BOOK REVIEW - Monaro Concepts
While the history of the car so nice they built it twice has been committed to print on numerous occasions, Norton's release takes a different tack from previous volumes, focusing on the evolution of GM-H's iconic muscle car.
A 150-page hardback, Monaro Concepts uses official GM-H pre-production sketches and photographs to present the genesis of the Holden muscle car, and how it evolved across three distinct generations.
As detailed in the foreword by former Director of Design at GM-H, Leo Pruneau, the brief to create the first Australian-made pillarless hardtop caused as much excitement in the GM-H design studio as it did outside it, and also proved that Australian automotive design was world class.
Being the one that started it all, a little over two thirds of Monaro Concepts is devoted to the first generation HK-T-G models, with the remainder looking at the HQ-J-X-Z series and third generation V2 model from the new millennium.
The HK-HT-HG opening chapter is arguably the most engrossing, as it shows just how different the earliest iterations were from the finish product, the influence of Pontiac styling, along with interesting little nuggets of information, like the suggestion of a 1969, not '68 release for the HK Monaro, and the 'GT' badge the Monaro wore in an introductory leaflet.
A Monaro with vertically-stacked quad headlights? It was in the mix early on, as was a Buick Riviera body shape and more rakish, Torana-style fastback rear. Different treatments for the Monaro's front and rear end designs, roofline, interior packaging, seats, dash and more are shown in the early sketches and clays from 1964 and 1965, as well as developments for the HK series sedan.
The second chapter, covering the HQ through HZ series, follows a similar pattern to the first, with images of pre-production sketches, clays and detail photos interspersed with advertising images and photos of the production models.
HQ Monaros with a six-taillight rear, prominent central grille bar and other unique touches are featured, but perhaps the most interesting 'what-if?' is a Phil Zmood-rendered targa-roof version. Development of the LS "luxury" Monaro is also covered, along with sedan designs, relevant as the Monaro grew to a four-door platform with this generation.
The return of the Monaro, in the V2 version, is covered in the final chapter, where early sketches of the 'VT Commodore coupe' are featured, as well as the 'Marilyn' convertible concept.
Monaro fans will particularly love this book for the pre-production sketches and photographs which provide a real behind-the-scenes look into the GM-H design process. Even hard-core fans are sure to find info and images they haven't come across before.
A great piece of history and a great read, Monaro Concepts would make a great gift for the Monaro-lover in your life.
Written by Eric Norton and published by motormania, Monaro Concepts (ISBN 9780980 572315) retails for $44.95 from selected retailers, or order direct from www.cargoodies.com.au or motormania.com.au.
