1972 Holden HQ LS Monaro 350 Coupe

Description

The all-new HQ series introduced in July 1971 was a milestone car for General Motors Holden, boasting brand new styling, unitary construction, redesigned suspension, brakes and interiors. Conceived from the outset with Australian conditions in mind, the model range was greatly expanded and performance enthusiasts were well catered for with the Monaro, available in either two or four-door (from early 1973 on) guise for the first time. With a variety of trim levels and several different engine/transmission combinations available, Holden built a Monaro to suit just about every type of buyer, from those looking for a stylish cruiser through to out and out muscle cars. In the LS, Holden were aiming at the more mature bloke who wanted a touch of luxury - indeed the name stood for luxury/sport - and the new model came with upmarket Premier appointments like reclining front bucket seats upholstered in leather-grained vinyl, dual headlamps, black vinyl roof, centre console and rich loop-pile carpeting. Other touches included rear tinted glass and flow-thru ventilation and the standard LS specification included the 202-cid six with Trimatic through to the Chevrolet 350ci V8 , for the ultimate in "luxury personal transportation" according to Holden's own marketing people. The Monaro proved to be a great success with the press and public alike and is still held in high regard by enthusiasts today, particularly in two-door form.