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

Sold new in 1971 by the Smith Motor Company of Port Adelaide, this Monaro coupe originally started life as a LS “Luxury Sport” model and has since been transformed into a stunning GTS tribute car.

Finished in beautiful Silver Mink with orange stripes, it sports a period correct, genuine Q block 308ci (5.0 litre) V8 engine with a mild cam, stall converter, Edelbrock intake manifold and Holley carburettor.

Power is put to the road by the original 3 speed automatic transmission through period correct running gear.

The car has power steering, disc brake front end and drum brake rear end, all bushes have been replaced as have the shock absorbers, fuel lines and brake lines.

Inside the car’s bucket seats are clad in beautiful black and white herringbone interior, correct GTS dash, steering wheel and new carpets.

Outside the car is shod in correct GTS wheels with redline tyres. The spare tyre is also a GTS rim.

Mechanically this car well sorted with exceptional power and good power and braking.

Previously registered in South Australia, the car retains its original plates but is currently unregistered.