that tells a story of its previous owners and Gavin’s dedication to preserving its legacy.

Thanks, Gavin, for sharing your ride with Aussie Garage and giving us a glimpse into your world of classic car enthusiasm. This LC Holden Torana is truly a gem, and we’re honored to feature it.

#lcholdentorana #aussiegarageinterviews #aussiegaragetv #lctorana #holden #torana #lcholden #originallcholdentorana #aussiemusclecars #classiccars

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The First Evolution: Enter the V8

John’s first major step in his build journey was to bring in more power. He decided to give his hatchback the muscle it deserved by converting it to a V8. To accomplish this, John sourced parts from an SLR5000, taking its 253 V8 engine and drivetrain and transplanting them into his Torana. This was the first evolution of his dream car, and it marked a turning point for John—he was no longer just an owner but a creator, shaping the car to reflect his unique vision.

The Full Restoration: Turning Dreams into Reality

Fast forward to 2015, when John took his Torana off the road for a complete restoration. It was time for his vision to be fully realized. He stripped the car down, allowing him to meticulously plan each step of the rebuild. When it came time to choose a color, he settled on a striking white base, accented with blackouts precisely where he wanted them. For John, the Torana’s iconic flares were a must, so he added a full body kit to give the car a bold, aggressive look, finishing it off with 14-inch Hotwire Wheels that perfectly fill the flared guards.

Under the Hood: Performance to Match the Looks

For the engine, John chose a 5.0L 304, as 308s are becoming rare, and he wanted the VN heads setup for better performance and reliability. Paired with a Supra 5-speed gearbox and a Borg Warner differential, this combination delivers the power and drivability John dreamed of. This setup not only boosts the car’s performance but also gives it a unique edge, blending classic Torana elements with modern enhancements.

The Interior: A Modern Nod to Classic Style

Inside, John aimed for a classic look with a modern touch. The interior features herringbone upholstery complemented by grey dash panels, maintaining the Torana’s original charm with refined upgrades. He kept the original radio but gave it a clever Bluetooth upgrade, combining the nostalgia of classic audio with today’s convenience. With an SS steering wheel tying it all together, the cabin of John’s Torana is immaculate, a place where classic and modern converge seamlessly.

The Heart and Soul of a Dream Build

Every inch of John’s LX Holden Torana SS Hatchback is a testament to his dedication, hard work, and passion for the project. The combination of the bold paintwork, the aggressive stance, the throaty sound of the V8, and the timeless interior styling makes this Torana a true showstopper. It’s a car that demands attention and admiration, an all-around stunner that embodies John’s dream and dedication.

We hope you enjoy this episode as much as we enjoyed featuring John’s incredible build. Thanks for tuning in, and keep an eye out for more remarkable builds from passionate car enthusiasts just like John here on Aussie Garage.

The post John’s LX Holden Torana SS Hatchback Dream Build: A Tribute to Classic Muscle and Personal Passion appeared first on Australia's Home of Classic Cars, Muscle Cars & Automotive Events.

The variety of cars was incredible. We saw everything from HSVs and HDTs to Torana’s, Falcon coupes, Chargers, WB Utes and tonners, HQ GTS 2-doors, and even a couple of hot rods, among many others.

We managed to snag a few short interviews throughout the night. While we did our best, you’ll notice the footage gets a bit grainy as the sun went down—night shooting isn’t our strong suit just yet!

The highlight of the meet for us was getting to hang out with all of you in person. It was great to catch up face-to-face and check out your amazing rides up close. We had an absolute blast and appreciated all the feedback you gave us.

A massive thank you to everyone who came out—it really meant a lot that you took the time to join us. And for those who couldn’t make it, don’t worry—we’ll be back soon! Keep an eye out for our next event.

Thank you Melbourne for Welcoming Aussie Garage with all the interviews, MotorEx 2024 and coming to this Sunday Night Event.

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