Holden HQ SS ‘Survivor’ Ready for Rescue
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Holden HQ SS ‘Survivor’ Ready for Rescue

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By Shannons - 26 May 2021
Holden
  • One owner, unrestored
  • Low mileage in desirable Ultra Violet
  • Sought-after precursor to four-door Monaro GTS

An all original, unrestored, one-owner 1972 HQ SS Holden sedan that has covered just 66,000 miles since new at the time of cataloguing, is slated to sell with ‘no reserve’ for $50,000-$60,000 at Shannons 2021 Winter Timed Online Auction that runs from June 8-15.

One of just 373 HQ SS models manufactured, the matching numbers four-door sedan with its 253-cid V8 engine and M20 four-speed manual gearbox with floor shift, was a precursor to the four-door Monaro GTS launched seven months later, that today is one of the era’s most appreciating ‘Muscle Cars’.

The once shiny Ultra Violet paintwork on the 1972 Holden SS is faded and discoloured, but the HQ has great provenance, making it perfect for a rewarding investment if restored.   

The HQ SS has already generated considerable interest amongst enthusiasts and collectors and is expected to be one of the auction’s most sought-after lots.

Finished in the very ‘70s’ shade of Ultra Violet (purple metallic), it is one of just 23 Melbourne-built HQ Holden SSs in this eye-catching colour, adding to its attraction.

Sadly, the upper body paintwork is faded and discoloured all over, with some door rust-bubbling, but the cabin has fared better and is all factory original, with the iconic houndstooth checked cloth inserts on the black vinyl seats that was a hallmark of early-build ‘Series 1’ SS models.

The HQ Holden retains the iconic houndstooth checked cloth inserts on the black vinyl seats that was a hallmark of early-build ‘Series 1’ SS models.

Delivered by Melbourne Holden dealer Dustings of Burwood, the SS was regularly maintained by its fastidious owner from new, using only genuine Holden parts.

In recent years it was stored, unused under the carport at the family’s home and was started in March for the first time in four years after the installation of a new battery. It now could simply be enjoyed as is, or represent a rewarding investment, if restored.

The 1972 HQ SS being auctioned has matching numbers 253-cid V8 engine and M20 four-speed manual gearbox with floor shift.

According to one source, two batches of HQ SS sedans were built at the end of 1972, 1,600 in the first and 1,200 in the second, for a total production run of around 2,800 units, with each priced at $3,295. Few survive in such original condition.

Other great Australian ‘Muscle Cars’ in the auction are an unrestored 1969 Ford Falcon XW GT-HO Phase 1 Sedan ($210,000 - $250,000); a 1973 Ford Falcon XA GT Automatic Sedan (‘no reserve’ $130,000 - $140,000); a ‘Plum Dinger;’ 1970 Holden LC Torana GTR XU-1 Sedan that has had just one owner for the past 30 years ($120,000 - $140,000); a 1970 Holden HT-model Monaro GTS in unique 'Turbine Bronze'; an unrestored, four-owner 1978 Holden HZ GTS Monaro 'Manual' Sedan ($60,000 - $75,000); and a well-optioned 1978 Ford Falcon XC 'Rally Pack' Sedan ($30,000 - $35,000).

View all Winter Timed Online Auction lots

To talk to a Shannons Auction Team member, call the 13 46 46, Option 6 (Auctions), or email auctions@shannons.com.au