THERE'S been a steady stream of classic race cars; on trailers, in vans and purpose-built trucks making their way across the San Remo Bridge for the Phillip Island Classic Festival of Motorsport at the famous Grand Prix Track over the holiday weekend.
And among them was Tony Sawford’s rare Allan Grice's Craven Mild Torana A9X racing car.
The car carved out its own slice of rare racing history when Allan Grice crashed his only two Torana race cars in 1979 ahead of Bathurst and with the new Holden VB Commodore coming into production, there were no Torana shells available to build, test and drive before the big race.
They bought two privateer Toranas instead and rebuilt them up ahead of several lead-up races and after Bathurst, Grice passed the car on to his chiropractor, or so the story goes.
Now Tony Sawford of Gembrook owns and races the car and when he stopped off for the compulsory fish and chip lunch at the San Remo Fishermen’s Co-op on Thursday, on his way to the Island, we caught up with him for a photo and a chat.
In shiny, as new condition, he clearly loves the car and relishes the chance to show it and race it over the weekend.
“We’re racing on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and we’re going into Cowes for the car show on Friday night. There should be some pretty nice cars in there for that,” said Sawford, after popping the fish and chips on the seat of his ute.
Sawford recently spoke to reporter Aaron Noonan in a Shannons video clip about his love for the car and getting out and racing it.
“I’ve always been a fan of the Torana, watching the Brocks, Morrises and all the other guys who used to race Toranas as a Holden fan back in the day and just the things they did to the cars to make them so dominant back in that racing period.
“It was a backmarker car with privateer and it had quite a few minor incidences then Alan drove it and didn't have any major incidents with it but he only drove it for a short period of time in a few races in 1979
“And then it was moved on to his chiropractor after they'd finished racing.
“If people were to buy these cars and put them in museums, there's not many people that are going to see them, only those people in that particular state or city. At least if we get them out on the racetrack, a lot more people get to see them and they get to see them in the way they used to be racing back in the day. Everybody gets to enjoy them rather than just the person who's got them in the collection.
“They're awesome to drive. They are a handful though with such a short wheelbase, they can turn around very quickly. But just the sheer power, I mean, they're not a Godzilla or anything like that. They don't handle anywhere near as good but that's just the technology they were using back in the day. They're real drivers’ car.
“The Holden Torana A9X was one of the standout muscle cars in the history of Australian touring car racing and Allan Grice was one of the best drivers in the country to race these V8-powered hatchbacks.”
Check out the Shannons video clip at: https://youtu.be/QR7op0U8020
The Victorian Historic Road Racing club brings the Phillip Island Classic Festival of Motorsport to the Phillip Island Grand Prix Track from Friday, March 8 to Sunday, March 10 and there’s an incredible program of racing right through the three days.
Throw in the MotoGP and the Superbikes if you like, but a lot of people say it’s the best week of racing at the track all year, with the private racing enthusiasts who bring out their prized cars putting plenty back into the local economy.
As well as enjoying the racing on the track, there’ll also be over 1000 stunning car club vehicles on display in the circuit outer, as well as a merchandise hall, food stands and food trucks.
You’ll see historic Group A and Group C machines from the 70s, 80s and 90s as well as Formula 5000, Historic F1, Le Mans, Group C cars, Formula Ford, Formula Holden and so much more.
Highlights of this year's event will see a strong contingent of McLaren Formula 5000 and Can-Am cars as well as a gaggle of 2.0 Litre Supertourers from the 90s.
You’ll see Steven Richards drive his Dad Jim’s Nissan Skyline HR31 in the Group C and A category alongside another factory Nissan HR31.
Greg Murphy will also be back at the Phillip Island Classic this year driving a Honda Accord 2.0 Litre Supertourer from New Zealand.
And you can be there to celebrate 50 years of the mighty L34 Torana with various static displays and on track events alongside a spectacular collection of L34s at the Cowes Car Show on Friday night, in the streets between 4pm and 8pm.
And remember, tickets are only available at the gate. Patrons under 17enter free if accompanied by an adult. Gates open Friday March 8 at 8am.
Please note there will be discount Sunday tickets available at the car show in Cowes on Friday night.
Admission Prices: Single Day Passes Friday: $30, Saturday: $40, Sunday: $50. Multi Day Passes also available.