Random # 233: Quentin's 1973 HQ Monaro Coupe

This is Quentin's ex-Western Australian 308 cubic inch V8-powered 1973 HQ Monaro coupe. It's an immaculate example of the model, featuring a four-speed manual 'box, factory air-con and all its original features. The duco is deep and lustrous (and is of an even, consistent hue, irrespective of what the following images suggest!), the chrome sparkles and the interior is like new.

Only the quad-light Premier front end differs from original spec and there's a rear spoiler, too. That item is, however, a genuine GM option from the era, as evidenced by the slight downward line at the rear of the bottom edge of that part of the spoiler that's attached to each of the car's side panels (Quentin explained that non-genuine versions feature a straight line all the way through).

The orange front indicator lens shown above is a feature of 1973 - 74 HQs (earlier editions - those produced in 1971 and 72 - were equipped with clear lenses). However, there's really very little else with which to easily differentiate HQs' year of manufacture.

The dash vent above and to the left of the steering wheel in the preceding image is evidence that this car was delivered with factory air-con, as vehicles without this option came with a plainer dash like the one shown below. Remarkably, Quentin's HQ's air-con functions well and is still filled with its original 1973 refrigerant gas.

Plain dash - no centre vent and thus no factory air (internet image)

The above shows the downward sweeping line that Quentin explained differentiates a genuine GM spoiler from an after-market reproduction

Note the straight horizontal line on the side of this spoiler (internet image)

Quentin's car will be one of possibly hundreds of Monaros that will be gathering in Launceston from all around Australia to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of the marque. The event, organised by the Monaro and GM Club of Tasmania, will be held between the 30th of November until the 3rd of December 2018. It's certain to be a great spectacle and one that UMPH hopes to cover. For more information, please go to: http://www.monarogmclubtasmania.com/ .

U M P H

(uppermiddlepetrolhead.blogspot.com.au.)

All iPhone images.

Comments

EJ or EH Holden? (Up-dated December, 2022)

EJ or the later EH? Several years ago, I posed the question: Can somebody please explain the difference between an EJ and an EH Holden ute or van? The response at the time wasn't overwhelming, so I did a bit of Googling and ferreting through my photos and came up with my own rough guide to EJ and EH identification. Sedans and wagons are easy to tell apart ; the EH's vertical rectangular tail lights are a dead give-away. However, the workhorse versions of both models share the rear-end treatment of the earlier EJ, making it harder to identify one from the other. No super obvious hints here. Or here ... . It turns out that the main clues are in the placement of the front H O L D E N lettering and GMH lion emblems, the style of the radiator grille and the width of the vents in front of the windscreen, with all EJs - sedans, wagons, utes and vans - having one combination and the EH line-up having their own . So what exactly are those diffe

Vick Auto Prima Fiat X1/9 Brakes: An Owner’s Assessment

At the end of 2022, I fitted a set of Vick Autosport Prima front brakes to my mildly worked 1.5 litre Series 1 Fiat X1/9 . I was fortunate, having picked them up at a very, very reasonable price, brand new but surplus to the needs of a fellow X1/9 Australia member who had imported them from the US. The kit included: New single pot callipers , new vented rotors (standard X1/9 front rotors are smaller, non-vented items), DOT approved stainless steel brake hoses, and all the necessary mounting hardware. They are a value proposition, being particularly well priced compared to other manufacturers’ packages - even at RRP - with everyone I’ve spoken to saying they’re made to a high standard, too. Here's a link to a piece that I wrote about them at that time, including some costings: https://uppermiddlepetrolhead.blogspot.com/2022/11/the-x19-gets-prima-brake-upgrade.html . Initial Assessment: I was a little underwhelmed by the brakes' performance, finding that although they had a tiny

Random # 301: Nanna-Spec KE36 Corolla

Once upon a time - six or seven years ago, actually - there was a lovely pale yellow GC Galant station wagon getting around Hobart. It was totally nanna-spec; its paint was umarked, the chrome work and hubcaps were immaculate, and its very original interior was pristine. Then someone stuck feathers in its dashboard. Next, the windows were adorned with Tibetan prayer flags. And a hubcap went missing. And the the rear bumper was pushed in, mangling the bodywork behind it. And a mudguard got dented. And rust set in. I fear for this sweet, innocent KE36 Corolla. Somebody please save it before it's too late. Nanna needs you to do it. U M P H (uppermiddlepetrolhead.blogspot.com.au.) Photos by GlamRock.

Upper Middle Petrol Head:

Search This Blog