Build Date: 1974
Make: Holden
Model: HQ Monaro GTS
Body Type: Coupe
Transmission: Manual
Exterior / Interior Colour: Barbados Green (15827) / Doeskin & Black (38Z)
Engine Type: 308 5.0 Litre V8
Odometer: 99679 Kms Showing
VIN / Chassis No.: DHQ09153S
Engine Number: QT473540
Fuel: Petrol
Every now and then, a car comes along that doesn’t just represent a chapter of Australian motoring history, its the story and heritage. This 1974 Holden HQ Monaro GTS Coupe, affectionately known as “The Q-Car,” is one of those rare examples, an unmolested survivor that speaks to a different era, and to the lucky few who really understand it speaks volumes.
Finished in the unmistakable Barbados Green with a black vinyl roof, bold black GTS stripes, and wearing its aged patina with pride, the Q-Car was a feature car in Survivor Car Australia magazine’s celebrated 2017 article, “The Great Tassie Road Trip.”
Ordered new through Motors (Holden) of Hobart in 1974 as a ‘special order’, the Q-Car was optioned up with some visual punch, an unusual build that turned heads even when new. The salesman, Roly Sloane, who facilitated this special order knew he was putting something unique together. The bright Barbados Green, a colour usually reserved for the Torana SL/R 5000 L34, contrasted boldly with the black vinyl roof and GTS stripes, while inside, the parchment vinyl and houndstooth cloth interior added a touch of class rarely seen in muscle coupes of the time.
Under the bonnet lay Holden’s faithful 308cid (5.0L) V8, equipped to a tough 4-speed floor-shift manual, making this car not only visually handsome but with the bloodline of a 1970s muscle car.
The Q-Car lived a mostly quiet life in Tasmania, after changing hands in the early days, the second owner parked the Monaro in 1986 and there it sat covered in dust, but untouched. Hidden away from the world for over two decades it was a true barn find.
A passionate enthusiast became the car’s next custodian and with great skill and care sympathetically recommissioned it. In 2017, the car found its current owner, who embraced the role not just as an owner, but as a custodian. Since arriving on the mainland, the Q-Car has made select appearances, including at the Survivor Car and Barn Find Show Spectacular in 2018 at Shannons, where it was guaranteed to draw crowds. It remains one of very few genuine matching numbers 80837 coded HQ Monaro GTS Coupes that hasn’t been restored, modified, or altered into a shadow of its former self. Holden Historical services production report is provided verifying it is a matching numbers example, still fitted with the original Air-Chief radio cassette, Electric aerial, remote drivers mirror, original interior, carpet, boot mat, vinyl roof and mudflaps.
The original issue Tasmanian number plates will be made available to the purchaser, also provided is a copy of both editions of Survivor Car Australia magazine that the car featured in. An exact custom replica scale model and a spare set of Hurricane Day Two wheels and tyres is also included.
This Holden HQ Monaro GTS Coupe is not just an Australian classic, it’s a part of history that represents a bygone era when these cars were driven in rain hail or shine and would be a vital part in day to day life. This one is now ready to be preserved for the next chapter in its remarkable life showing 99679 Kms. “They’re only original once!”
This vehicle is located in our facility in Melbourne, for further information please contact Dave Hosking 0474 182 002 or Jason Todd 0400 321 919.
To protect your investment vehicle bidders should consider at a minimum replacement of fuel, oil, fluids, filters and thorough brake inspection as vehicles may have been stationary for some time. Vehicles are sold as is off the floor – unregistered. Please check photos carefully for vehicle condition. No warranty expressed or implied, sold with all or any faults, and here applicable sold with Australian Government Import Approval. JY37
