1972 Holden HQ Monaro 202 Coupe

Announced in July 1971, Holden's HQ represented a radical departure from the outgoing model range and was entirely new in almost every way. Built around a perimeter chassis - the first seen on a big Australian car - the HQ featured modern styling, new suspension with coil springs all round to improve the ride and handling, better passive safety through the use of padding inside and stronger panels outside. The engines, transmissions and steering were also new and buyers could specify ventilated front disc brakes. Both sixes (173/202ci) and V8s (253/308/350ci) were available, with a choice of transmissions ranging from a 3-speed column shift manual, 4-speed console-mounted manual, 3-speed Trimatic or Turbo Hydramatic 400 automatic. With an extensive range of models, Holden built an HQ to suit every need with sedans, coupes, wagons, utilities and panel vans all on offer. The Monaro name was again applied to the two-door hardtop coupe variant (although for the first time a four-door Monaro was made available as well). The Monaro was sold in various guises, including the base model, LS, GTS and GTS 350 and could be powered by Holden six or eight-cylinder engines, with the Chevrolet 350ci V8 also available.