1975 Holden HJ GTS Monaro Coupe - Rare 5.0L 4spd - Concours Restored

1975 Holden Monaro GTS.

This 1975 Holden HJ GTS Monaro Coupe combines one of Holden's most desirable muscle-car configurations with a restoration executed to an unusually detailed standard. Finished in factory Mandarin Red over Slate Black trim with the distinctive Golf Ball insert treatment, it has the visual presence expected of a GTS while retaining the period character that makes the HJ significant among Australian performance cars.

The car was built in March 1975 and is identified as one of 606 HJ GTS coupes, with the 5.0-litre four-speed combination making it considerably rarer. The listing records only 163 examples with this engine and gearbox specification, while the Mandarin Red, black Golf Ball and red-stripe interior combination is estimated at around 20 cars. Those production details give the car genuine historical interest beyond its bright colour and familiar Monaro silhouette.

Power comes from a 308 cubic-inch 5.0-litre V8 identified by the L31 code, paired with the sought-after M21 four-speed manual transmission. The fitted engine is described as a November 1973 HQ 308 block, bored 20-thou oversize, fully balanced and equipped with a Brock HDT camshaft and roller rockers beneath original-style rocker covers. A factory-matching QT-prefixed L31 block is also supplied separately in a display case, preserving an important part of the car's original mechanical identity.

The restoration was carried out as a bare-metal rebuild and completed in 2022, with the body refinished in PPG Dulon Acrylic. Attention extends well beyond the exterior: the engine bay hardware, brackets, clips, fasteners, ignition leads, exhaust manifolds, carburettor and ancillary components are described as genuine or date-correct items. The GTS wheels were restored in factory-style Silver Metallic and Charcoal, while genuine long-tail centre caps and GTS wheel nuts add further period accuracy. BF Goodrich 225/60/R14 radial tyres complete the rolling package.

Mechanical work included rebuilding the engine, gearbox, differential, suspension and brakes. The Quadrajet four-barrel carburettor, original air cleaner, standard manifold and dual exhaust system retain the intended character of the 1970s V8 drivetrain. Following a careful initial run-in and dyno tuning process, the engine was recorded at 320 hp. A Victorian roadworthy certificate was obtained when the completed car was presented in December 2025.

Inside, genuine GMH material was used to reupholster the seats, door cards and roof lining. The original steering wheel and dashboard remain in place, with the gauges recalibrated and the clock operational. Genuine wiring looms and Utilux connectors, along with correctly finished and replated fasteners, reinforce the restoration's emphasis on factory presentation rather than modern reinterpretation.

The boot area includes a new mat, restored tools and spare, and the car is accompanied by a Holden Historical Services letter of verification. With its documented identification, rare 5.0-litre manual specification, carefully restored presentation and substantial mechanical attention, this HJ GTS Monaro represents a particularly complete example of Holden's final pre-pollution muscle coupe era.

• March 1975 build
• 5.0-litre 308 V8 with M21 four-speed manual transmission
• Mandarin Red exterior with Slate Black interior
• Concours-style bare-metal restoration completed in 2022
• VIN BHJ16866S
• Two-door coupe body with five-seat capacity
• Holden Historical Services verification letter supplied

Other highlights include Condition: Used - Concours restored; Odometer: 78,928 km; Powertrain: Petrol; Transmission: M21 - 4spd Manual; Engine or motor: L31 - 5.0L 308; Exterior colour: 568-15953 - Mandarin Red; Interior colour: 1890-18V - Slate Black.