THIS absinthe yellow and black 1976 HX GTS four-door Monaro has been completely restored to its original state by owners Tristan and Jo Michelmore.
Running a five litre 308 turbo-charged engine, a three-speed automatic transmission and a 3.08 differential, Mr Michelmore said the car was exactly how the iconic vehicle is meant to look and feel.
“A lot of the Monaros which do get restored will not have the colours quite right or have the blackouts correct,” he said.
“It is fitted with a twin exhaust which is how it is suppose to be but originally I put a large single system on it.
“We have also added a few other things just to enhance the car with stainless steel bolts right through it to make it a bit tidier.”
Mr Michelmore said the car was in a sad state when they first purchased it.
“It was over in Casterton in somebody’s backyard with two-foot high grass growing all around it,” he said.
“It was a mess with the whole front end smashed in.
“Me and my son went over to Casterton to look at it and ended up dragging it back on the trailer.”
Mr Michelmore said the restoration process was a “huge job.”
“It took three years to complete the car,” he said.
“It was nerve-racking the first time I drove the car because we put so much effort into it.”
Mr Michelmore said he had to hunt around the countryside looking for car parts.
“It was a full restoration, we totally stripped the car,” he said.
“Jo and I had Monaros years ago and have always had to the bug to build another one.
“Our son Matt helped us put the car together when he was not talking to girls.”
Mr Michelmore said the car itself was sourced easily.
“The car was built in Adelaide and a Tarpeena resident, who recently passed, bought it from an insurance company,” he said.
“I love everything about it and it would be hard to pick my favourite thing.”
Mr Michelmore said he and wife Jo limit driving the car as much as possible.
“It just helps it stay in its current condition for longer,” he said.
“Since 2010 we have only done 6500kms.
“Although in saying that when we do take it for a drive it is great fun.”
Mr Michelmore said the car was part of the South East Automobile Club.
“We have historic club registration which lets us take it for a drive 90 days per year,” he said.
“It has been entered into the Penola show and shine three out of four times and has won the best 71-79 model street sedan award three years in a row.
“It is probably built better now then it was out of the factory.”
