Past Winner Spotlight: David Pauwels’ Holden HQ GTS
David Pauwels from Queensland, took home one of the toughest HQs around, a genuine 1973 HQ GTS Monaro valued at $165,000!
Under the bonnet sits a Dart Block 427, a solid roller cam works alongside AFR 235 cylinder heads and a Holley 950 CFM carburettor to deliver an impressive 680 horsepower. The engine is backed up by a strong fuel system featuring a surge tank, Holley HP electric fuel pump and braided fuel lines.
The pure sound from the 427 comes from 1 ⅞” Pacemaker extractors that are HPC coated, flowing into a twin 3” exhaust system. Power is sent through a Turbo 400 transmission with a full manual valve body and a 5200 RPM stall converter, making it perfectly suited for street driving or track use. Out back is a 9” differential fitted with a Truetrac centre, 4.11 gears and Strange axles, ensuring the Monaro can reliably put the power to the ground.
The suspension and braking package has been carefully selected to match the performance on offer. Adjustable front coilovers are paired with a lowered rear setup, along with tubular upper and lower control arms to improve handling and stability. Wilwood brakes on all four corners provide strong and consistent stopping power to keep everything under control.
The HQ rolls on Weld V Series wheels, with 17’s up front and beadlocked 15’s at the rear wrapped in Mickey Thompson 255 radials. Inside, the cabin has been retrimmed in classic Houndstooth trim with Autometer gauges and an Aeroflow ratchet shifter. Finished in the eyecatching Tangerine with Lone O’ ranger stripes, this genuine HQ GTS Monaro has the looks, the power and the pedigree to stand out anywhere it goes.
A huge congratulations to David Pauwels, a past winner now enjoying one of the toughest street cars around.
