In August 1976, Holden released a car to finalise the first series of the Monaro – the HX “Limited Edition”.

This final coupe was a fitting send off for the original Monaro concept – the LE’s were exceptional, exclusive and custom built.

Officially Holden never labelled the car as a Monaro, but it contained all the appropriate GTS engine, running gear and coupe body style. It is now generally referred to as a Monaro by enthusiasts.

Only 580 examples were produced, all in the Pagewood Sydney plant, which was used exclusively for exacting, low volume assembly of high end Holden vehicles including the Caprice and Statesman.

Each car was equipped with the 308ci V8 engine, Turbo-Hydromatic transmission, Salisbury limited slip differential and all other Monaro high performance hardware of the day. Other features included power steering and power brakes.

Externally, the cars featured the four headlight  HX Premier front end and integrated, colour keyed, front and rear spoilers. All cars were painted in a beautiful metallic crimson colour denoted as “LE Red”. Distinctive gold 14x7 inch polycast honeycomb wheels were supplied by General Motors (Pontiac division)he  in the USA.

Inside the car benefited from plush crushed velour and cloth seats, faux walnut veneers on the dash and console, GTS steering wheel, power windows, air conditioning, power aerial and an 8 track cartridge player with quadraphonic sound system.

THE CAR

Build number 485 of 580, this is an original numbers-matching car that has been extensively restored over a period of 6 years.

The restoration was sympathetically undertaken with the aim of preserving as much originality as possible.

The car retains its original Holden 308ci V8 and TH400 transmission. The engine was rebuilt around 2015 and is strong and revs freely.

The vehicle retains all its original panels, during the restoration all were stripped to bare metal including door jambs, under bonnet and boot.

Repainted in correct metallic LE Red to a flawless standard using PPG 2K paint. The LE stripe kit was added in acordance with original sales brochures.

The underbody, engine bay and boot have been detailed to an extremely high standard.

Brakes and suspension have all been replaced, new shocks and springs fitted, all rubbers replaced and bumpers re-chromed. In addition, all original stainless moulding trims have been refurbished and polished.

The original crushed velour and cloth seats are in fantastic condition for their age. So too is the headlining and walnut finish dash and console.

The car has retained its original radio, 8 Track Cartridge Player and electric aerial.

Original parts that go with the sale include 9 x Honeycomb rims (unrestored), springs, seatbelts, and master cylinder.

MODEL NUMBER: 8WQ37XR

BODY NUMBER: 905186-S

TRIM: 1923-76Z

PAINT CODE: 567-17918

BUILD DATE: 10/76

CHASSIS NO: AHX122975

ENGINE NO: QT795939

ENGINE DATE CODE: 24F6

FIREWALL NO: 11742S

Last registered in South Australia in 2003.

Extremely comfortable to drive a glorious example of Australian motoring history.