Hot HT Monaro to be auctioned

With the closure of Holden's local manufacturing operations in 2017, nostalgia value is expected to drive up prices of iconic models from GM-H's glory days in years to come. What impact this will have on the 1969 Holden HT Monaro GTS 350 'Bathurst Special' consigned with Shannons will be revealed this coming Monday (February 17).

With its Chevrolet-sourced 350-cid V8 modified with a 10.25:1 compression ratio to produce 300 horsepower (223kW), the HT series Monaros were the most powerful Holdens to date. Nobody is certain exactly how many HT GTS 350s were made, but the best estimate seems to be around 700.

The consigned Monaro GTS 350 is believed to have a racing history in the 1970s and according to the vendor, was modified by Harry Firth for an independent race team, possibly in New Zealand.

However after a crash at Sydney's Warwick Farm race circuit, the team sold the car to an employee of the sponsor.

The Monaro was then modified in the 1970s, by a subsequent owner, into a street machine, which included fitting it with a bored and stroked 400-cid V8 and a Turbo 400 automatic transmission.

Painted white, the Monaro apparently remained in this guise until recently, when it was recognised as a highly desirable '81837' body code 350 GTS and the decision was made to restore the car back to more authentic configuration, including a manual transmission.

Repainted in its original and distinctive Daytona Bronze metallic, the Monaro was also fitted with new black upholstery as part of its rebuild and now sits on a set of period 14-inch Torq Thrust-style alloy wheels.

As the last 'real' Bathurst homologation Monaro built by Holden, the GTS 350 has always been sought after by collectors, with Shannons expecting this example to sell in the $75,000-$90,000 range, adding that the car potentially represents good investment value.

Shannons Melbourne late Summer Auction will take place at Shannons' Melbourne auction rooms, 321 Warrigal Road, Cheltenham, on Monday, February 17. Viewing will be possible prior to the first lot crossing the block from approximately 7:00pm. Further details at www.shannons.com.au.

Images: Shannons