Checklist

1969 - 1970 HOLDEN MONARO GTS350

BODY & CHASSIS

GTS350s in the market today should not be suffering any degree of body deterioration at all. A bit of paint fading and crazing might be evident and due to poor preparation back when these cars were not $250,000 collectors’ items. That said and when spending such significant amounts of money, an on-hoist professional inspection is essential. Initially look for bulges and bubbles in the rear quarter panels, turret edges and sills. Make sure when the doors close they sit squarely in the apertures and certainly don’t need to be lifted to shut properly. Reproduction bumpers can be found but it may be preferable to have original brightwork repaired and rechromed.

ENGINE & TRANSMISSION

A GTS350’s value lies in its authenticity so documents confirming correct and preferably original mechanical items is essential to high prices. Cars with a non-genuine power unit, that have had cylinder head or transmission changes need to be returned to stock or suffer a price reduction. Cars claimed mechanically sound and roadworthy need to be just that, with no oil leaks, exhaust smoke (a puff at start up is OK) or reluctant oil pressure. Cars fitted from new with a fourspeed manual are more valuable than autos and harder to drive. Gear whine and vibrations through the gear-lever are common, clunks or clicking aren’t. Don’t be surprised if clutches in seldom driven cars slip or feel heavy.

SUSPENSION & BRAKES

Monaros with leaf springs worked better as competition cars than later models with all-coil suspension. Owners can use these attributes to their advantage, changing springs and shock absorbers to manage the amount of bodyroll that occurs during fast cornering and whether the ride is rock-hard or featherbed. New springs, bushings, ball joints and steering arms are available and not expensive so there is no reason why a car being sold in six-figure territory should be tottering about on ancient springs. The brakes even when new were absolutely inadequate for a car of this weight and performance and the one departure from original that is almost essential involves upgrading the entire braking system.

INTERIOR & ELECTRICS

Interior condition is what sets an exceptional GTS apart from one that is average. Seat frames crack and twist so ensure they move easily on the runners and the backs lock into place. Correct trim kits in vinyl and ‘houndstooth’ are still being made and cost around $2000 plus fitting. Be prepared for old, flat seats to need new foam cushioning and perhaps a few springs as well. Windows including the rear quarter glasses need to be checked for ease of operation. Jammed mechanisms can be due to infrequent use but also a symptom of water entry and rust.