Bangers and Ash: Monaro memories

2 June, 2016

This New Zealand Classic Car Issue No. 306 cover car sparked many fond memories of these big Aussie coupés, as I remember my first ‘real’ car was an HK GTS Monaro, which I proudly owned back in the early to mid ’70s. 

It was never my intention to own such an iconic car, but, after my trusty puke green 1960 Morris Minor 1000 decided enough was enough as I entered the car park of my then employer, Lamson Paragon, by refusing to change out of first gear, I decided it was a good time to find a more suitable ride. 

As I worked with several petrolheads who drove a range of different cars, from Vauxhall Crestas and Veloxs to Triumph 2000s, a variety of Holdens, and a couple of Tri-Five Chevs — remember, this was about 1973/’74 — my mind was fairly well made up: my new car had to be a V8. 

The problem was that, in those days, the minimum deposit required to purchase a car from any reputable dealer was 50 per cent, and, as I had managed to beg, scrape, save, and borrow what I thought was a reasonable deposit, the search was on in earnest for a V8 anything. 
My first stop, and all-time favourite place to look at cars and dream, was Monaco Motors in Greenlane. Rows of gleaming muscle cars — Corvettes, Mustangs, Pontiac Firebirds, and Dodge Challengers, to name but a few — beckoned, but, alas, my funds weren’t anywhere near sufficient for me to park one of these LHD monsters in our driveway, which indeed posed another slight problem — my father. 

My dad was somewhat of a Morris Minor fan — I’d had three by this stage — and he knew that I’d be safe, or as safe as any teenage lad can be, driving a Morrie. I wasn’t quite sure how to broach the subject of buying a V8, but thought that I’d cross that bridge when I got to it. 
The next stop, and again one of my regular car-spotting haunts, was Otahuhu. Car yards, one after the other, as far as the eye could see, along Great South Road, and what did I spot? Not one, but two XY GT-HO Falcons parked side by side, and, again, I knew that my budget wouldn’t allow me to park either one of these tyre-shredding beasts in our driveway either. And, although my mind worked overtime for a couple of days trying to figure out ways to buy one, it just wasn’t going to happen, short of me robbing a bank.

I’m not sure when, but sometime shortly after, I spotted a shiny blue Holden Monaro HK GTS sitting in a car yard in Hunters Corner, Papatoetoe. Its sleek lines were mesmerizing indeed, to say the least, and I knew instantly that this was the car for me. And I could afford the deposit — just. 

Even though I knew my father wouldn’t be exactly thrilled about the idea, I couldn’t wait to tell him about the stunning blue Monaro, and he was surprisingly supportive of the fact that I had found a car which I really wanted. His only provisos were that I looked after it, not speed — who, me? — and didn’t drink alcohol — not a problem. 

In hindsight, I know I should have kept it, as I watch the prices of Aussie muscle cars rocket skywards, virtually out of control like their Yankee counterparts. 

These cars were built tough. As an 18-year-old, I must admit that I wasn’t exactly kind to the bright metallic blue Aussie, and I took every chance I could to test its every limit — within the speed limit, of course.

To read more from Ashley Webb, pick up a print copy or a digital copy of New Zealand Classic Car Issue No. 306 below:


Motorman: When the top trio took to the road

What sort of cars did Chris Amon, Bruce McLaren and Denny Hulme drive when they weren’t on the race track? Motorman knows
Most top racing drivers do care about safety levels of road-going cars for everyday motorists and their all-round abilities behind the wheel. Jackie Stewart for one denied finding everyday driving boring. He took pride in giving his passengers the smoothest possible ride, and encouraged all drivers to actively engage in the task. They also make interesting choices for their transport away from competitive motoring.
Thirty years ago I spent a day with Chris Amon driving on lower North Island roads and I can remember those informative few hours as vividly as if they were yesterday. In 1983 Chris accepted a challenge from Toyota New Zealand to improve its locally assembled cars in a relationship that extended well beyond the end of New Zealand-built Toyota vehicles in 1997.

The Ayrburn Classic announces dates for 2026

Save the date: Friday 20 – Sunday 22 February 2026
That’s right. The Ayrburn Classic returns next February for what promises to be another world-class celebration, scheduled slightly earlier on the calendar to bask in Central Otago’s long golden evenings and late-summer glow. This festival will once again transform Ayrburn into a playground for car enthusiasts, food lovers, and seekers of high-end hospitality alike.
The 2025 edition set an incredibly high benchmark, and is fast becoming one of the leading reasons to visit Queenstown – amongst New Zealanders and international travellers alike. With over 250 classic and contemporary luxury vehicles on display – collectively worth more than $250 million – the festival was a visual and visceral feast for attendees.
Standouts included an $8 million LaFerrari, the latest Aston Martin Vanquish, and a fleet of dream machines from Rolls-Royce, Bentley, McLaren, and more. The event’s unique blend of elegance and accessibility attracted both seasoned collectors and casual admirers aplenty.