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The impact of the first Monaro will not be forgotten by anyone who swivelled in the street to watch it go by or pressed against the showroom window for a longer look.
A product of a brand new Holden design studio, the HK Monaro coupe took a spectacular design direction that was profoundly influenced by automotive trends in the USA.
Its striking roofline was modelled on the front drive Oldsmobile Toronado coupe, which was the most sensational US release in 1966 and remains a 20th Century styling beacon. The Monaro shared the same rear pillars, which blend seamlessly into the rear quarter panels, and an almost constant slope from rear window to bootlid. Other Toronado features, like the stylish rear wheel arch blisters, also worked well on the more compact Monaro.
Exterior GTS detailing included a tail panel strip that replicated full-width tail lights, offset bonnet and side stripes, cooling slots in the front guards, stainless steel full wheel covers and grille blackouts. Inside, there were new stitch patterns, ventilated trim, an alloy-spoked steering wheel, centre console and other cabin details that were a moonshot away from anything seen inside a Holden before.
Billed as Australia's first fully home-grown sports coupe, the Monaro was a member of Holden's ambitious 'New Generation' HK range, launched in 1968.
A clear and deliberate statement of national identity in its design, title and marketing concept, the Monaro was conceived and developed in an era of massive social and cultural change. It reflected a more exciting, youthful image and broke new ground by embracing the concept of personalised transport. Along with its HK counterparts, the Monaro delivered the biggest choice of options yet offered by Holden and, with a full-throated roar, ushered in the golden era of the lion-badged V8. The sleek, pillarless two-door was introduced six months after the rest of the range and soon took pride of place in Holden dealer showrooms across the country. Its 'boy racer' appeal was universal - a tribute to the foresight of the then Managing Director of GM-H, Max Wilson, who was instrumental in the development of the Monaro design and engineering concept and who recognised its long-term potential.
The Monaro was available in three variants: standard, GTS and GTS 327. It boasted potent performance and looked every inch the part with its long, wide body, flared wheel arches and sweeping roofline. In GTS guise, the Monaro sported black rally stripes, unique wheel trims, paint finishes and tail light treatment.
The HK Monaro was 1968 Wheels Car of the Year, and a 1968 debut win at Sandown for the Monaro GTS 327 was followed by first (McPhee/Mulholland), second and third outright at Bathurst, the first of many Holden enduro victories to come.
HK Monaro Gallery
Pictures from the Monaro Nationals
HK Monaro Gallery
Pictures from the Monaro Nationals
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
HK MONARO LINKS
 This link will take you to the HK Monaro Engines & Transmissions page.
 This link will take you to the HK Monaro Paint & Interior Codes page.  This link will take you to the HK Monaro Badges Trim & Wheels page. Includes Suspension & Brakes. 
This link will take you to the HK Monaro General Specs.
HT Monaro Gallery & HT Monaro Links
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