Named after a region in NSW, and meaning ‘high plateau’, the Monaro name has become a legend in Australian motoring. The HK was introduced in 1968, with the Monaro version being a 2-door pillarless version available in 3 models, base, GTS and GTS 327. The Holden HK Monaro could be customised with a large range of gearbox and engine options, varying from the 161 cubic-inch 6 cylinder, to the 327 V8.
The base model GTS with the 186S engine was priced at $3,060 with the GTS 327 model costing $3,790.
Being on the same platform as the Kingswood, the Monaro model shared the same fan style speedometer, but the GTS had the inclusion of a full array of gauges. The tachometer would not fit in the common layout and was placed in a unique position on the centre console.
The hero of the HK was the GTS 327, identified by the engine capacity badges on the front quarter. The GTS 327 included a Saginaw 4 speed gearbox, LSD, anti-tramp rods, 25-gallon fuel tank and was good for 250 bhp from a Chevy V8. The GTS 327 was designed for racing, and was able to achieve Holdens first win at Bathurst with Bruce McPhee and Barry Mulholland in 1968.
The HK Monaro range was awarded Wheels magazine’s Car of the Year for 1968.