Helen Wynants and Stephen Barrie are true enthusiasts when it comes to cars, especially Toranas. Helen's SL/R 5000 named 'Ruby' is a testament to their passion and dedication. The project, featured in Street Machine's May 2025 issue, took six years to complete, with four years dedicated solely to bodywork and paint.

Exterior

The Mazda Soul Red Crystal paint shines brightly on 'Ruby', thanks to the meticulous work of Jason from SLR Specialised Restorations. Despite facing challenges with a fibreglass body kit, the couple persevered to achieve a flawless finish that exceeded their initial plans for a standard A9X tribute.

Engine Bay

Under the hood, a Holden 355 stroker V8 built by Kit Hunter powers 'Ruby'. The engine bay features a striking black and red theme, complemented by a Harrop crank, Precision pistons, and Holley Sniper EFI. The Tremec Magnum six-speed gearbox and 4.11-geared Truetrac differential ensure a powerful yet smooth driving experience.

Interior

The interior of 'Ruby' retains a factory look with modern upgrades, including electronic Speedhut gauges and Dynamat sound-deadening. The attention to detail extends to the retrimmed Torana seats with classic 'golfball' inserts and custom boot fit-out by Trims By Shaun.

Conclusion

Despite facing challenges during the build, Helen's passion for cars shines through in every aspect of 'Ruby'. From the stunning exterior to the powerful engine and comfortable interior, this LX Torana SL/R 5000 is a true masterpiece that reflects Helen's lifelong love for engineering and mechanics.