1969 Holden HK GTS Monaro 307 'Manual' Coupe

Description

With the advent of the all-new HK model, Holden introduced a two-door fastback version, badged the Monaro. The new Holden’s purpose was twofold – firstly to appeal to a younger demographic influenced by the burgeoning muscle car trend in America, and secondly to provide General Motors with a frontline weapon on the racetrack. The Monaro scored a triumphant win at Bathurst in 1968, with privateer Bruce McPhee heading a one-two-three finish over the Fords in the Hardie-Ferodo 500 enduro. Chevrolet-sourced V8 engines were the heroes of the Monaro range, and available to regular production Monaro buyers in either 307ci (5-litre) or 327ci (5.4-litre) guise, the former normally equipped with GM’s Powerglide automatic transmission. The 307ci engine had a compression ratio of 8.75:1, breathed through a Rochester two-jet carburettor and was rated at a healthy 210 horsepower. Inside, GTS-optioned Monaros boasted bucket seats, full instrumentation, plus a console-mounted tacho and wood-rim sports steering wheel. Externally, the GTS package consisted of black stripes running the full length of the car and along the sills, with unique badges. Recognising the significance of Holden’s first sports coupe, the HK Monaro range was awarded Wheels magazine’s coveted ‘Car of the Year’ title for 1968. Early Monaros, particularly the GTS models with V8 power, are now highly prized by collectors and as the first in a long line of legendary Aussie muscle cars, will continue to appreciate.