WHEN Morven Hutchesson was searching for a Torana over the internet, he stumbled across a vehicle in Port Adelaide with a strong connection to the Limestone Coast.
The 1975 LH Torana SLR was originally sold at OG Roberts and Co by Barry Maney OAM before it made its way to the city.
When he was in his early 20s, Mr Hutchesson owned a Torana and it was always his dream to eventually buy another.
“I had to get rid of my first one due to various reasons, but I knew one day I would get another,” he said.
“I found this one on eBay and couldn’t pass up the opportunity to get it.”
As the fourth owner of the vehicle, Mr Hutchesson had his work cut out for him when he made the purchase.
“It was 100pc stripped back,” he said.
“We sandblasted and painted all of the components, rebuilt the engine and even reupholstered the interior.
“It was a full restoration but I wanted it to be as close to original as possible.”
Although the car was not in perfect shape when Mr Hutchesson took it home, after 40 years it still had no rust.
The rebuild took more than four years, but Mr Hutchesson is proud of his achievements.
“It was a long time in the making but I’m really pleased with the outcome,” he said.
“I’m a mechanic by trade so it wasn’t too tricky for me, but I did get a lot of help.
“It’s just a beautiful car and I’m glad to have restored it.”
Now part of a local car club, Mr Hutchesson drives his vehicle on weekends when the sun is shining.
“It still hasn’t ever been in the rain,” he said.
“I have club registration so I’m able to take it our around 90 days a year.
“I definitely don’t take it out as much as that but it’s great to have the chance to.”
