BACK in 1990, Perthâs John Simunovich was just starting high school. One of his first metalworking projects was to create a brass keyring with some lettering stamped into it. While many other students most likely stamped their names, Johnâs keyring spelt out âGTS MONAROââand yes, he does still have it. Holdenâs Monaro had captured young Johnâs imagination, and, as you can see from these photos, it still hasnât let go 32 years on.
When teenage John began the search for his first car, he was adamant it had to be an HQ Monaro GTS. âMy dad said, âWell, if you want a V8, Iâm not helping you pay for anything,â which was kind of good, but kind of shit,â John laughs. âWe went looking for HQ coupes, and I foundâŚ