Jamie Koutsoukos is a passionate Holden enthusiast who spent over a decade restoring his genuine LX V8 SS Torana hatch into a striking, 355-powered A9X tribute. Here’s his story of what went into the lenghty build.

First published in the February 2025 issue of Street Machine

“As a Holden lover from a very young age, I couldn’t resist the opportunity to grab this original V8 SS Torana hatch when it presented itself in 2011. It was not much more than a sad-looking shell with very few parts, it but did have the all-important three ID plates that indicated it was a genuine, original LX VD77 SS that rolled out of the factory with a 253 V8 and auto (since verified by Holden Historical Services).

“Contrary to what the number plates say, it’s not a real A9X, but that’s how I built it, as I’d always wanted one but could neither find nor afford the real McCoy. To say it was a lengthy build would be an understatement – nearly 11½ years, in fact – but I finally finished it in 2023.

“The first few years I scavenged parts from all over the country and started work on the body. The first panel beater I engaged did a pretty ordinary job, so it was stripped backed to bare metal and done properly by John Regali at JD Spraypainting.

“My best mate Russell Saliba built the 355 stroker in his back shed, running VN heads, a hydraulic-roller cam, a Holley electric pump and a Quick Fuel 750 double-pumper carb. I had his business name engraved on the radiator shroud to acknowledge his awesome work (pictured below).

“It makes an impressive 524hp on pump fuel at 7250rpm, as confirmed by Geoff at C&R Motorsport Developments. Ferntree Gully Radiators custom-made the triple-core copper radiator with twin thermos to keep it running cool.

“Behind the 355 is a Tremec TKX transmission, 3in tailshaft, and a 9in diff with 31-spline axles and a 3.7:1 Truetrac. The brakes have been upgraded to Hoppers Stoppers front discs and VS Commodore discs on the rear, and there’s Dobinsons springs and Bilstein shocks all ’round with a complete Nolathane bush kit, which gives the LX a great ride and stance.

“The car has been repainted in its original Antelope Metallic with added A9X blackouts and bodykit, and it also now wears original 60B Chamois Chevron interior trim.

“Many thanks to Russell Saliba for the engine build and his tireless efforts; Tony Pepperoni; Archie Liberace; John at JD Spraypainting; Briffa at Briffa Engineering; Leeanne (the best wife ever) and my son Elias (the car’s next custodian).”

Photos: Callum Lawton