Low-flying 186S

Our feature car is the ‘luxury’ version of the Holden ‘hot rod’, with the 1746 package of options. The stunning Silver Mink Premier HR 186S-powered sedan appearing on these pages is owned by Gary Gunn. An Adelaide-build example, it presents in ‘survivor’ condition having been pampered by one careful owner for the vast majority of its life. It has yet to go ‘around the clock’. Originally ordered by a retired RAAF Wing Commander, the potential performance of the car was obviously known in advance. A high proportion of these cars went to enthusiasts in both the rally and competition fields, in addition to well-connected motorists. Delivered at the end of August in 1967, the car spent its entire life in South Australia until Gary recently purchased it from the second owner.

“I’d been looking for one for a long time,” Gary explains. “I’ve always wanted to own one and spotted this car on eBay. I got it for a good price as I was prepared to go higher for one in such great original matching-numbers condition with all the books, etc. They don’t grow on trees any more and I’ve seen more than my fair share of shitboxes over time,” he enthuses. “So many of these cars have been mucked with that you really need to know your stuff.”

The black interior trim adds to the business-like presentation of Gary’s car. One wonders at the ‘low-flying’ this car did when it first hit the road…