Articles by Yvette Destefano

The Holden’s new generation Barina sedan - an extended version of the hatch - has just landed in showrooms with a starting price of $16,490. However the sedan has more cargo space than its sibling storing 502 litres compared to the 290 litres the hatch offers with the seats up. The Barina sedan comes equipped with standard features including Bluetooth phone and audio streaming, USB input and iPod connectivity, steering wheel controls, cruise control and ‘follow me home’ headlights, as well as interior storage options. Like the hatch the 4-door sedan is powered by a 1.6 litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine equipped with standard 5-speed manual or 6-speed automatic and shares a five-star ANCAP safety rating. The hatch has sold 1,318 units since its release last November and Holden spokesman John Elsworth says the sedan will be “an excellent addition to the range”. “The addition of the sedan variant adds a new dimension of practicality and flexibility to the Barina range,” he says.

The suicide doored, high-revving rotary sportscar has already vanished from showrooms in Europe and America - the largest markets other than Japan. However, a special edition named the RX-8 SPIRIT R will go on sale from the end of November in Japan. It is based on the RX-8 Type RS and Type E, naming it after the final limited edition Mazda RX-7. Mazda’s Public Relations Manager Steve Maciver says Mazda is seriously exploring the option of the special edition for Australia next year. However, it’s not the end of the story for the rotary production. “The next RX generation is still on the agenda,” Maciver says. “Engineers in Japan are working very hard to develop the next generation rotary engine.”  “The engineers in Japan are passionate about keeping the rotary spirit alive,” Maciver says. “They’re calling it an end for the RX-8 production but they’re looking towards the future.” Ford has reduced its shares in Mazda, but Maciver says both parties will continue to work together and benefit from the rotary’s evolution. However, it may be a long time before fans get to see another rotary powered vehicle at Le Mans 24 Hour after Mazda’s 1991 win. Regulations prohibit the rotary from competing anymore.

But at the recent Spring Historic meeting a woman took the honours in the Aussie Special event. Newcastle’s Brenda Hunter claimed her win as she powered her 1958 Lasos Holden around the track.Adelaide’s Ian Motley finished second in the Aussie Special Regularity field. He was glad to be back on the track after a disaster earlier this year.Motley rolled his 1958 Austin 7 in April on the first turn at Mallala – and was presented with a Roll over Certificate for his efforts - but he was thrilled to make a return to compete.“It’s a real buzz to race this beauty around the track,” Motley says.The oldest car in the Aussie special field marquee allocation was Noel Wilcox’s 1932 Austin 7 Cardwell special.Terry White’s 1947 MGTC Special was the oldest of the MG collections. The 1947 MGTC travelled from Victoria parked inside White’s Ford Transit while trailering his friend Chris Farrell’s 1949 MGTC special.Although the Aussie Specials was the main attraction at the spring meet, the Production Touring cars saw a lot of action.In group N, Phillip Woodbury’s 1971 Mazda RX2 chipped an Apex seal in the practice heats which sent him home early for the weekend.While Joe Dominello’s 1963 Austin Cooper S came off course in Race 1 with throttle problems, he managed to get his car back on the track for the last race of the day. 

The V8 Supercar driver piloted the A9X Torana over the finish line to win the Group C Feature Race on Sunday, bringing the huge crowd to their feet. Richards also raced Porsche 962 around the track.The Masters attracted a huge crowd ever, to enjoy the number of racing categories. This was the also first time the event included sports sedans.The Fords claimed their win in the Group Nc Division 1 and 2, though the Mazdas did not go unnoticed, winning second place in race three.

For enthusiasts it’s a dream - finding that ‘one of a kind’ dust-covered collectable. Discoveries like these are called ‘barn finds.’ And one of the rarest, a 1977 Torana A9X Hatchback, was recently found stored on blocks under a house for the past 12 years. The Flamenco Red gem is expected to go under the hammer for around $120,000 at the Shannons Collector and Muscle car auction on July 24. The A9X was the top-specified model. Features that set it apart from standard models include a Salisbury rear end and rear disc brakes, 3.08:1 differential (a 2.6:1 ratio was optional), steering gear bolted directly to the platform, front spoiler with brake cooling ducts and a bonnet with a large reverse air scoop. Only 100 hatchbacks were made, plus 33 lightweight body shells. The A9X option was available in the SLR 5000 or the SS Hatchback LX Torana and with a L31 5-litre V8 to homologate the red rocket for the Bathurst 1000. Holden enthusiasts are likely to flock to bid for this rare and desirable collector’s item. For sale with no reserve, the car will be sold ‘as is’ with a letter of authenticity from the A9X Owners Association of Australia.