Ross Allen
Car: Beechey Monaro tribute Hometown: Port Lincoln, SA
What is it?
“My car is a 1971 HG Monaro.”
When did you buy it?
“I bought it in 2003 as a nice base model Monaro with a 253 V8 and trimatic auto in the original brown paint with gold pin stripes.”
Why did I buy it?
“As a teenager in the late sixties and early seventies I would hang over the fence at Calder or Sandown and cheer for Norm Beechey and marvel at his car control and amboyant driving style. He was my hero when his mighty Monaro won the ATCC in 1970 beating the Mustangs and Camaros in an Australianmade and developed touring car. Years later I dreamed of one day owning an early Monaro and transforming it into a tribute to Stormin’ Norm. So it was painted in the Shell yellow and red stripes and modi ed with a 383ci V8 making more than 500hp, four-speed manual, Tru-Track LSD, improved suspension, Koni shocks and upgraded brakes. I have a set of magnetic signs to dress it up for special events like the Bay to Birdwood where I was lucky enough to have a photo taken of Norm and myself next to my car.”
What can you tell us about its life?
“The previous long-term owner was very careful with the car and because it was a base model it avoided the misuse many GTS Monaros suffered back in the early days. The body is very straight and I take pride in its presentation. It only comes out of the shed in good weather and gets plenty of spit and polish.”
How does it go?
“With loads of torque and more than 500hp it has plenty of grunt and makes all the right noises. I really enjoy driving it about with the windows down and listening to the soundtrack coming from the exhausts. I recently gave it a bit of a workout on the closed streets of Port Lincoln at Easter as an entrant in the Teakle AutoSprint. A fantastic two days with fellow enthusiasts and amazing mix of cars being driven as they should, and all safe and legal. Can’t wait till the next event in 2020.”
Anything you would like to add?
“I love the reaction I get from other people when I take it for a run. Plenty of thumbs up and admiring looks. And whenever I stop at a service station or park it around town it’s nice to chat to anyone who is interested in muscle cars and wants to share their memories of Norm Beechey or the cars they have owned.”