HIGHLIGHTS
- 1 owner from new
- Low mileage 5.7-litre V8
- Regularly serviced
- Striking ‘Devil yellow’ paintwork
- Always garaged
THE APPEAL
The mighty Monaro was GM’s born-again muscle car for the new millennia and offered some rear-wheel action aimed at the enthusiast. Relatively rare on UK roads, just 300 were made available for the UK market in 2004/2005.
The back to basics, no-nonsense design does exactly what it says on the tin and offers affordable (more power per pound) old-school performance wrapped up in a comfortable full 4-seater coupe with luggage space to boot.
This fine example has been lovingly cared for by the same owner during it’s whole life and presents a real opportunity to own a relatively rare and original UK specification Australian ‘Devil’.
THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
- 18 year ownership
- MOT until April 2023
- Full service records
The long-term owner of this striking Monaro was working in Australia in 2002 when he first set eyes on the new kid on the block being built at the Holden factory in Melbourne. Upon his return to blighty he contacted Vauxhall to put his name down for one and after a patient two year wait, became the proud owner of this fine example.
Purchased new from Vauxhall dealers Lance Owen, it was registered on the 19th April 2004 and has been enjoyed as a second ‘weekend’ car for the last eighteen years.
The service booklet has two initial stamps from Lance Owen and subsequent maintenance has been carried out by the owner’s trusted workshop, Hylands Garage, Leatherhead.
A healthy file of accompanying paperwork includes the following:
- The first and current V5’s
- The current MOT certificate which runs until the 19th April 2023
- Original Owner’s manual, sales brochures and press articles
- Service booklet
- Servicing invoices
- Taxed until the 1st October 2022
- 2 sets of keys
THE INTERIOR
- Modern ergonomic design
- Excellent original condition
- Packed full of features
The 4-seater coupe is very smooth and ergonomic in it’s appearance and is indeed a comfortable driving position. An impressive list of of standard equipment and creature comforts offers everything you need.
The stylish dash and quite modern instrumentation, GM switchgear, gear-lever and handbrake are all very clean and presentable. The central panel is good too and includes the original Blaupunkt radio/six-disc CD auto changer linked to no less than 10 speakers.
The door trims, rear side trims, headlining and carpets look fine and the anthracite sports seats are in good shape other than some expected wear to the drivers seat side bolster. There are a few minor age-related scuffs here and there, but generally speaking this interior is in great condition.
A new drivers seat belt has been recently fitted and standard features include front and side-impact bags, speed-sensitive PAS, cruise control, a trip computer, rear parking sensors, air-conditioning, electric windows and door mirrors. The list goes on… (see photo of original sales brochure).
The owner assures us that all the electrical equipment functions as it should including the security alarm and immobiliser.
At the rear, the generous fully carpeted boot space is undamaged and contains the space-saver spare and original tools.
THE EXTERIOR
- Fantastic ‘Devil Yellow’ paintwork
- Ding-free body
- Fair-weather car
The almost understated sleek styling of the Monaro certainly stands out from the crowd in it’s coat of Devil Yellow paint.
The body and panel fit is good and there are no reports of significant accident damage. The owner does point out that both front wings have been repainted in the past (although it is hard to tell), and we can see some signs of repairs to the nearside front bumper corner (see photo).
There are also some scrapes to the underside of the front bumper and the odd stone chip at the front and at sill level, but nothing serious.
The windows, mirrors, lights and trim are all spot-on, other than a scuff on the passenger door mirror, and underneath, all is clean, and from what we can see, pretty much corrosion-free.
The original looking twin exhaust looks fine and the factory spec’ 18” five-spoke alloy wheels would benefit from a refurbishment but are perfectly usable as they are. Older 235/40 R18 Bridgestone tyres, with a reasonable tread level, are fitted.
THE MECHANICS
- No expense spared
- Healthy V8
- Serviced just 424 miles ago
Clearly the main attraction of this Monaro is it’s throbbing 5.7-Litre V8. Factory figures quote 328bhp @5,600rpm and 343 Ib.ft. of torque @ 4,000rpm with a 0-60 time of around 6 seconds and a top speed of at least 160mph. Naturally fuel consumption isn’t great, but the official combined figure of 19.6mpg might be considered reasonable and up to 30mpg is reportedly achievable on a long journey.
Being a lazy GT rather than an out-and-out sports car, this rear-wheel drive Holden-built rebel delivers flexible power and torque in spades and the 6-speed gearbox assists with relaxed long-distance cruising.
New gas struts were recently fitted to the bonnet and the engine sits in a highly original looking bay with the Vin plate in-situ. Mechanical features include progressive-rate coil springs and gas shocks’, ABS disc brakes, and a limited-slip diff’ (with an ‘off’ switch!).
Having been fastidiously maintained regardless, the owner tells us that there is plenty of life left in this V8 yet and he doesn’t know of any obvious mechanical faults. He points out that it starts and drives really well, and on the open road “you’ve got so much torque”. It certainly sounded ‘sweet’ at the photoshoot.
The last interim service was carried out by Hylands Garage, in April 2021, just 424 miles ago (see photo).
SUMMARY
If you are tempted by a no-nonsense, real-wheel drive, manual V8 coupe with the steering on the right, then look no further.
With a little detailing, this Monaro could be an enthusiasts meet winner. Parts are easy to find and servicing is relatively cheap. So go on, blip the throttle and enjoy the ride!.
Notice to bidders
Notice to bidders
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