If you love classic cars, Australian motorsport and motoring history, the Bunbury Geographe Motor Museum in Western Australia is well worth a visit.

Located around 90 minutes south of Perth, the museum features an impressive collection of genuine race cars, Holden and Ford classics, American muscle cars, vintage motorcycles and motoring memorabilia.

Aussie Garage headed south to take a closer look.

Genuine Holden Race Cars

Some of the biggest highlights are the museum’s genuine Australian race cars.

Among them is a Holden Torana A9X race car, one of the most iconic models from Australia’s touring car era.

There’s also the tough Craven Mild HJ Monaro race car and an incredible Bond and Brock ex-race Torana, connecting the collection with two legendary names in Australian motorsport – Colin Bond and Peter Brock.

For Holden and motorsport fans, these cars alone make the museum worth exploring.

Classic Holden, Ford and Chevrolet

The collection goes well beyond race cars.

You’ll find Australian classics including an HK Monaro GTS and XR Falcon GT, along with classic Ford Escorts and plenty of other interesting vehicles.

American muscle is also represented by a wild supercharged 1969 Chevrolet Corvette.

Another unusual piece of WA motoring history is the West Australian Police Tango 3 drag car.

More Than 100 Years of Motoring History

One of the most interesting things about the Bunbury Geographe Motor Museum is the variety.

The collection stretches from a remarkable 1914 Talbot through to much more recent Australian-built cars such as the Mitsubishi 380.

There are also classic trucks and vintage motorcycles, giving visitors plenty to see beyond the traditional Holden and Ford favourites.

Motoring Memorabilia and Workshop Displays

It’s not just about the cars.

Throughout the museum you’ll discover vintage automotive signs, model cars, motoring memorabilia and historic workshop displays.

These smaller exhibits help tell the story of how Australian motoring, workshops and automotive culture have changed over the decades.

A Great Car Museum Near Perth

At around 90 minutes south of Perth, the Bunbury Geographe Motor Museum makes an excellent destination for a day trip or as part of a visit to Western Australia’s South West.

Whether you’re into Holden Toranas, Monaros, Falcon GTs, classic Fords, American muscle, motorcycles or Australian motorsport history, there’s plenty here to explore.

For us, the genuine race cars are some of the biggest highlights – particularly the A9X Torana, Craven Mild Monaro and Bond and Brock Torana.

If you’re a motoring enthusiast heading through Bunbury, put this one on the list.

Which car or motorcycle would you take home? Let us know in the comments!

#AussieGarage #HoldenTorana #RaceCars #Bunbury #ClassicCars #MuscleCars #PerthCars #AussieMuscle #AussieMuscleCars

The post Rare Holden Race Cars Found in This Incredible WA Motor Museum! appeared first on Australia's Home of Classic Cars, Muscle Cars & Automotive Events.

Produced during a period of significant change in Australia’s automotive industry, the HJ Monaro represented a shift away from the wild muscle car wars of the late 1960s and early 1970s. Despite this, it retained the sleek coupe styling Australians loved while introducing a more refined and comfortable driving experience.

In a recent Aussie Garage video, we explored six fascinating facts about the HJ Holden Monaro GTS Coupe that many enthusiasts may not know. Whether you’re a long-time Holden fan, a classic car collector, or simply passionate about Australian automotive history, these facts reveal why the HJ Monaro deserves far more recognition than it often receives.

The HJ Monaro Was Built During a Challenging Time for Muscle Cars

By the time the HJ Monaro arrived in 1974, the Australian muscle car era was beginning to change. Rising fuel costs, insurance concerns, and stricter regulations were forcing manufacturers to rethink performance-focused vehicles.

While earlier Monaros had established themselves as genuine performance heroes, the HJ version evolved into a more refined grand touring coupe. Holden focused on comfort, style, and drivability while maintaining the sporty appearance that made the Monaro famous.

This shift makes the HJ Monaro a fascinating snapshot of Australian automotive history during a period of transition.

It Was One of the Last True Monaro Coupes

One of the biggest reasons the HJ Monaro has become increasingly collectible is its place in Holden history.

The HJ formed part of the final generation of original Monaro coupes before Holden eventually phased out the body style. While later Holden models would carry the Monaro name, the HJ remains part of the original lineage that began with the legendary HK Monaro in 1968.

For collectors, owning an HJ Monaro means owning a piece of the closing chapter of Holden’s original coupe era.

Engine Choices Varied More Than Many People Realise

Many enthusiasts automatically associate Monaros with large-capacity V8 engines, but the HJ Monaro range offered several engine options depending on specification and market requirements.

Buyers could choose from a variety of six-cylinder and V8 combinations, allowing the car to appeal to both performance enthusiasts and everyday drivers seeking stylish Australian motoring.

This flexibility helped Holden broaden the Monaro’s appeal while maintaining its sporting image.

The Styling Was Subtle Yet Distinctive

Unlike some of its more aggressive predecessors, the HJ Monaro featured a cleaner and more refined design language.

The updated front grille, revised trim, distinctive body lines, and elegant coupe proportions gave the HJ a unique identity within the Monaro family. While it may not shout as loudly as some earlier muscle cars, many enthusiasts today appreciate the HJ’s understated styling.

Its timeless design continues to age remarkably well and remains instantly recognisable at car shows across Australia.

Surviving Examples Are Becoming Increasingly Rare

As the years pass, finding original and well-preserved HJ Monaro GTS Coupes has become significantly more difficult.

Many vehicles were modified, raced, dismantled for parts, or simply lost to time. This shrinking pool of surviving examples has driven increased interest from collectors seeking authentic Australian muscle cars.

As demand continues to rise, values for quality examples have steadily increased, making the HJ Monaro a vehicle that many enthusiasts are now paying closer attention to.

Collectors Are Finally Giving the HJ Monaro the Recognition It Deserves

For many years, the HJ Monaro sat in the shadow of earlier Holden performance icons. However, that perception is beginning to change.

Collectors are increasingly recognising the model’s significance as one of the final original Monaro coupes, its unique place in Australian motoring history, and its combination of classic styling and practicality.

As appreciation grows, more enthusiasts are discovering why the HJ Monaro deserves a place among Australia’s great muscle cars.

Why the HJ Holden Monaro GTS Coupe Matters Today

The HJ Holden Monaro GTS Coupe represents far more than just another classic Holden. It captures a unique moment in Australian automotive history when manufacturers were adapting to changing market conditions while still producing stylish, exciting vehicles.

Its rarity, historical significance, attractive styling, and growing collector appeal have helped cement its reputation as one of the most underrated Aussie muscle cars ever built.

For Holden enthusiasts, classic car lovers, and Australian motoring historians alike, the HJ Monaro remains a fascinating reminder of an era that shaped the country’s automotive identity.

If you’re passionate about classic Australian cars, Holden legends, muscle cars, and rare automotive history, make sure you check out the Aussie Garage video where we reveal even more fascinating details about this iconic coupe.

Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to Aussie Garage for more classic car features, rare vehicle facts, event coverage, and Australian automotive stories.

Show Us Ya Ride!

Do you own an HJ Monaro, Holden classic, or unique Aussie muscle car? We’d love to feature it on Aussie Garage. Get in touch and Show Us Ya Ride!

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The post 6 Cool & Rare Facts about the HJ Holden Monaro GTS Coupe appeared first on Australia's Home of Classic Cars, Muscle Cars & Automotive Events.