My attraction to the Holden Monaro began in 1970 at the age of 13 when an uncle, Denis "Jumbo" Burke, took delivery of a brand new HT GTS 350. What a machine!!!!!!! Pictures of this car can be seen on this page both at the standard mode and while drag racing. Also in 1970 another uncle of mine, Colin "Spotty" Burke, (a former Australian Speedway Side Car champion) was lucky enough to win a HT Monaro GTS with the some what tamer 186S motor and a Caravan in a local Art Union draw. Both of these cars were immaculate and different to the normal family vehicles of the time.

With the economy of Broken Hill almost at it's peak and the workforce amongst the highest paid in Australia, Broken Hill streets were soon full of "Muscle Cars" of every variety but the Monaro held a special place as it was a Holden, a truly Australian icon.

Finally in 1974 it was time to buy a car and my first choice was a HQ 350 GTS coupe but unfortunately the waiting list was too long for me to handle so I purchased a Persian Sand HQ Kingswood, fully GTS optioned minus slotted guards. The brand new 308 4 speed was a pleasure to drive and it could really go. Had this car for over two years until it was traded and in '78 purchased a HZ Sandman Panel Van, the preferred two door of these times. The 5.0 litre motor and radial tuned suspension was a great improvement and proved that Holden's could really handle.

After a owning a variety of cars (dare I say mainly Fords) I finally got the urge (or experienced a second childhood) to once again own and drive a classic V8 and my HX Monaro came along at the right time. I am currently still looking for an original '74 HQ 350 GTS Coupe or Four door that eluded me all those years ago, so if you can help me please e-mail now!

My 1974 HQ 308 and my 1978 HZ 5.0L Sandman Panelvan.(both purchased new)

Following is a brief history of the mighty Holden Monaro. For more go to Monaro History

1968 - 1969 HK Monaro Coupe and Monaro GTS Coupe

The Monaro was released in July 1968 and came in Coupe and GTS Coupe models. Power was from the 161 High and Low compression and 186 engines on the base model, 186S, 307 and 327 engines on the GTS versions. Transmissions included a three and four speed manual and a two speed powerglide automatic transmission. (8945 HK Monaros were produced)

1969 - 1970 HT Monaro Coupe and Monaro GTS Coupe

Click on above image for new drag photos

After a face lift the HT was released in May '69 and the Coupe was powered once again by the same six cylinder engines with the intoduction of the Australian made 253, the 307, with the 327 being replaced by the 350ci Chevy engine. A true beast. Transmissions were the 3 speed manual, M21 and M22 four speed manuals and the two speed powerglide and three speed Trimatic automatic transmissions. (14437 HT Monaros were produced)

1970 - 1971 HG Monaro Coupe and Monaro GTS Coupe

Once again a face lift and the first HG Monaro left the production line in July 1970. Same six cylinder engines and transmissions, the 307ci Chev motor was deleted and was replaced by the Aussie made 308ci. Once again the 350ci Chev put the muscle into the car. (6147 HG Monaros were produced)

1971 - 1974 HQ Monaro Coupe, Monaro LS Coupe, Monaro GTS Coupe and Monaro GTS/4 Sedan

July 1971 saw the all new slick and aerodynamic Coupe released. With the new shape came new power trains on the base model with the release of the 173ci and 202ci six cylinder engines. The Aussie made 253ci, 308 ci and the now detuned 350ci Chevy V8's powered the GTS's. Transmissions were the all syncro three and four speed manuals (Muncie four speed on the 350) and the Trimatic and Turbo Hydra-Matic '400' automatics.

With the Coupe suffering from the four door HQ's slick styling and promotion in 1972 Holden tested the waters by releasing the limited edition Holden "SS", a four door 'Belmont' sedan that included a 253ci V8 engine, four speed transmission, GTS grille and front guards, bucket seats, GTS steering wheel and instruments with paintouts on the bonnet, boot and sill panels. This, and the release of the first Sandman panel vans was a bold move that paved the way for the four door Monaro and was the beginning of the end for the Coupe.

The four door Monaro GTS proper was released in March '73 with all options available. The HQ remains special to the Holden fleet as it was the most radical revamp of the General's lineup since 1948. (13782 HQ Monaros produced)

1974 - 1976 HJ Monaro LS Coupe, Monaro GTS Coupe and Monaro GTS/4 Sedan

A new beefier front and re-styled rear end were the major changes to the HJ Monaro. he bucket seats were revamped again and provided a much higer degree of quality and comfort. The Coupe remained untill mid term of the HJ and the same running gear as its predecessor were fitted but Holden erred (in my opinion) in dropping the 350ci Chev motor as an option therefore surrendering a market to the Falcon GT. (4754 HJ Monaros were produced)

1976 - 1977 HX Monaro GTS/4 and LX Coupe

Subtle changes but almost the same as the HJ except the Monaro name was exclusive to the four door GTS sedan. A limited run of 600 LX Coupes were produced to use the excess stock of 2 door shells.Fully optioned with all the luxuries of the day the Holden Coupe has laid dormant since it's release. (No breakdown of Monaros produced is available)

1977 HZ GTS/4

I have included the HZ range in this summary even though the name Monaro was dropped officially. The handbook and Body / Vin and Chassis numbers are the same as for previous models and mentions the vehicle as a "Monaro" GTS. The major and probably the most important change that the HZ undertook was the introduction of Radial Tuned Suspension which gave the car a completely different feel.Availabe initially with the 4.2L and 5.0L engines the 4.2L engine was dropped mid term of the HZ run. (No breakdown of GTS's produced is available)

VT Monaro Coupe?

Hopefully the Monaro will be resserrected in the new millennium!!!!! Click HERE for the latest developments.

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