Holden HQ Monaro GTS 350
The Holden HQ Monaro GTS 350, produced from 1971 to 1974, represented both the pinnacle and the twilight of Australia's golden age of muscle cars. Built on the new HQ platform that was wider, more modern, and significantly better engineered than its predecessors, the HQ Monaro GTS combined American V8 power with genuinely improved handling and ride quality.
The GTS 350 was powered by the Chevrolet 350 cubic inch (5,735 cc) V8 with a Rochester Quadrajet 4-barrel carburetor, producing 275 horsepower (SAE gross — the last year before the switch to SAE net ratings). The engine was paired with either the Muncie M21 4-speed manual or a Turbo-Hydramatic 400 3-speed automatic. The manual cars, with their close-ratio gearbox, were the choice of enthusiasts and remain the most collectible.
The HQ body was a quantum leap in refinement over the HK/HT/HG series. The Monaro coupe featured a distinctive fastback roofline, pillarless side glass, and wider wheel arches to accommodate larger tires. The rear suspension was upgraded to a coil-spring four-link setup, replacing the leaf springs of earlier models and dramatically improving both ride comfort and handling predictability.
GTS specification included rally instrumentation with a tachometer and full gauge set, sports steering wheel, bucket seats with vinyl trim, blackout treatment on the hood and rear panel, and GTS striping. Front disc brakes were standard, and a limited-slip differential was available as an option.
The HQ Monaro arrived at a difficult time. The 1973 oil crisis, increasing emissions regulations, and a cultural shift away from performance cars conspired to end the original Monaro lineage. The LS variant, with a lower-output detuned engine, was offered alongside the GTS in recognition of changing market preferences.
Despite its relatively short production life, the HQ Monaro GTS has become one of the most iconic Australian cars. Its combination of muscular styling, V8 performance, and improved dynamics made it the definitive Australian muscle car of the early 1970s. The Monaro name would not appear again until 2001, when Holden revived it for a modern V8 coupe.
Verify GTS specification via VIN and body tag — many standard HQ coupes have been converted. Check for rust in the floor pans, inner guards, and boot area. The Chevrolet 350 is well-supported with aftermarket parts. Manual gearbox cars are significantly more valuable. Check rear suspension four-link mounts for cracks. The pillarless coupe body can develop wind noise from misaligned windows. Matching-numbers examples command substantial premiums.
Built on the new HQ platform at Dandenong. The Chevrolet 350 V8 was the primary engine for GTS models. The HQ was also available as a sedan, station wagon, and utility. Production ended in 1974 due to the oil crisis and changing market conditions. Last Monaro before the nameplate was discontinued until 2001.