THE LITTLE CAR THAT COULD!
"BRIANS LC TORANA"
" The Giant Killing Torana"
In 1974 Brian Callaghan purchased the ex Bruce Maxwell LJ Torana. Brian drove the car on the dirt Liverpool D shaped circuit which was
located in Sydney's south west.
The Torana was built for speed, but showed limited success. Then in 1975 the Liverpool circuit was changed and was resurfaced in asphalt, this was to be the
turning point in the Callaghan racing career.
Brian put his mechanical skills to use when constructed a lightweight version of the LC model Torana and it, along with Brian was an instant success and boy
what a crowd pleaser.
"The Galvanizing Services Torana was born."
It was created to win and win it did. Brain Callaghan took on any driver and beat them every time. Then came the all conquering USA sedan teams which Brian
also defeated.
Long time USA visitor and team captain Gene Welch looked on at the Torana in awe each time the car won a race, Welch would shake his head at the giant killer.
Then came Donny Graham and Jimmy Hopkinson in their big USA built Chevelles and they to were beaten by the little car.
Race records were smashed, drivers reputations were put to the test as the little supercharged Torana won week in and week out, constantly winning. During one
major event Callaghan was involved in a monumental race accident which involved Johnny Gale and Phil McKumsky.
The Torana was dragged back into the pit area where former competitors and race team members Dennis Johnson and Mick Wherritt cut off damaged panels, welded up
the clutch, refitted new wheels and sent the car back out onto the track.
30 laps later Callaghan drove around the circuit carrying the black and white chequered flag much to the crowds delight.
Brian's ultimate success came when he won the Marlboro Grand National 100 lap event at Liverpool on two occasions as well as the Tralee Easter 3000 which was
also a 100 lap event.
During 2009 Brian wanted people to see what the car was like, recently he completed construction on a replica of the car.
I was privileged to see the car being constructed and help track down as many original decals and or parts for the little gem. I had actually found the original
sign writer who used paint and brush to put the finishing touches to the vehicle.
Larry McSweeny also a former Liverpool competitor told me "I am honoured to be able to sign write the car back to what it originally looked like" Well finally
Aussiespeedway can now reveal what the car looks like.
What a car, lightweight, supercharged, hand clutch, runs on methanol fuel, super wide wheels and tires, original DICAL wheel centres.
"ENJOY"
LANCE WILSON
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