On today’s episode of Aussie Garage, we’ve got something truly special—a stunning HK Holden Bathurst Edition Monaro GTS. This car’s journey is one of passion, patience, and family dedication, and we’re thrilled to share its story with you.
Geoff had always dreamed of owning a 327 Bathurst Monaro but never thought he could afford one—until fate intervened. While working on a building site, he met a bloke who mentioned that his dad had a 327 Bathurst Monaro sitting in pieces in a shed. The car had been untouched for 16 years, and the owner had finally decided to move it on. Geoff seized the opportunity, and the rest, as they say, is history.
Restoration Begins
The first step was to send the Monaro in for bodywork. Through this process, Geoff met the painter’s grandparents, Tony and June, seasoned car builders with a lifetime of experience. Even in their 70s, they eagerly took on the challenge of reassembling the car once their grandson completed the panel and paint. Their attention to detail is evident in every inch of this immaculate restoration.
But the family involvement didn’t stop there. Tony and June’s son, Graham, played a key role as well. His impressive mancave, filled with Holden memorabilia, is a collector’s paradise—which we’ll be showcasing in an upcoming video. Beyond that, Graham has an extensive library of Holden service manuals and parts books. Whenever Tony needed to verify parts or assembly details, Graham would dive into his archives, making sure every aspect of the build was period-correct.
Factory Specs & Immaculate Detail
Geoff’s Monaro has been restored to factory specifications, staying true to how it originally rolled off the production line. While the car came with many parts, there were still some missing pieces that needed to be sourced. The team managed to track down plenty of old new stock (NOS) components, ensuring the restoration stayed as authentic as possible.
Under the hood, the original 327 V8 has been fully rebuilt, and the engine bay is finished to factory specs. The large fuel tank in the boot has also been meticulously restored—better than when it first left the factory.
Inside, the trim is flawless. The seats and door trims were sourced from Winner Products, with a local trimmer handling the seat cover installation. Tony and June then carefully fitted everything back together. The Monaro features the iconic tacho in the console, along with its original steering wheel and radio, adding to its period-correct authenticity.
A True Showstopper
The dedication and craftsmanship poured into this build are undeniable. Every person involved has put their heart and soul into restoring this Monaro to its former glory. The result? A masterpiece that has already taken home multiple trophies for Best Original Restoration at various car shows.
But the story isn’t over yet! Next, we’ll be diving into Graham’s incredible mancave, showcasing his vast collection of Holden memorabilia, including rare books published before the first Holden even rolled off the production line. You won’t want to miss it.
So stay tuned for next week’s episode, and as always, thanks for watching and supporting Aussie Garage!
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