As a rush of new European models entered the market
and Australians were presented with a wider range of choices
in general, the HJ Monaro upgrade had to satisfy a more
demanding enthusiast buyer.
Introduced in October 1974, the HJ Monaro GTS offered
extra comfort, a comprehensive sports instrument panel
of its own and greater emphasis on body detailing to further
distinguish it from other models. Beefier HJ styling was
matched by extra-strength bumpers.
The four-headlight Monaro LS coupe became the new entry
level Monaro and the GTS continued as a single headlight
coupe or four door sedan. All HJ Monaro coupes retained
the HQ's rear styling.
More imposing than its predecessor,
the four door GTS featured a prominent, blacked-out grille,
bigger wraparound rear lights, more aggressive side vents
and decals.
Full foam high-backed seats came in a variety
of trims, including herringbone with a red centre stripe. The GTS instrument panel featured multiple ventilation
outlets and clear recessed instruments with international
symbols.
The first factory front and rear spoiler options
gave the HJ GTS real presence, the deep rear spoiler and
new tail lights in particular bolstering its sloping boot
line.
As the imported Chevrolet 350 was de-tuned to meet US
anti-pollution legislation, it no longer made sense as
a premium performance option.
Instead, Holden boosted
the compression ratio of the local 308 to close the performance
gap. The automatic 308 gained the Turbo-Hydramatic 400
from the previous GTS 350.
