With the advent of the all-new HK model, Holden introduced a two-door fastback version, badged the Monaro. The new Holden’s purpose was twofold – firstly to appeal to a younger demographic influenced by the burgeoning muscle car trend in America and secondly to provide General Motors with a frontline weapon on the racetrack. The HK range had the option of two imported V8 engines sourced from Chevrolet, the larger 327-cid unit the same small-block motor used to power the Corvette. With 250 horsepower at its disposal, the HK 327 needed a beefed-up transmission so Holden fitted the close-ratio Saginaw four-speed manual gearbox, along with a limited slip diff and power disc brakes up front. The combination of Detroit iron and Saginaw close-ratio four-speed gearbox endowed the GTS 327 with electrifying performance and the quarter mile was dispatched in just 16.2 seconds along the way to a top speed of 200km/h. Bruce McPhee, driving a privateer entry, secured victory for Holden driving his HK Monaro 327 over the vaunted Falcon GTs, guaranteeing a place in history for the model.
