The Holden HT Monaro GTS 350 represented the highest performance version of the HT Monaro range introduced in 1969. Designed to compete with the emerging high-performance muscle cars of the late 1960s, the GTS 350 combined Holden’s Monaro body with Chevrolet V8 power and a range of performance-oriented mechanical upgrades. Positioned above the six-cylinder Monaro and smaller V8 models, the GTS 350 was built as a serious performance coupe. With stronger brakes, improved suspension and a high output V8 engine, the car delivered the level of performance expected from Holden’s flagship sports model of the period.
HT Monaro GTS 350 Engine
The defining feature of the GTS 350 was its Chevrolet small-block V8 engine which provided a substantial increase in performance over other Monaro engine options available at the time.
Engine specifications included:
• 350 cubic inch Chevrolet V8 engine
• Overhead valve V8 configuration
• Four-barrel carburettor
• Maximum power approximately 300 horsepower at 4,800 rpm
• Maximum torque approximately 380 lb-ft at 3,200 rpm
• Compression ratio approximately 10.25:1
This engine gave the Monaro GTS 350 the strong acceleration and high-speed performance expected from Holden’s top sporting model.
Transmission Options
Two transmission options were available with the HT Monaro GTS 350 allowing buyers to choose either manual performance driving or automatic convenience.
Transmission choices included:
• Heavy-duty four-speed manual transmission with floor shift
• Powerglide automatic transmission with floor console shift
Both transmissions were engineered to handle the increased power and torque produced by the Chevrolet V8 engine.
Fuel and Cooling Systems
The GTS 350 used upgraded fuel and cooling systems designed to support the higher output engine and maintain reliable operation.
Key features included:
• Rochester Quadrajet four-barrel carburettor
• Fuel tank capacity approximately 25 gallons
• Full pressure lubrication system with disposable oil filter
• Pressurised cooling system with thermostat control
• Centrifugal water pump
These systems ensured the engine maintained stable operating temperatures and reliable fuel delivery during both everyday driving and high-performance use.
Suspension and Steering
To manage the additional performance of the GTS 350, Holden equipped the car with a strengthened suspension system designed to improve handling and vehicle stability.
Suspension and steering features included:
• Independent front suspension with coil springs
• Stabiliser bar for improved cornering stability
• Semi-elliptic rear leaf springs
• Heavy duty shock absorbers
• Energy-absorbing steering column
• Recirculating ball steering system
This configuration provided stable handling while maintaining the ride comfort expected of the Monaro range.
Braking System
The HT Monaro GTS 350 was fitted with improved braking components designed to match the vehicle’s increased performance.
Braking features included:
• Power assisted front disc brakes
• Rear drum brakes
• Dual circuit hydraulic braking system
• Heavy duty brake components
These features helped provide consistent stopping power and improved braking control during spirited driving.
Interior Features
The Monaro GTS 350 included a range of interior equipment that reinforced its performance-oriented character.
Interior features included:
• Deep foam bucket seats
• Full instrumentation including tachometer
• Floor mounted gear shift with console
• Sports steering wheel
• Instrument cluster with oil pressure, fuel and temperature gauges
These features provided drivers with the information and control expected in a high-performance coupe.
Body and Dimensions
The HT Monaro body was designed as a two-door sports coupe with proportions suited to performance driving and long-distance touring.
Typical dimensions included:
• Wheelbase approximately 111 inches
• Overall length approximately 186 inches
• Track width approximately 58 inches front and rear
• Low coupe roofline with wide stance
These proportions contributed to the Monaro’s distinctive appearance and stable road handling.
While this guide helps outline the specifications and features of the HT Monaro GTS 350, the Holden workshop manuals available from Car Manuals Direct include the original specifications, adjustment settings and repair procedures used by Holden mechanics when these vehicles were new.