The HX arrived in July 1976 as the Australian automotive industry concentrated on meeting new anti-pollution requirements. There was no Monaro coupe in the new HX line-up, but the name was emblazoned on a single, extroverted GTS four door. Its bright colours, large GTS decals, colour-keyed mirror and bumpers, integrated body-coloured spoiler options and optional bonnet black-out made it the most distinctive of all four door Monaros. A substantial, long distance grand tourer, it retained the longevity and built-in toughness of the HQ series while adding greater comfort and extra appointments. These included a new multi-function column stalk that replaced the floor-mounted dipswitch, controlling headlight high/low beam as well as windscreen wipers and washers.
Holden HX LE Coupe
1976
This final coupe was exceptional and exclusive enough to ensure that the original Monaro concept had an appropriate send-off. Although the limited edition LE coupe did not carry the Monaro nameplate, Holden fans regard it as a true blue member of the breed.
The LE arrived in August 1976, almost two months after the HX series release. The run of just 580 LE coupes was produced at Holden's Pagewood plant in Sydney, which specialised in the exacting low volume assembly of luxury Statesman and Caprice models. It was a fine tribute to the Monaro heritage that these last coupes were custom-built as top-shelf Holden models.
The LE appeared with gold pinstriping and lettering over an arresting shade of metallic crimson and sported unique gold-finished 14x7-inch polycast wheels. It came with a 308, Turbo-Hydramatic and Salisbury limited slip differential only, all high-performance Monaro hardware. Outside, it featured the four headlight (quartz halogen) HX Premier front and integrated, colour-keyed front and rear spoilers. The passenger compartment combined GTS features with a walnut finish dash fascia and centre console, with crushed velour and cloth trim. Its comprehensive equipment listing included power windows, power steering, power aerial, integrated air conditioning, heated rear window, quadraphonic eight track cartridge player and tinted windows.
DATE OF INTRODUCTION
July 1976.Limited Edition (LE) Two Door Coupe released August 1976
MODELS
8WQ69 Monaro GTS Four Door Sedan.8WQ37 Limited Edition Two Door Coupe
PRICES AT TIME OF RELEASE
Monaro GTS 4.2 litre V8 and four speed manual - $7016TOTAL NUMBER BUILT
Monaro GTS Four Door Sedan: 110,669LE coupes: 600
ENGINES
4.2 litre L32 (253 ci HC)Bore and stroke:3.625 inches (88.8 mm) x 3.062 inches (75.0 mm)
OHV with hydraulic lifters, single camshaft
Twin barrel Stromberg carburettor
Power output (DIN) 120 kW) at 4550 rpm
Torque (DIN) 325 Nm at 2600 rpm
Compression ratio 9.4:1
5.0 litre L31 (308 ci)
Bore and stroke:4.0 inches (101.6 mm) x 3.062 inches (75.0 mm)
OHV with hydraulic lifters, single camshaft
Four Barrel Rochester 4MC - 4MV Carburettor
Power output (DIN):161 kW at 4800 rpm
Torque (DIN):400 Nm at 3100 rpm
Compression ratio 9.7:1
TRANSMISSIONS
M20 3.05:1 first 4 speed
M21 2.54:1 first 4 speed
M40 Tri-matic
M41 Turbo-hydramatic 400
REAR AXLE RATIOS
| G70 | 2.60:1 | |
| GU4 | 3.08:1 | available with 4.2 and three or four speed manual transmissions or Trimatic and 5.0 with four speed manual or Turbo Hydramatic. |
| 2.78:1 | available only with 5.0 and Turbo Hydramatic | |
| GV4 | 3.36:1 | available with 4.2 and three or four speed manual and 5.0 and four speed manual or Turbo Hydramatic |
| GV7 | 3.55:1 | available with 4.2 and four speed manual or Trimatic and 5.0 and four speed manual. |
BRAKES
Front : Power assisted discsRear : Power assisted discs
WHEELS
6.00JJx14 standard, 7.00JJx14 optionalINSTRUMENTS/CONTROLS
Speedo, fuel gauge, water temperature, clock, oil pressure gauge, battery charge indicator as well as brake, hand brake, generator and oil pressure warning lightsEXTERIOR DIMENSIONS:
Total length (inches/mm):190.3 inches (4834 mm)Total width (inches/mm):73.9 inches (1877 mm)
Total height (inches/mm) at kerb weight:53.7 inches (1364 mm)
Wheelbase (inches/mm):111.0 inches (2719.5 mm)
Front track (inches/mm):59.8 inches (1518 mm)
Rear track (inches/mm):60.5 inches (1537 mm)
KERB WEIGHT
1475 kg (3253 lbs)TURNING CIRCLE
12.1 m (39.7 ft)FUEL TANK CAPACITY
75 litres (16.6 imp. gallons)ENGINE NUMBERS
V8s - Top left of block.BODY/CHASSIS NUMBERS
Located right side front of frame.
The first four digits are the model number
8Q69 - Monaro GTS Sedan
8Q37 - Monaro Coupe
The next letter is the engine identification
R - QR 253 (high compression 4.2 litre)
T - QT 308 (high compression 5.0 litre)
The next letter is the model year
F - 1976
G - 1977
The next two digits is the assembly plant code
H1-H4 - Brisbane
H5-H9 - Sydney
J1-J9 - Dandenong
L1-L5 - Adelaide
The next five numbers is the vehicle serial number which represents the sequence in which the vehicle was built at the particular plant.
The final letter is the series code
X for HX
OTHER IDENTIFICATION MARKS
GTS SedanRectangles form grille with GTS badge in centre. Circular headlights in black surround. Black on bonnet and rear panel. Black rubber bumper inserts. Three slot vent in front guard.
Limited Edition Coupe
As for GTS Sedan except red metallic paint, no boot and bonnet paintouts, honeycomb polycast wheels and dual circular headlights. Gold 'LE' highlights.