1969 HT Holden Monaro GTS

Four basic engine options were available in the HK Monaro - 161ci six, 186ci six, 307ci V8 and 327ci V8. The top-of-the-range 'GTS 327' with its Chevrolet-sourced 5.4litre V8 soon found its way onto the racetrack, and proved to be successful, winning Bathurst in 1968. This started a 'to and fro' battle between Ford and Holden at Mt Panorama that continues to this day.

Bathurst also proved to be the impetus behind the introduction of an even more powerful V8 - the 350 - for the HT Monaro, which debuted in June, 1969.

With its remodelled plastic grille, bonnet vents, and prominent GTS stripes on the bonnet and flanks, the HT Monaro looked to be little more than a facelift of its predecessor, but under the skin there were some major changes.

Aside from the aforementioned 350 small block, the HT Monaro also debuted the first locally-designed V8 - the 253 - which was followed by a another Aussie V8, a 5.0litre 308. Including the 161 and 186 six cylinder, buyers could select a Monaro with anywhere between 108 and 300bhp! To tame that power, disc front brakes were standard on GTS models, while non-GTS Monaros still featured drums all round, with discs as an option.

Transmission choice dictated the amount of grunt available, with the floor-mounted four speed manual mated to a 350 V8 being the pick of the options. Synchromesh became standard on all forward gears in manuals, while an Aussie-made Trimatic three-speed auto became available near the end of HT production.

The 'raw' (some called it 'harsh'!) experience of driving a Monaro was toned down in the HT, with softer suspension, thanks to new rubber bushings in the front, lower rear spring rates and a redesigned engine cradle that reduced the harsh ride, noise and vibration that had been a feature of its predecessor. While this enhanced day-to-day driving, purists complained it negatively affected handling, increasing understeer and body roll.

From the driver's seat, the dash now featured a comprehensive cluster of four circular gauges, replacing the HK's strip-style speedo and console-mounted tachometer. The seats themselves were more contoured and better padded for comfort, with a houndstooth fabric trim option on the GTS, while the steering wheel featured a 'grippier' leather-like finish.

Options included power steering, limited slip diff, Superlift shock absorbers, reclining front seats, air conditioning, vinyl roof, rally wheels and more.

In 1969, HT GTS 350 Monaros finished first and third at Bathurst. A total of 14,437 HT Monaro coupes were built.

1969 Monaro HT
Introduced in June 1969 Monaro GTS introduced in August 1969.

Models: Monaro coupe V8, Monaro coupe six, Monaro GTS six, Monaro GTS V8, Monaro GTS 350 coupe.

Engines
-161: 81kw @ 4400rpm/197Nm @ 2000rpm.
-186: 97kW @ 4400rpm/ 244Nm @ 2000rpm
-253 V8: 138kW @ 2400 rpm/ 354Nm @ 2400 rpm.
-307: 157kW @ 4600rpm/ 405Nm @ 2400rpm.
-350 manual: 224kW @ 4800rpm/513Nm @ 3200rpm.
-350 auto: 205kW @ 4800rpm/492Nm @ 3200 rpm.

Transmissions
-3-speed manual (synchro on 2nd & 3rd)
-3-speed all synchro manual
-4-speed all synchro manual
-2-speed powerglide auto
-3-speed Trimatic auto

Engine/transmission combinations
Monaro: All synchro 3-speed with column shift standard. Column or floor shift Powerglide auto optional.
GTS: All synchro 4-speed floor or console shift standard with all engines except 307. Floorshift Powerglide auto optional. Mandatory with 307 V8.
GTS 350: 4-speed heavy duty manual standard, auto Powerglide floor shift optional.
Suspension: Front - Independent short and long arm type with rubber bushed inner pivot, coil springs, stabiliser bar, direct acting dampers.
Rear - Semi - elliptic four - leaf springs, direct acting dampers, special radius rods and Hotchkiss rigid rear axle. Salisbury type limited slip diff on GTS 350.
Brakes: Monaro: Front drums, optional power assistance. GTS: Power discs. GTS 350: 10 inch drum