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After searching for some
time for a Monaro to restore, I found a 1973 HQ LS 350 Monaro with virtually every
worthwhile factory fitted option included.
A total of 216 HQ LS 350s
(81237 - L30) were built between 1971 and 1974. This car was completed on 19
October 1973
at the Pagewood NSW plant, being the 205th LS 350 HQ produced and the last LS 350
manufactured in 1973.
It is in original
configuration with all numbers matching for motor, chassis, transmission and rear
axle. Restoration will take some time.
The vehicle was delivered
new on 31 October 1973 from Suttons Motors Arncliffe NSW to Mr Wally Gregory whose
address is recorded as The Breakers, Toowoon Bay New South Wales. He owned
the car until approximately 1976 when it was sold to a family friend. The
car was driven by the second owner - a lady for the next 18 years.
Apparently the car "never missed a beat", was regularly serviced and never had
the engine, TH 400 or the diff opened up for repairs.
It was then taken
off the road in the early 90's and stored for 7 years in absolutely original
form before being sold. The 3rd owner had the car for approx. 2
years. The Doeskin vinyl roof was removed and the car roughly repainted in
its original Gunmetal Metallic colour. The 3rd owner seemed to have little
regard for the originality of the car, replacing the Corvette rocker covers and
chrome 350 air cleaner with chromed pressed metal alternatives. The motor
was also repainted in situ and over the grease in red and yellow colours.
Fortunately, the Corvette rocker covers and 350 air cleaner were in the boot
when I purchased the car !!
The future number plate
has been reserved!!

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