The Holden Monaro was a rear-wheel drive coupe manufactured by General Motors Holden in Australia from 1968 to 1975 and later reintroduced from 2001 to 2005.

Holden also manufactured a 4-door saloon version of the Monaro from 1973 to 1977 only.

The HQ series was the second generation of Monaro and was released in July 1971 with a completely new body style to that of the preceding model.

For the HQ GTS, all previous six cylinder engines were discarded and buyers had a choice of a 4.15 litre (253 cu in), a 5.0 litre (308 cu in) V8 or the top level GTS350 coupé which was equipped with an imported 5.7 litre (350 cu in) Chevrolet engine.

The HQ coupé had a much larger rear window and a squarer rear quarter window than previous designs. At the time it was seen as not as sporty when compared to the earlier HK-HT-HG cars but is now often considered one of the best looking and elegant body designs to come from Australia.

THE CAR

From long term ownership (23 years), this fantastic Holden Monaro HQ LS Coupe is presented in sparkling Lone O’Ranger paint.

There is a receipt file from the previous owner that dates back to 1992. Prior to 1992, the previous owner had replaced the original 253ci V8 and 4-speed transmission with a newly rebuilt 308 ci V8 and T400 automatic transmission. At the time, the 308ci engine was rebuilt with L34 rods and heads. The engine is still very strong and the transmission is very smooth.

Between 2002 and 2003 the car had a cosmetic restoration including new paint and the seats were reupholstered in beautiful Houndstooth cloth. In addition, power steering and a new front windscreen were fitted, the original rear brakes were upgraded to disc (now 4-wheel disc) and the Salisbury differential was rebuilt.

Between 2012 and 2013, the inlet manifold and water pump were both replaced, the carburettor was rebuilt and the starter motor was replaced. The engine bay sports chrome 308 rocker covers and a chrome air cleaner.

This year in 2025, the GTS rims have been repainted and new tyres fitted, the car’s exhaust tips have been replaced as have the rocker cover gaskets.

This car dives solidly on the road – with the combination of a strong engine, power steering and 4-wheel disc brakes, this is the best HQ Monaro driving experience we have had at CMS.

Inside the car has a GTS dash, GTS steering wheel and all gauges work except for the original clock. An aftermarket radio has been installed and GTS badging has been added.

Currently on historic registration in SA.

VIN and data plates decode as follows:

VIN: 8N37RCJ3643530

8 = Holden

N = Monaro LS

R = 253ci high compression engine

C = 1973

J = Melbourne

Data Plate:

Model = HQ80437 – signifies HQ, Holden Monaro Coupe

Trim = 1822-21E – signifies saddle brown

Paint - 1822-13135 The Lone O'Ranger