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Random # 307: Modded FJ Holden (Up-dated 22/07/20)


Whether you're a fan of unmolested, totally original classic cars or, like me, prefer modified versions, I reckon it'd be hard to not admire this ripper FJ.  


Opinions can be very, very divided when it comes to what should - or, more commonly - shouldn't be done to a classic car but this example seems to me to be the perfect balance between the two schools.


Its body has been finished in lustrous teal but otherwise appears to be totally stock.


The only other ostensible mods are a set of Hotwires, although closer inspection also reveals a set of front disc brakes.


A sneaky peek inside revealed a nice three-spoke steering wheel - a Momo Corse, possibly - a floor-mounted 4-speed shifter, sumptuous-looking bench seats that look like they've been retrimmed in cream leather, along with matching door cards, and seatbelts all-round.



It seems likely that whatever donk it's running has been upgraded and, I suspect, the suspension's been tweaked, too.


To my mind - and with respect to those who favour totally unmodified cars - whoever it was that put today's example together has done a great job preserving its classic lines whilst upgrading its performance, safety and comfort in a way that enhances its day-to-day drivability.


And I reckon that any efforts to keep cars of such rare beauty on the road for all to admire can't possibly be a bad thing.






Update as of Wednesday the 22nd of July, 2020:  The car's owner, Steve, contacted me and outlined a few technical details that will almost certainly interest readers.

Steve says:  It's currently running a GTR XU1 '74 spec Bathurst 186, an M21 4-speed 'box and a 308 diff.  It also has a highly modified HR front end with rack and pinion steering, etc, and a custom chassis kit.  The original seats have been fully custom reupholstered by my son.  Everything was done by myself in my shed.

A bit of googling on my behalf reveals that the '74 XU1 was fitted with the triple Stromberg version of the 202 motor and that the M21 gearbox, as also fitted to Steve's FJ, was standard on XU1s of that period (https://hotrod.gregwapling.com/torana/torana-gtr-xu1.html#:~:text=(1972%20%2D%201974)%20Bathurst%20version&text=Bore%20%26%20Stroke%3A%203.625%22%20(,3.25%22%20(82.5mm).&text=Power%20output%3A%20190bhp%20(141.7kW)%20%40%205600rpm.&text=Torque%3A%20200lb%2Fft%20(270Nm)%20%40%204000rpm).  I'm sure you Holden people knew this already but I thought it was pretty cool to learn that Steve's car's running such high-end components and that, when you consider the rack and pinion steering and other mods, it's arguably better specced and probably as quick as any mid-70s Torana.  



U M P H

(uppermiddlepetrolhead.blogspot.com.au.)

All iPhone images.

Comments

  1. Stephen gilbert20 July 2020 at 17:06

    Hi Alastair. This is my Fj. Thank you for the write up. It's currently running a gtr XU1 '74 spec Bathurst 186. M21 4 speed. 308 diff. Highly modified HR front end with rack and pinion steering etc. Custom chassis kit. Original seats have been fully custom reupholstered by my son .Everything was done by myself in my shed. She's about 4 cars made into one and has been painted twice in 34 years .I'm happy to send more pictures or answer questions. Cheers

    ReplyDelete
  2. Alastair Watson20 July 2020 at 20:02

    G’day, Stephen, and thanks very much for contacting me. I thought there might be even more to your car but its list of mods far exceeds what I’d imagined! The rack and pinion steering is particularly impressive and I love the upholstery, too. You and your son are both very clever. I really meant what I said about getting the balance between originality and mods right; it’s a really great car and must be a pleasure to drive! I’ll update the post with the info you provided and, if you have any shots showing its engine or of the car as a work in progress, I’d love to include them. Cheers, Alastair.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Unknown21 July 2020 at 15:15

    Nice car,what's revs in top at 100kph,I have an eh which is still a 3speed but revving hard at 90kph thinking of putting a2.78 in it???

    ReplyDelete
  4. Alastair Watson22 July 2020 at 12:08

    It’s not my car, mate, so I can’t really help you. I do know, however, that it’s got an M21 four speed ‘box and a 308 diff but how that compares to yours I don’t know. Sorry.

    ReplyDelete
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    scopabclinta Gary High https://wakelet.com/wake/PAkE3XX1sWuk3owYiP5uq
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    ReplyDelete
  6. 0arobdiude200027 August 2022 at 00:32

    0arobdiude2000 Megan Davis Winamp Pro
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