The LJ Torana hit the showroom floors in February of 1972, becoming the third Holden Torana model. It replaced the LC Torana, a very popular model which sold well. It would be the last of the 2nd generation of Australian Toranas.
Upon its release, the LJ would be available as a 2 or 4 door. It would be available as a 4 or 6 cylinder and as an automatic or manual transmission. As for body styles, the LJ only sold as a sedan.
The new model represented a facelift of the previous model. Cosmetically, designers based the LJ on the HQ Holden, which sold at the same time. This would prove to be a smart move as the HQ Holden would be the best selling Holden of all time.
As well as a cosmetic facelift, the upgrade featured a number of performance upgrades. The most notable of which was the addition of the 202 Red 6 cylinder engine to the lineup.
The LJ holds the distinction of being the first Torana to win the Bathurst 1000. This happened in 1972, driven by none other than Peter Brock.
The Holden Dealer Team (HDT) produced a prototype XU-2 LJ Torana. It featured a 308 V8 engine. The engine produced 224kw (300hp) of power. This would never make it to the Australian buying public. The V8 Torana would not be seen until the next Torana, the LH Torana.
The LJ would go on to sell over 80 000 vehicles. This would beat the 75 000 LC Toranas sold. Therefore the LJ would be the bets selling of the first 3 Torana models.
The LH Torana replaced the LJ in March 1974. The LH featured a substantial overhaul. It would be a larger car, with larger engines and more creature comforts.