As I pass the man taking in the bright blue Holden Monaro in immaculate condition, I hear him sigh. I think I know what he’s going to say. “I used to have one of those,” he tells me nodding his head towards the 1968 HK GTS Monaro “I sold years ago when I thought I needed the money.
I regret it to this day.” We’re at the Mildura Holden Motor Museum and I’m sure this bloke’s tale of woe is repeated several times a day at this tourist favourite for both Holden enthusiasts and just those who appreciate classic cars or enjoy a trip down memory lane. Each car has a placard detailing its individual history as well as general information about the model.
I learn that the HK Monaro set buyers back a hefty $3796 when it came off the production line in 1968. Online sales now range around the $150,000 mark and well north of $200,000 for immaculate, original condition. The bloke wont answer and instead just silently shakes his head when I asked what he sold it for, best leave the matter alone now I think.
As I glance around the showroom floor set-up as a timeline, the earliest models at the entrance through to the latest as you leave, I spot many first cars that my mates had. The eternally stylish EJ, the brutish front end of a WB that adorned my mate’s first ute (that was definitely not driven in the respectful way these now historic cars surely deserve) and there’s even a VK! These were a dime a dozen what feels like not long ago, surely they’re not collectors item.