The HT Monaro upgrade exhibited even more of the self-assured and extroverted attitude of the people who chose to drive it.

Most dramatic change was a new multi-louvred plastic grille with a raised centre section and Monaro black-outs. The GTS had bold centre bonnet stripes in black or gold, flanked by new bonnet scoops. Beefier two-section tail lights separated by a blacked-out tail panel, thicker side stripes and black sills made the GTS look even sleeker.

A new Y-frame engine cradle and neoprene front suspension bushes isolated harshness from the cabin. The track was widened and fatter rubber bushings in the rear leaf spring eyes matched the gains in the front.

The HT was also first to get the Aussie V8, initially as a 253 (4.2), and for many Monaro buyers, it was the perfect choice. The 308 (5.0) version was introduced as Chevrolet 307 stocks ran out. Chevrolet's new 350 (5.7) V8, which came in different auto and manual specifications, arrived later, giving engineers extra time to fine tune the GTS 350 sports suspension so it could be the first Holden to offer low profile radial tyres as an option. The limited build GTS 350 manual could also be ordered with rally wheels, another Holden first.