The idea for the Monza coupe first came about when Brock & Harvey were in Germany for Le Mans and they were given a Monza as a loan car and Brock immediately thought of the potential of the car with a Holden V8 up front. So after some negotiation, a car was sent out to Australia and HDT went about modifying the car for the Australian Market. While in Europe, Brock had also worked out that he could get a semi-complete rolling shell sent to Australia as a “spare part” from Opel.
The Opel Monza was a 6 cylinder hatch back that came in for some considerable modification, but one of the features Brock liked most was the Independant Rear Suspension, which was something he wanted to see in the Australian cars.
The straight six was replaced by the Group 3 spec 5 Litre V8 which was actually lighter than the original engine and sat further back in the engine bay, thus giving the car better front-to-back weight distibution. The transmission was a Borger Warner T5 but the modifications didn’t end there. Corvette style finned callipers were added to the front, along with a new brake booster, modified steering rack and much more, but unfortunately this car would never make it into production due to the cost and hassles associated with meeting the Australian Design Rules.
VEHICLE FACTORY SPECS
ENGINE
5.044 Litre (308 Cubic Inch) HDT modified pushrod V8, Overhead vales – 2 valves per cylinder; Bore x Stroke (mm): 101.6 x 77.8; Compression Ratio 9.2:1; Maximum Power: 183.8kw @ 4750rpm; Maximum Torque: 417.9nm @ 3500rpm
INDUCTION
4 barrel Rochester Carburettor and port matched inlet manifold. HDT cold air induction system with chrome air cleaner lid.
TRANSMISSION
Borg Warner T5G 5 Speed
Ratios:
1st: 2.95
2nd: 1.94
3rd: 1.34
4th: 1.00
5th: 0.72
Final Drive: 3.15:1
CLUTCH
Single Dry Plate
STEERING
Power assisted rack and pinion
SUSPENSION
Front: Fully independant. Macpherson struts with coil springs and anti-roll bar.
Rear: Opel designed Independant rear suspension.
BRAKES
Split circuit hydraulic system with power booster.
Front: 292mm Ventilated discs with Corvette style finned callipers (Later adapted on the VL-Turbo & V8 Commodores).
Rear: 281mm Discs.
WHEELS & TYRES
Initially Opel wheels, followed by 16×7 Centra’s, then 16×7 Momo Stars.
PERFORMANCE
Standing Start
400m: 15.21 seconds
0-100: 6.97 seconds
Top speed: 215 km/h
FUEL TANK
75 Litres.
NUMBER BUILT
One Only.
PRICES
Estimated Price: $45000
KERB MASS
1390kg.
