(Sorry the Car was in a tight spot- hence a lack of exterior photos due to this)
Ordered. 10/73
1st Registered .. 28/12/1973
Delivered . 2/01/1974
By Southern Motors Box Hill, Victoria . [Owners Delivery Manual with car ] .
Delivered to 1st owner Bartlett Trailers, Clayton, Victoria.
This Monaro was one of two identically specifically ordered HQ GTS 350 Monaro Coupes for two brother Company Directors, they beingThe Bartlett Brothers [this car] Tangerine, and a Purple car.
This Monaro was used as a 2nd family vehicle until it was placed in storage at their company premises until mid April 2004 [some 12 years] which at that time Mr Bartlett contacted the Monaro Club of Victoria to enquire about selling the vehicle.
The Club introduced a prospective purchaser and a deal was concluded with a Bendigo resident. [Paper work provided]. During the time of storage the car was subject to a repaint within the owners business [large trailer manufacturers] and showed deterioration following this laid up period ,
During the current owners attendance at the 2005 Bendigo Swap Meeting he was referred to a photo of the Monaro which was for sale by the 2nd owner that resided nearby in Bendigo Victoria.
The call was made and 10 minutes later- The GTS now had its 3rd and present owner.
This rare genuine Tangerine HQ GTS Coupe with its genuine original 350 Chevrolet V8 motor, coupled to its original 3 speed auto and Salisbury diff, was re-painted professionally in 2014.
This event was carried out prior to a professional repaint in 2014 conducted by Chris Henry of Gormandale, Victoria, a very well known vehicle restorer and Hod Rod Builder of note having created several award winning vehicles as well as Magazine Featured cars over the years. To say Chris is a perfectionist is an understatement he is a pain in the arse.
During this repaint all chrome work was redone to the highest standard. Bumpers, front and back were removed and repaired and refitted as tailor-made for the vehicle with exceptional fit.
Work done included:
Dismantling all bolt-ons.
Removal of any small indentations [ no bog ] etc
Painting with only the best quality undercoat and original Acrylic paint [Tangerine]
Factory delete Paint outs as per original delivery.
The very best Gapping of all panels as observed at the Monaro Club of Victoria State titles following completion.
Very minor tidying up of engine bay to retain originality- otherwise all original.
Interior is original and un-touched.
Boot is also original and untouched.
Undercarriage is as above.
5 new Redband Quality tyres .
GTS Sports Wheels painted in correct 350 colours .
5 chrome Wheel Trims .
NO TOW BAR has ever been fitted.
Apart from paint this is a magnificent Survivor car.
During the current ownership the vehicle has been featured in Unique Cars Issue 342 as part of a 4 car comparison / drive off along with
a Ford XA 351 GT Coupe,
a Leyland Force 7 P76,
A Chrysler Charger E55 and this Monaro.
After being approached by Shannons this Monaro is featured in their Shannons Club Members Cars as Episode 54 having been photographed as a day long picture shoot. The HQ site is reported as the most viewed episode!!
More recently, again at the request of Shannons the Monaro was invited to be part of their End of an Era Video shoot compared by Shane Jacobson and recently released for public viewing on their Web site.
The Monaro is presently, and has been between Shoots, on display at the Holden Museum in Trafalgar, Victoria featuring at their special events or displayed in pride of place for visitors.
A most reluctant sale but it is time for someone younger to appreciate, use and display this amazing piece of Australian Motoring history!