One-Owner Original HT Monaro: Classic Restos - Series 49
Fletch is in the Southern Highlands of NSW and discovers something quite rare - a one-owner original 1970 HT Monaro GTS purchased new in April 1970 for $2,800, the equivalent to a year's salary at the time.
Surprising, the one owner, Bruce, reveals it wasn't his first choice. He originally signed up for a 350 V8 HT in Sebring Orange with cream upholstery. But after a 6-month delay, the 253 HT GTS became available, so he took that instead, and he has never regretted it to this day.
After 52 years as the family car and workhorse for Bruce, the original 253 V8 4.2-litre engine has been rebuilt, and the upholstery refurbished after the usual signs of wear and tear. The paintwork over time has become a little thin in some areas and was touched up back in the 80s. Otherwise, it's in its original condition.
Bruce did contemplate purchasing a Valiant Pacer but stayed true to Holden. Only once did he consider trading in the HT Monaro for a new Holden SLR5000. But the dealer only offered $800, so Bruce couldn't part with it, another decision he doesn't regret. Today the 52-year-old HT has a few rattles and squeaks, but Bruce says, "that's just like him".
Only Fletch could make a story about cooling fans interesting. He talks about the importance of cooling fans and the evolution to the latest Thermatic Electric fans by Australian manufacturer Davies Craig.
