1976 HOLDEN HJ MONARO GTS TRIBUTE
Holden
1976 HOLDEN MONARO GTS TRIBUTE
SOLD
THE STORY
The Holden Monaro is largely considered to be legendary among fans and enthusiasts alike. Named after the ‘Monaro’ region in New South Wales, Holden’s new coupe was originally introduced in July of 1968 and was available in three models; the base, the GTS and the GTS 327, with varying options and engine sizes ranging from the standard straight-six 2.6L up to the 5.0L Chevrolet-sourced V8.
From July of 1971 the second generation of the Monaro became available and with it, a completely redesigned body. There were no longer any six-cylinder versions of the GTS, instead only the locally manufactured 4.15L or optional 5.0L V8. A 1972 model two-door base Monaro used in the film “Mad Max”.
October of 1974 saw the release of the HJ Monaro which came with a heavy facelift. It’s front-end has been likened to the 1970-1972 Chevrolet Monte Carlo. At this time the Monaro GTS continued to be available as a coupe or a sedan with V8 engine options and for the first time the car could be specified with optional front and rear spoilers. It was possible to accessorise a Holden Kingswood up to GTS specifications and appearance, and the ease of this conversion led to a fair number of Kingswoods being retrofitted in this way.
THE CAR
Equipped with a slew of performance and aesthetic upgrades, this is a very good mechanical example of a replica HJ Monaro GTS Sedan built upon a 1976 HX Holden Kingswood platform.
The car is finished in Blue and complimented with a black interior adorned with GTS-styled improvements. The paint is driver quality.
A GTS steering wheel and dash have been installed. GTS seats which sport red striping and related interior badging have also been added. On the outside, the vehicle includes Monaro and GTS badging, GTS ‘golf ball’ wheels, a chin spoiler and a new front bumper.
Originally a 202ci 6-cylinder car, this HJ has been upgraded to a strong 308ci V8 QT motor with 286 crane cam, worked heads with ‘Yella Terra’ roller rockers, an ‘Edelbrock Performer’ intake manifold, a 4-speed manual transmission, ‘Salisbury’ diff and upgrades to the brakes and suspension.
Work done by the current owner includes new front and rear brake hoses, a new radiator, new bushes and adjustable control arms, new rear brake shoes, drums and wheel cylinders, new drive belts, new fuel hoses, new front seat belts, a new clutch and a new power steering belt.
This car has power steering, an engine immobiliser with “start” button and the door seals have been replaced. There is premium window tinting and a Kenwood stereo has been fitted.
The odometer shows 87,592kms and this car is currently registered in SA.
All the fun and prestige of a Monaro GTS without the price tag!
SPECIFICS
BODY: Sedan
ENGINE: 308ci V8 QT
FUEL DELIVERY SYSTEM: Carburettor
TRANSMISSION: 4-Speed Manual
BRAKES: Disc Brakes
PAINT: Blue
TRIM: Black
VIN: 8N69LGL362129X
CONDITION: Good - Driver
MILEAGE: 87,592 kms