History
I had been looking for a genuine HJ 308 4 speed GTS Monaro Coupe for over 2 years and this particular vehicle became available in 2006. The HJ was my preference as they still had pre ADR27A engines, and were now rated at 250 BHP due to an upspec 9.7/1 High Compression 308/modified cam timing. Previous QTG 308s were 9.0/1 compression and 240 BHP. Apparently Holden did this to try and fill the void left by the deletion of the 350 V8 which was now rated at 250 BHP in the last of the HQ series.
This Coupe was built at Holden’s Pagewood Factory in Sydney on 27/05/75 and the selling dealer was Reeves Garage P/L in McLaren Vale, South Australia in August 1975.
When purchased, the coupe was registered, unrestored, in good condition, still in its original Cottilion White colour, on dual fuel, with it’s origiinal, but recently reconditioned matching numbers engine. Amazingly the Coupe’s ‘Production Broadcast Sheet’ was located stuck to the floor behind the driver’s seat.
As background, a total of 5,517 HJ (2 & 4 door) Monaros were produced, however only 943 HJ “Coupes” were produced, 337 HJ LS and 606 HJ GTS Coupes, and “all” were manufactured at Pagewood. This vehicle is one of 163 GTS Coupes produced with the optional 308 and close ratio 4 speed. As verified by the “Production Broadcast Sheet” this Coupe was highly optioned with no less than 10 factory options: in addition to the 308/4 Speed (options L31 & M21) it is fitted with integrated air conditioning (Option C60) and has the solid blue tint side windows that were part of that option, Tinted laminated screen (A02), Limited Slip Diff (G80), 3.08:1 Rear Axle (GU4), Dual Exhaust (N10), Front Air Dam/Rear Spoiler (XS4), Reclining Bucket Seats (XS6) & ER70H14 Radials (QEV). Interestingly, the original purchaser of this Coupe spent an additional $1,320.00 (or 22%) of the standard list price of $6,466.00 on these factory options.
At time of purchasing in 2006, the Coupe required rust removed from lower rear window. Interior was original and in good condition, but vinyl on driver's seat was being held together by a sheep skin cover that appeared not to have been removed for many years. The coupe then received a lot of TLC, seat was repaired together with a full mechanical overhaul, lots of new parts, including HD Clutch, gearbox and shifter overhauled, new radiator, brakes, lines, dual exhaust system and power steering was fitted.
(Note 4,574 HJ GTS 4 doors were produced Vs 606 HJ GTS Coupes)
Modifications
Visually the vehicle looks standard, still fitted with GTS steel wheels, standard paint, factory front and rear spoilers. Period correct front and rear Kmac stabiliser bars were fitted, together with King springs which lowered the Coupe 2 inches (5.5cm). The unmodified reconditioned matching numbers 308 has now been removed and placed in storage. It was replaced with a HQ 308 which is mildly modified with “Mahle” flat top pistons, high performance Larry Perkins rods/bearings, L34 spec Yella Terra Heads, mild "Crow Torque" cam, Crow Lifters, High Volume Sump and Oil Pump, HEI Electronic dizzy, new Ceramic coated mandrel bend HP extractors, electric fan etc. The engine was not built to be a race engine, it was built to be a little stronger, very driveable and reliable, which is exactly what we got.
