Geelong All Holden Day highlight – HG custom Monaro

Presented by the Geelong FX-HZ Holden Car Club, the Geelong All Holden Day made a strong comeback in 2025. Last held in 2019, the return of this all-Holden celebration saw more than 450 cars attend, with many coming from well beyond the Geelong region, and some even from interstate.

Amongst the mass of display cars were some of the most desirable and sought after classic Holdens, like the Monaro. This customised HG was just one of them.

A rare instance of a Holden model series extending to a third edition, the HG arrived in July, 1970, following the HT. The HG series would also see a third iteration of the Monaro. Of the base, GTS and GTS 350 Monaro variants available from launch, a 161ci six was the standard engine, with a 186 six, locally-made 253 and 308 V8s, and the imported Chevrolet 350 V8 optional. Only the Monaro GTS 350 came with a V8 as standard. These engine options could be matched to a three-speed manual, four-speed manual or Holden’s new Tri-Matic three-speed automatic, but the GTS 350 only offered a four-speed manual or two-speed automatic.

Aside from the custom paint and a set of Body Coddington ‘V-Twin’ alloys on slim Hankook tyres, the exterior of this HG Monaro was entirely stock, including the body-hugging bumpers, ventilated GTS guards and Monaro badges on the C-pillar.

Moving to the engine bay, there was a LOT of deviation from stock! The aftermarket V8 (unknown type but most likely an LS) featured a Dart intake manifold, extractors, chrome valve covers, chromed air cleaner and alternator, plus braided hoses throughout. A custom radiator was fitted, too.

Inside, a T-bar shifter in the centre console showed that the V8 was bolted to an automatic transmission.

Aside from modern seat belts, this car’s interior was almost entirely stock. Its features, like the vinyl-backed seats with houndstooth cloth inserts, three-spoke steering wheel and GTS gauge cluster, were all authentic to how this car would have rolled off the line. Same goes for the GTS identification on the doorcards and glovebox lid. In fact, a modern sound system and some aftermarket floor mats appeared to be the only variations from stock.

It had plenty of competition for attention on the day, but with its rich maroon paint and highly detailed, full custom engine bay, this Monaro certainly stood out.

For JUST CARS’ report from the 2025 Geelong All Holden Day, click HERE.