1969 Holden HT Monaro GTS 307 Coupe

Holden's first attempt at a sport coupe, the Monaro, proved so popular in its original HK guise there was no question it would continue on with the facelifted HT series introduced in May 1969. The most obvious external change was a revised grille made from ABS plastic, along with a more squared-off rear section featuring stacked tail lights. Although the Monaro range remained essentially as before, the Bathurst 327 was replaced by the new GTS 350, using Chevrolet's 350 small-block V8. This became Holden's new Bathurst hero, with Harry Firth masterminding the Holden Dealer Team operation for the first time and Colin Bond teamed up with Tony Roberts to score a fine win in the Mount Panorama enduro, while Des West and Peter Brock joined forces to finish third. Most HT Monaros were equipped with the more prosaic 186 six-cylinder or 308 V8 (once stocks of the imported 307 dried up), and automatic transmission gained in popularity - not every Monaro owner was looking to go racing and even GTS 350 models were available with the Powerglide. The GTS package added bonnet scoops, stripes and unique wheel trims, along with the option of houndstooth trim. Mechanical improvements made across the HT range included the adoption of neoprene rubber front suspension bushes to replace the old steel bushings on the HK, resulting in a much more comfortable, quieter ride. The interior also came in for some revision, with a new seat design, door trims and revised instrumentation using more conventional round dials in place of the HK's old strip speedo. The HK/HT/HG Monaros are reaching new levels of popularity with collectors, as they become properly appreciated for their place in Australian motoring history.