Holden HQ GTS Monaro Coupe
$169,990
*SOLD*
The HQ model range was a huge success for General Motors Holden, producing 485,650 HQ Model vehicles between 1971 and 1974.
Thanks to the success of the HQ, Holden ran with this body for the next 10 years, with only minor changes between 1974
with the HJ model, until 1984 with the WB model, once the newly established Commodore would finally replace it.
The HQ was the first ground-up redesign of the Holden vehicle since its original release in 1948 and included an all-new body,
chassis, and suspension.
Holden’s HQ range was launched in August 1971 and every dealer that could secure a GTS Monaro wanted one as
the centerpiece of their showroom display. HQ Monaro’s to this day are believed to be the most stylish model ever produced by GMH,
according to the die hard Holden Fanatics. Holden could now get daring with design, style and road comfort as they already had a
secured the champion race and rally winning vehicle in the Torana GTR XU-1.
The HQ GTS Monaro was first launched as a coupe to follow up on the success of the HK-HG GTS Coupes, however once noticing that
the public was ordering sports GTS spec model sedans, it jumped onboard with the movement and released an official HQ GTS Monaro
sedan in 1973. Prior to 1973 the early HQ GTS Coupes did not have the now famous stripes and black outs. They only ran the GTS badges
and V8 boot badge. There was no longer a 6 cylinder option in the GTS range, just V8’s in the capacity of 253, 308 and the rare 350
engine. The exterior badging did not state which of the the smaller 2 V8 engines you had, making all vehicles that bit more equal
on exterior presentation.
The bright Green HQ GTS Monaro Coupe that we have on display today is one of the very early Monaro builds being September 1971, just
1 month after the models launch. In fact this vehicle has an earlier registration plate then Holden’s HQ GTS Coupe poster car from 1971.
This HQ GTS Monaro Coupe would also be one of the last 1 owner HQ GTS Coupes left on the planet, being 52 years old this year.
That’s right!! 1 owner, 308, Manual, full matching numbers, never yet been unregistered, original sales receipt, original GM keys,
never yet had rust and an unrestored, 81,400 mile Survivor car. It is definitely in a category on its own and should be the only HQ GTS Coupe
remaining, able to tick all of these boxes.
The owner (Paul) was just a young local postman in the Bendigo area when he considered making his first new car purchase with the all new
HQ GTS Coupe. He visited Cusack’s Motors in Castlemaine, Victoria in his current ride, a tidy Sebring Orange, 308 HT GTS Monaro. He came from
an Original Holden Family of Fanatics starting decades earlier. Being the 3rd of 6 kids, he already had a lot of Holden Muscle competition
in his bloodline, with several V8 HK,T & G Monaro’s in the family already. Paul really wanted to be the first of his V8 loving family
to own the all new HQ GTS Monaro. So with his reliable job, HT trade in and a small cash deposit, he made the purchase and became
the first HQ GTS Monaro owner in the family. Although proud & happy for him, his elder brothers must have been quite jealous to be honest.
Somehow the family already knew that these V8 Monaro’s were something special and will one day be collector items, so he kept it forever,
Around 1990, after 2 decades as an everyday, fun family car, the HQ went into long term storage with the replacement of a Holden VL Commodore.
The car has been in 2 different storage locations over the last 3 decades where it was fired up and moved periodically, until it came
out again in 2022. It has since had new tyres, brakes, battery, radiator, maintenance & servicing and a thorough cleanout from front to back under
the supervision of his son. The cars registration was paid throughout its 30 year hibernation, just to keep its originally and life journey going.
This Monaro is a local, Dandenong built car and has never left the state of Victoria.
Mechanically the original matching numbers 308 engine is still running perfectly. It is dry, quiet & reliable, starting first pop.
The clutch works fines, as does the gearbox apart from a whine in first gear when accelerating. The running gear is totally original
apart from an Accel ignition coil upgrade back in the day. The Holden Historic report (included) confirms the original engine,
but even without it, the priceless original sales receipt verifies the engine, chassis, and registration has never been changed.
So to the body, ID tags, stamped numbers are all original and not been removed or replaced.
The body and panels (almost unheard of for old Monaro’s) are rust free, thanks to being a garaged car from the super dry region of Bendigo.
It is also very straight with nice gaps and the doors shut with the lightest swing. There are a handful of small dents being rear panel
below bumper, corner of passenger rear quarter, passenger door (close to front guard) and a crease at the bottom front point of the guard
mentioned. Most of these happened during its decades in storage. The car displays around half of its factory Lina Mint paint (Code:12571),
but of course has had bumps and repairs in its early days as a daily driver. The front drivers corner clipped a sheep in the 80’s and
was repaired to an average quality (probably backyard) where the paint is very thin (as pictured). The drivers rear quarter panel has also
had a scrape, been repaired and painted. The bonnet and roof has light crows feet and there are many touched up chips and scratches.
None of this can be seen from 6 foot away, but is all visible under inspection.
The rare coupe stainless trims are all there and in excellent condition. Only the rear wheel arch molds are scraped in 1 spot, however genuine
replacements in excellent condition are included in the sale. The lights, grill, badges, glass, etc are all in very good condition for age.
The original GTS wheels have never been painted or modified and still retain the original centre caps and wheel nuts.
Open the door and the car is 100% original. The rubbers are 52 years old and although relatively intact, showing their age. The original
carpet has a heal wear through on the drivers floor well, but is still fully presentable and neat. The dash pad has a couple of small splits
on the front edge. The console, steering wheel, dash cluster, seat belts, front door trims and back seat are mint for age.
The roof lining has a small tear at the rear, the top edge of the rear door trims have a vinyl patch repair on them, the front passenger
seat has the base stitching split, and the drivers seat even more wear. The front seats also require work to the forward folding mechanism.
The car never ran headrest, for the HT feel, but 2 are included in the sale, as is the chrome hinges for the passenger seat.
It would be hard if not impossible to find a more original, 1 owner, rust free, matching numbers, survivor, unmodified HQ GTS Monaro Coupe in a
308/Manual configuration, in a 70’s Hero colour scheme, with original sales receipt and all keys.
Call Russ on 0412601351 with any further questions or to arrange an inspection