MUSCLE WORK IS NO BURDEN

STANDING in his pristine garage armed with a can of WD-40 and poring over the chassis of his ultimate piece of Australian motoring history, it’s impossible to wipe the smile off Loris Cozzuol’s face.

It’s clear to anyone that the passion still runs deep for his fully restored 1970 Holden HG GTS Monaro, despite it being his toughest project yet.

Now returned to its former glory, or arguably better, the near $200,000 car has been listed for sale before Loris moves to his next project.

For the 67-year-old retired fitter welder, and now full-time motoring enthusiast, it’s the unusual shape of the classic Aussie muscle car that gets his heart racing.

“The first Monaros that came out were the HK, the HT and the HG,” he said.

“This was the last model of this shape and then the next shape went to the HQ, so why it’s holding its price or going up is because this shape was the first of the Holden Monaros, and they never change much.”

Loris bought the car from a private seller on the Gold Coast after they stripped and started restoring the car but ran out of money.

The interior of the car has been reupholstered in original colours, with original exterior parts, including all the chrome work, and windows that still have emblems stamped on them.

The only thing missing the original AM radio.

Loris even has the original engine, diff and transmission but has replaced it with a new driveline. However the original working motor will sell along with the car.

The car currently runs at 400 horsepower and, with its burnished bronze exterior colour, it looks and feel like driving a pack of wild Australian outback horses.

And while it’s clear Loris is proud of the time and effort he’s thrown at the project, the eventual sale will allow him to keep moving forward. is