40th Anniversary of the Holden Monaro
Back in 2002, some months after the launch of the VX Monaro I was test driving a lime green CV-8 and pulled into a servo. The attendant was all over me. "Oh look what you are driving. . . .how does it go. . . gee it looks good. . ."
It was one of those occasions, with all eyes glued on the Monaro, that I was tempted to drop a lovely big burnout all the way out of the servo! I didn't, but the look on that attendant's face has stayed with me for years.
Similarly, cruising along the freeway and other cars would pull up level with me to check out the car, with many drivers offering a thumbs up and a big smile. This was the Monaro experience.
Back in July 1968, the striking new HK model Monaro was described by Holden as "...the biggest step we have taken since the manufacture of the first Holden in 1948 ...it is indeed the first sports machine to be designed and engineered in this country."
For the first time Australian buyers had an affordable high performance car. It was offered in no less than 19 engine and transmission combinations - including several Chevrolet small block engines with four to the floor to match.
This year, when Holden revealed its Coupe 60 concept at the Melbourne Motor Show, the whisper soon spread that this was the next Monaro. While this hasn't eventuated (yet!), there is little doubt that the Monaro badge will adorn another Holden in the future.
1968-69 HK Monaro Coupe
The impact of the first Monaro will not be forgotten by anyone who swivelled in the street to watch it go by or pressed against the showroom window for a longer look.
A product of a brand new Holden design studio, the HK Monaro coupe took a spectacular design direction that was profoundly influenced by automotive trends in the USA. While the concept was no doubt inspired by the Chevy Camaro, the Monaro's striking roofline was modelled on the Oldsmobile Toronado, the most sensational US release of 1966 and a 20th Century auto styling icon. The Monaro shared the same rear pillars, which blend seamlessly into the rear quarters, and an almost constant slope from rear window to boot lid.
Other Toronado features, like the stylish rear wheel arch blisters, also worked well on the more compact Monaro. Exterior 'GTS' detailing included a tail panel strip that replicated full-width tail lights, offset bonnet and side stripes, cooling slots in the front guards, stainless steel full wheel covers and grille blackouts. Inside, there were new stitch patterns, ventilated trim, an alloy-spoked steering wheel and centre console.
There were 19 Monaro engine and transmission combinations, including the 161 (2.6L), 186 (3.0L) and 186S sixes as well as 307 (5.0L) and 327 (5.4L) Chevrolet V8 power.
1969-70 HT Monaro Coupe
The most dramatic change for the HT was a new multi-louvred plastic grille with a raised centre section and Monaro black-outs. The GTS had bold centre bonnet stripes in black or gold, flanked by new bonnet scoops. Beefier two-section tail lights separated by a blacked-out tail panel, thicker side stripes and black sills made the GTS look even sleeker.
New colours included Orange and Bronze. A full set of circular instruments replaced the HK's console mounted tacho and strip speedo. More contoured bucket seats with optional houndstooth check cloth inserts and a grippier steering wheel were in keeping with the HT's added refinement and special detailing.
A new Y-frame engine cradle and neoprene front suspension bushes isolated harshness from the cabin. The track was widened and fatter rubber bushings in the rear leaf spring eyes matched the gains in the front.
The HT was also first to get the Aussie V8, initially as a 253 (4.2L), and for many Monaro buyers, it was the perfect choice. The 308 (5.0L) version was introduced as Chevrolet 307 stocks ran out. Chevrolet's new 350 (5.7L) V8, which came in different auto and manual specifications, arrived later, giving engineers extra time to fine tune the GTS 350 sports suspension so it could be the first Holden to offer low profile radial tyres as an option. The limited build GTS 350 manual could also be ordered with rally wheels, another Holden first.
In 1969, the first year under Harry Firth, Holden Dealer Team Monaro 350s came first (Bond/ Roberts) and third (West/Brock) outright in the Hardie Ferodo 500 at Bathurst.
1970-71 HG Monaro Coupe
Regarded as the most sophisticated of the early Monaro models, the HG is today one of the rarest and most sought after of the charismatic Holden coupes.
Holden designers cleverly removed the detail from the HG's rear lights, providing the illusion of extra size as the lights merged smoothly with the black GTS tail panel. While the more subtle HG mesh grille revived the simplicity of the first Monaro, GTS blackouts highlighted the bold new centre division and surrounds.
The deletion of sill and wheel arch mouldings and the addition of black rocker panels around the lower body gave the HG GTS a meaner, sleeker look. New metallic colours and the lack of bold bonnet and boot lid stripes reflected a clean custom look and highlighted the 350's quad exhausts.
Engine choice was the same as for final HT models after the local 308 V8 replaced the Chevrolet 307. A new three-speed Trimatic auto option replaced the Power-glide on all models except the big 350.
1971-74 HQ Monaro Coupe
The HQ's forward reaching front, had a compact, ground hugging look, even though it was bigger than previous models. The separate recessed grille reflected Euro trends while the bulging muscle lines above each wheel arch, the rounded tail and bumper mounted rear lights were straight Pontiac GTO muscle car.
The Monaro's pillarless coupe roofline and its wrap-over rear window were eye catching. A new LS – 'luxury and sport' – Monaro with black vinyl roof and dual headlights combined Premier appointments with Monaro style.
The HQ was the most radically new model since 1948, and Monaro shared the benefits. It had a partial front subframe that extended to the centre pillar and a totally new rear suspension. New features included a more comprehensive safety package, Holden's first flow through ventilation, a demisting system, integrated air conditioning, a new flat dash and slender front pillars for improved forward vision.
Holden sixes were also boosted in size, and there were hefty 10 bolt Salisbury limited slip differential rear axles on all V8 models. A new M21 4 speed close ratio gearbox could be ordered with the local V8, the big Chevrolet 350 V8 scored a new 4 speed manual and the 350 was fitted with a Turbo-Hydramatic 400 auto shift.
As the HQ went through several phases over its long model life, the Monaro GTS coupe was upgraded in 1973 to coincide with the release of the four door GTS. It introduced bold new colours, new bonnet and bootlid rally patches, accents on the side vents and optional polished trim rings for the sports wheels.
1973-74 Holden HQ Monaro GTS 4 Door
Inevitably, the trendsetting two-door Monaro had such a strong influence on the rest of the Holden range that sedans took on a similarly sleek look. The process began with the HT sedan's 'faster' roofline and became more apparent with the arrival of the fluid HQ. So it was in the course of this model's life that Holden took the opportunity to test the waters with a four door Monaro.
In 1972, Holden had offered a limited edition sedan based on the entry level Belmont. The first SS, it was transformed by sports wheels, GTS grille, side vents, black-outs, black boot panel and unusual bonnet stripes from the headlights to the front scuttle panel. Backed up by a 253 V8 (4.2L), four speed manual, bucket seats, sports steering wheel and GTS instruments and finished in red, violet or green, it became a huge hit.
The first four door GTS Monaro arrived in 1973. It featured new contoured front seats, trimmed in a sophisticated herringbone pattern. Black SS bonnet and boot patches were replaced by louder GTS rally panels on the bonnet and boot lid. They did the trick, there was no mistaking the GTS Monaro four door for any other of the 250,000 HQ Holdens already on the road. By this stage, the Monaro GTS 350 – coupe or four door – became a rarer beast as more Australian drivers opted for the home grown 308 V8. The final four door HQ Monaro GTS 350 examples still made a fabulous farewell to the Chevrolet small block V8 with Salisbury rear axle, Muncie four speed and 70 series radials.
1974-76 Holden HJ Monaro Coupe and 4 Door
As a rush of new European models entered the market and Australians were presented with a wider range of choices in general, the HJ Monaro upgrade had to satisfy a more demanding, enthusiastic buyer. Introduced in October 1974, the HJ Monaro GTS offered extra comfort, a comprehensive sports instrument panel of its own and greater emphasis on body detailing to further distinguish it from other models.
Beefier HJ styling was matched by extra strength bumpers. The four headlight Monaro LS coupe became the new entry level Monaro and the GTS continued as a single headlight coupe or four door sedan. All HJ Monaro coupes retained the HQ's rear styling.
More imposing than its predecessor, the four door GTS featured a prominent, blacked out grille, bigger wrap-around rear lights, more aggressive side vents and decals. The GTS instrument panel featured multiple ventilation outlets and clear recessed instruments with international symbols.
The first factory front and rear spoiler options gave the HJ GTS real presence; the deep rear spoiler and new tail lights in particular bolstering its sloping boot line. As the imported Chevrolet 350 was de-tuned to meet US anti-pollution legislation, it no longer made sense as a premium performance option. Instead, Holden boosted the compression ratio of the local 308 to close the performance gap. The automatic 308 gained the Turbo-Hydramatic 400 from the previous GTS 350.
1976 HX Monaro GTS 4 Door
The HX arrived in July 1976 as the Australian automotive industry concentrated on meeting new anti-pollution requirements.There was no Monaro coupe in the new HX line-up, but the name was emblazoned on a single, extroverted GTS four door. Its bright colours, large GTS decals, colour keyed mirror and bumpers, integrated body coloured spoiler options and optional bonnet black-out made it the most distinctive of all four door Monaros.
A substantial, long distance grand tourer, it retained the longevity and built-in toughness of the HQ series while adding greater comfort and extra appointments. These included a new multi-function column stalk that replaced the floor-mounted dip switch, controlling headlight high/low beam as well as windscreen wipers and washers.
1976 Holden HX LE Coupe
This final coupe was exceptional and exclusive enough to ensure that the original Monaro concept had an appropriate send-off. Although the limited edition LE coupe did not carry the Monaro nameplate, Holden fans regard it as a true blue member of the breed.
The LE arrived in August 1976, almost two months after the HX series release. The run of just 580 LE coupes was produced at Holden's Pagewood plant in Sydney, which specialised in the exacting low volume assembly of luxury Statesman and Caprice models. It was a fine tribute to the Monaro heritage that these last coupes were custom-built as top-shelf Holden models.
The LE appeared with gold pinstriping and lettering over an arresting shade of metallic crimson and sported unique gold finished 14x7-inch polycast wheels. It came with a 308, Turbo-Hydramatic and Salisbury limited slip differential only, all high-performance Monaro hardware. Outside, it featured the four headlight (quartz halogen) HX Premier front and integrated, colour-keyed front and rear spoilers. The passenger compartment combined GTS features with a walnut finish dash fascia and centre console, with crushed velour and cloth trim. Its comprehensive equipment listing included power windows, power steering, power aerial, integrated air conditioning, heated rear window, quadraphonic eight track cartridge player and tinted windows.
1977 Holden HZ GTS 4 Door
Like the LE coupe, the HZ GTS 4-door did not wear a Monaro badge, but was officially designated a 'Monaro GTS sedan'.The HZ series was launched in October 1977, as behind the scenes Holden geared up for its most drastic model shift ever, the 1978 launch of the Commodore.
The HZ brought remarkable advances in ride and handling with the introduction of Radial Tuned Suspension, delivering a Holden that tamed local road conditions better than any before it. RTS had its biggest impact on the GTS, which with a mesh grille, subtle body stripes and detailing on optioned-up versions, revived aspects of the HG Monaro GTS. A four headlight nose, body colour front and rear spoilers and bumpers and sports wheels also helped to make it more of a stand-alone package in the Monaro tradition.
The GTS came standard as a 4.2 V8, but you could add the 5.0 litre, power steering, plaid cloth seats, limited slip diff, electric windows and air-conditioning. Rear disc brakes were standard, seven inch polycast wheels or spoked wire wheels were optional.
The HZ GTS was ranked by many as Australia's premier performance car, a position that was consolidated in May 1978 when the 5.0 litre V8 became standard.
1998-2005 New Millennium Monaro
1998 Coupe Concept
The new millennium Monaro was sensationally unveiled as an un-named 'coupe concept' at the Sydney International Motor Show in 1998. Michael Simcoe, Executive-In-Charge, Design, said the Holden designers who initiated the project had been passionately committed to creating a dynamic new profile from the established VT Commodore platform.
The striking two-door sports coupe was finished in blue/black, with a cobalt leather trimmed interior. It had a two plus two seating configuration and was 99mm shorter than the Commodore sedan. It was also appreciably lower (by 78mm) than the sedan and in profile showed off accentuated body curves, a raked roofline, extended door, elongated glass areas and a stylishly abbreviated tail.
1999
In February, Holden announced that a coupe model was now an integral part of the company's product planning. Holden Chair-man and Managing Director, Jim Wiemels, said that from the moment the car was revealed at the Sydney Motor Show some months before, the company had recognised that it should aspire once again to market a coupe that could proudly wear the Holden Lion brand.
"For all of us at Holden, the reaction to the launch of the coupe design concept in Sydney was an unforgettable moment."
2001 V2 Monaro
The coupe made the transition from concept to Monaro reality in just 22 months and was shown as a production vehicle at the Sydney International Motor Show in October 2001 before being sent to showrooms.
A true four-seater sports machine, it was distinguished by sleek, expressive styling, innovative seating, leading safety technology and luxury sports car vehicle dynamics. The V2 Monaro was the product of a $60 million investment. There were two Monaro variants, CV8 and CV6, offering Generation III V8 and Supercharged V6 performance respectively. Both were equipped with driver, passenger and side airbags, anti-lock braking systems (ABS) and traction control. Leather trim was standard, contoured front seats were eight-way power adjustable and an electric slide, fold forward system allowed ready access to rear seats.
2002 Holden Monaro Series II
Monaro had dominated the sports car market following its introduction. The updated Series II version offered fresh interior styling treatments which included a new instrument panel with binnacle-style clusters and multi-function digital displays and a new steering wheel design. In addition, body structure refinements combined with powertrain improvements to offer better than ever build precision, performance and safety.
Also in 2002 a US export program was announced for Monaro/Pontiac GTO coupes and a 7.0 litre Monaro won the inaugural Bathurst 24 hour race.
The Pontiac GTO (LHD) was launched in the US in December 2003.
A special edition Monaro CV8-R offered additional features and added value was released in July.
August saw the launch of a Series III CV8 Monaro, powered by a new high-output GEN III 5.7 litre V8 engine, producing peak power of 245kW @ 5,600rpm. The CV6 model was discontinued.
HSV displayed its Monaro based Coupe 4 concept at the 2003 Sydney International Motor Show. Powered by HSV's high output 5.7 litre 270kW LS1 V8, this was Australia's first locally produced all wheel drive coupe.
The Monar -based Chevrolet SS Lumina Coupe (LHD) was launched in February in the Middle East.
2004
A Vauxhall Monaro (RHD) based on the HSV GTO was launched in the UK in March. The British embraced the concept of an affordable, high output Aussie coupe along with all the Australian jokes they could find. Notably, UK magazine Top Gear named Monaro
"Best Muscle Car" for 2005 with high profile TV presenter Jeremy Clarkson declaring his love for the car.
The VZ Monaro (260kW) was launched in September. It boasted the most substantial upgrade since its debut almost three years before. Its 5.7 litre Gen III V8 engine received a boost in power to 260kW and torque to 500Nm. Powertrain refinements delivered a more forceful launch feel, more mid-range torque and a sharper sports character, balanced by an upgraded braking system.
Its muscular new look had aggressive styling cues such as twin bonnet scoops, strong front facia graphics and an exclusive vivid blue exterior finish called Turismo.
2005 - Last Hurrah for Holden's legendary Monaro
Australia's undisputed 21st Century sports car hero and international ambassador was farewelled late in 2005.
The 40,000th Monaro was sold in this year and a special edition CV8Z model was announced to mark the final chapter in a remarkable success story in Australian automotive history.
The modern Monaro, a reincarnation of the 1960s and 1970s performance leader, captured the Australian public's imagination and beat all comers as the nation's best selling sports car.
The coupe was also an international car, selling around the world under various brands and appearing in movies and TV series. The coupe wore four GM brands on four continents and sold almost six times as many cars as were first planned. Of the 40,000 coupes built, about three-quarters were sent overseas.
CV8-Z declared its presence with an all-new orange-based metallic colour called Fusion, extending the palette of 'hero colours' for which the Holden had become renowned. Exterior features included factory fitted sunroof, black bonnet scoop accents, machined 18-inch five-spoke alloy wheels (with one spoke embossed with the CV8-Z logo), modified rear lamps and unique gunmetal chrome CV8-Z badging on the rear.
The last Monaro built by Holden was auctioned through eBay in February 2006. The proceeds - $187,600 - were donated to The Leukaemia Foundation, a long term Holden partner. It was customised by Holden Design and Engineering to cement its position as an automotive collector's classic. Its orange-yellow "Torque" custom paint was developed as an interpretation of the classic colours of the original 1960s Monaro.
