Torana Nationals 2023

What do you get when you combine 204 Toranas, amazing Canberra autumn weather and a bunch of like-minded enthusiasts? A cracking weekend at Carpet One and CBI Blinds and Awnings Torana Nationals 2023.

Story: Staff Writer

The third edition saw the Canberra Torana Club stick to the tried-and-true formula of Friday and Saturday evening social events, Saturday cruise and Sunday show and shine.

Friday kicked off with an informal and relaxed meet and greet at the event’s home base at the Hotel Alpha. Onsite food vans and outdoor seating and eating areas overlooking a car park full of Toranas led to a chilled atmosphere of sharing stories and laughs while hunched over an open bonnet or standing next to a freshly washed (after a long drive) Torana.

Saturday began with a 75km cruise from the Hotel Alpha through the southern parts of the ACT and surrounding NSW and finishing up right in the heart of the parliamentary triangle. Once parked, entrants again mingled and admired one another’s Toranas and enjoyed some of the local attractions in the area that were in place as part of Canberra Day celebrations.

Saturday night saw a low-key dinner and social event next door to the Alpha at the Vikings Club. The organisers stripped out much of the formality and speeches that are normally part of the Saturday night dinner in favour of a more relaxed feel, with a local musician keeping the crowd entertained with ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s rock favourites.

Sunday saw the main attraction of the event, the show and shine. Approximately 190 cars attended, with thousands of spectators both enjoying the show and contributing generously to the chosen charity, the Canberra Hospital Foundation. At the time of writing the final figures were being worked out however the Canberra Torana Club are estimating they will donate over $3000 to the local charity. A total of 17 trophies were awarded to a number of outstanding Toranas. Realistically, though, any of the cars entered could have won an award, as they were all outstanding examples of the Holden Torana in their own right. The main trophy of the day, the Bill Spencer Memorial Trophy for people’s choice (voted by entrants and spectators), went to Steve Barrie’s Black LX SS Hatch by the small margin of four votes from Rob Douglass’ White LC GTR.

Organising committee president Chris Brookes said that the event ‘really delivered on our vision’, in what was the first time the event had taken place since 2018 (due to Covid restrictions).

“We wanted a Torana-focused social event that raised money for charity, an event that was laid back and got Torana lovers together sharing their passion, having a good time, and enjoying the outcomes of their hard work. Thanks to the entrants, sponsors and committee for a great three days!”