1968 Holden HK Monaro Coupe

Description

Billed as the ‘New Generation’, Holden’s HK range was launched in January 1968 on a longer, wider platform, heralding a bold new performance-oriented era with the introduction of a sporty two-door fastback version, badged the Monaro, six months later. The new Monaro’s purpose was both to appeal to a younger demographic influenced by the burgeoning muscle car trend in America, and to provide General Motors with a frontline racetrack weapon. Designed by GM-H’s own in-house studio, the Monaro was Australia’s first – and for some time, only - fastback coupe in a style that was already wildly popular in America. Major rival Ford resolutely stuck to the four-door concept for its GT model while Chrysler’s challenger, the Charger, was still some way over the horizon. In addition to the standard 186ci and higher compression 186S six cylinder engines, Holden offered a choice of two Chevrolet-sourced V8s, the mainstream 307ci motor and, sold alongside it, a special 327ci unit homologated for Bathurst. Transmission options included the basic three-speed column shift manual, a four-speed manual or the optional Powerglide automatic. All Monaros received special Griffins grain vinyl trim and reclining bucket seats, while those equipped with the optional GTS package also got rally stripes, a blacked-out grille, front guard flutes, full instrumentation (including a console-mounted tacho) and a sports steering wheel. As Holden’s first real hero model, the Monaro admirably achieved its goal by winning Bathurst on debut in 1968 and – more importantly – created a halo affect for the rest of the HK range. As the first of the breed, the HK Monaro remains one of the most collectible Holdens ever made, with good examples always in demand.