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2019 Shannons Melbourne Spring Classic Auction
Lot
72

1970 Holden HG Monaro GTS 186 Coupe

$56,000

Sold

Specifications

Engine 186ci six-cylinder
Gearbox Four-speed manual
Body Work Coupe
Colour Silver Mist Green
Interior Antique Gold
Trim Vinyl
Wheels Steel sports
Brakes Disc/drums

Description

This lot is no longer available

Introduced in July 1970, Holden's HG model was the third and final facelift of the HK/HT series and was chiefly notable for the introduction of the new Tri-matic automatic transmission. Apart from a revised grille, the remaining sheetmetal was largely shared with the HK/HT models and the model line-up consisted of the same Belmont, Kingswood, Premier and Brougham trim levels. Holden had an extensive list of six and eight-cylinder engines on offer, ranging from the 130ci six through to the 350ci V8, along with no less than six different transmission types, the latest three-speed Tri-matic a big improvement over the old two-speed Powerglide. The Monaro sports coupe was again the hero car of the full-size Holden range, with its pillarless fastback styling still managing to look fresh and appealing. The GTS package included the option of stripes, Houndstooth check cloth trim and a wide range of distinctive colours, plus full instrumentation (including tacho), GTS badges etc. Although base GTS Monaros came with the 186S six-cylinder motor, more power was available through the choice of 253ci or 308ci V8 motors (first seen on the HT in October 1969), the latter using a Salisbury 3.36:1 rear axle when fitted with the auto transmission, or the mighty 350ci V8. With the XU-1 Torana taking over as Holden's frontline weapon at Bathurst, the Monaro GTS 350 assumed a new role as a high-performance gentleman's GT, with a good many equipped with automatic transmission and air conditioning. Although official production figures have never been released for the HG Monaro GTS 350, around 400 are believed to have been made. Production of the last of the original shape Monaros was short-lived and the HG was replaced by the all-new HQ in 1972, making it very hard to locate good original examples.