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Remembering Peter Brock – “The King of the Mountain”
September marks the anniversary of the passing of one of Australia’s most iconic motorsport legends – Peter Brock. Known to all as the “King of the Mountain”, Brock’s name is synonymous with Australian motorsport history, including nine Bathurst 1000 victories, countless touring car wins, and a reputation that transcended the racetrack.
For many, Brock was more than just a champion driver; he was a symbol of passion, resilience, and the uniquely Australian love affair with Holden and the glory of Mount Panorama. His driving style, sportsmanship, and connection with fans made him a national hero whose legacy continues to inspire new generations of motorsport enthusiasts.
At the Motor Museum of Western Australia, we are proud to honour Peter Brock’s memory through the display of vehicles that celebrate and preserve his story:
1978 Holden Torana A9X Hatchback (Clone)
This clone A9X hatchback was built to commemorate the late Peter Brock who, with co-driver Jim Richards, drove his Torana to victory in the 1978 Bathurst 1000 kilometre race at Mount Panorama. This win was the third of Brock’s eventual nine Bathurst triumphs – a record that would cement his title as the King of the Mountain.
Against the mighty Ford Falcons, the smaller and lighter Toranas proved far more nimble and much quicker on the demanding Mount Panorama circuit. The A9X was a formidable machine in its own right, equipped with a 5.0 litre V8 engine, 4-speed transmission, and a heavy-duty 10-bolt differential with rear disc brakes. More than just a car, it symbolised Holden’s determination and Brock’s brilliance behind the wheel.
1971 Replica Peter Brock and Colin Bond GTR XU-1
Over a two-year period, both of these Toranas were faithfully restored and rebuilt by Trevor Peters to the race-prepared specifications of the vehicles raced by Colin Bond and Peter Brock in the famed Bathurst 500. Their story is inseparable from Holden’s battle to overcome Ford’s dominance at Mount Panorama.
After Ford’s mighty Falcon GT-HOs had claimed victory in 1970 and 1971, Holden Team Manager Harry Firth developed the Torana GTR XU-1 as a nimble, powerful contender. The slogan “Win on Sunday, sell on Monday” was as true as ever, and Holden needed a car that could claim back the mountain. Enter the Holden LJ Torana (1972), with Colin Bond’s car 24C HDT and Brock’s car 28C HDT set to challenge Ford’s supremacy at Bathurst. The stage was set for history to be made.
1971 Replica Peter Brock and Colin Bond GTR XU-1 LJ (Part 2)
In the 1972 Hardie Ferodo Bathurst 500, torrential rain drenched the mountain right from the start. On only the second lap, disaster struck when Colin Bond, driving car 24C, aquaplaned across the track and rolled down an embankment. That left a young Peter Brock to tackle the race solo in car 28C against a field of V8s.
After six gruelling hours and 130 laps in treacherous conditions, Brock crossed the line to claim his first Bathurst victory – the beginning of the “Peter Perfect” legend. This triumph not only ended Ford’s dominance but marked the first of Brock’s five Bathurst wins in a Torana.
The GTR XU-1 proved itself both on the road and on the track, thanks to its exceptional power-to-weight ratio as a six-cylinder competing against heavier V8s. In total, Holden built 81,813 LJ Toranas – a car with a name derived from the Aboriginal word meaning “to fly”, fitting for the machine that helped Brock’s career take flight.
These vehicles do more than commemorate Peter Brock’s victories; they tell the story of an era when passion, ingenuity, and determination built the legends of Australian motorsport.
As we mark this anniversary, we invite you to visit the Motor Museum of Western Australia and stand alongside these cars that capture the spirit of a true Australian icon. Peter Brock’s presence lives on – not just in the record books, but in the roar of the engines, the spirit of competition, and the admiration of fans everywhere.