1972 HQ GTS Monaro Coupe 253 V8 - Survivor One Owner! (SOLD)

Rarely do we have the pleasure to offer for sale a genuine one owner, survivor Australian muscle car. Add to that the fact that the car happens to be one of the sexiest products Holden ever produced and you're onto a winner.

The owner was 19 years old in August 1972 when he placed the order for his uniquely-optioned Monaro requiring a factory build to his specification.The car was delivered almost 3 months later from Claridge Motors Holden on 15th November 1972. While the owner dreamed of a 350 V8 ($1,000 option at the time) or even the smaller 308 V8 (an additional $90 at the time) the additional cost of the larger V8s and the higher insurance premiums meant that the car was ordered with the 253 V8, optional M21 4-speed, 3.08 LSD ($60 option) and dual exhausts ($50 option). And he has treasured this special car for nearly 50 years.

The paint is still the original factory Nutmeg Metallic paint (code 13886) with its original black vinyl (10X) interior.

The car was a daily driver and then family car from new until 1991. It was then dry stored for 10 years. It was then brought back on the road in 2001 as a Sunday cruiser. The total distance traveled is 283,811 kms / 176,389 miles and the car comes with log books, owners manuals and even the original Holden factory build sheet found under the back seat.

The car still wears its original factory paint except for the left rear quarter which had a minor accident repair in 1974.There is crazing and fading of paint on the bonnet, roof and boot but all vertical surfaces are near perfect. Photos of the original accident damage can be provided if required. The car has zero rust!

The interior is mostly original - the seats have never re-trimmed. Some stitching on the driver's seat, has failed. Carpets and door trims are original. It has genuine Holden HX coupe inertia seat belts (bought new) in the front. It has a HX combined indicator stalk / washer / headlight flasher. The original 140MPH speedo was changed over to a new 220 KPH GTS speedo in 1975. The old 140 MPH speedo goes with the car. All other aspects of the car are series 1 HQ technically correct, taking second place in the "Survivor" category of the 2018 Victorian Monaro State Titles.

Factory A/C was added in 1977 using mainly new Holden spare parts along with the normally included, green tint side glass. The Frigidaire A/C system is fully operative and exceedingly cold. The power steering and 13 transistor Air Chief radio were installed in 1976 to assist the owner's wife who was learning to drive at the time.

In 2019, the 253 V8 was completely rebuilt and the M21 was reconditioned with virtually all new gears. It is not the original engine block but has a period correct casting date of September, 1972. The new motor has now completed 1,100kms and is very sweet. Also fully reconditioned were the 3 core radiator, power steering pump, carburettor and A/C compressor. New Bridgestone Super Cat tyres are fitted. Brakes were refreshed a couple of years ago.

The car has its owner's manual and service book and the original "Holden" keys including the key “knockouts” with the key codes on them are all there. There is also 48 years of receipts and photos that will go with the car making this a very special piece of Australian motoring history and a perfect addition to either a serious muscle car collection or Holden Monaro collector.

Located in the Eastern Suburbs of Melbourne, VICT for your inspection and to determine whether the owner will allow you to take over the ownership of this precious family heirloom. (Ref: 5503)