Holden HG Monaro
Reviewed by Unique Cars and Parts
Our Rating: 5
Introduction
Regarded as the most sophisticated of the early Monaro
models, the HG is today one of the rarest and most sought-after
of the charismatic Holden coupes.
Holden designers cleverly removed the detail from the
HG's rear lights, providing the illusion of extra size
as the lights merged smoothly with the black GTS tail
panel.
While the more subtle HG mesh grille revived the
simplicity of the first Monaro, GTS blackouts highlighted
the bold new centre division and surrounds.
The deletion of sill and wheel arch mouldings and the
addition of black rocker panels around the lower body
gave the HG GTS a meaner, sleeker look.
Subtle 'sidewinder'
stripes that swooped from the rear pillars to the front
highlighted the flow in the original Monaro shape.
New decals for the 350 engine were a Monaro first. New
metallic colours and the lack of bold bonnet and bootlid
stripes reflected a clean custom look and highlighted
the 350's quad exhausts.
Engine choice was the same as
for final HT models after the local
308 V8 replaced the
Chevrolet 307.
A new three-speed Trimatic auto option replaced the
Powerglide on all models except the big 350. Although virtually retired
from competition duties - replaced by the XU-1 Torana
- the Monaro still managed an amazing year on the track.
Norm Beechey's Monaro dominated the Australian Touring
Car Championship against serious competition and there
was an outstanding Bond/Roberts endurance victory at Surfer's
Paradise.
Away from the track, Holden built extra compliance into
the Monaro rear
suspension, boosting GTS 350 long distance
touring capabilities and comfort. The HG GTS 350 manual,
with its crisp driving feel and Salisbury limited slip
diff, stood as the definitive road car for several Monaro
generations.
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