Bathurst & Holden HK & HQ Classics: Classic Restos Series 47

Fletch is a regular visitor to the Bathurst Motor Racing Museum at Mt Panorama and always uncovers something new. This time he catches up with Museum Coordinator Brad Owen who admits he has the best job in town playing with race cars every day.

The museum features between 110-115 cars and five motorcycles, 20% owned by the museum. The Bathurst Regional Council runs the Motor Racing Museum and acknowledges the importance of motor racing to the region. Brad confesses to being a Holden tragic and tells how his family has had a long association with Holden. The museum is a must-see if you are ever in the region, and a lap of the circuit puts the feats of race car drivers, past and present, in perspective. Fletch goes one better driving a replica of the 1965 HK Monaro GTS 327 V8 driven by Bruce McPhee & Barry Mulholland in the 1968 Hardie Ferodo 500 (miles back then). Fletch gives some interesting facts about Bruce, who drove all but one lap due to the need for a toilet stop. Speeds of up to 200 kpm and unbelievably on one set of radial tyres.No wonder the HK Monaro has iconic status.

Next is 23-year-old Johnny, who with his father has an enviable collection of Holden's from a 48-215, FJ, EH, FB, FC, WB, One Tonner, and a HD, but today it's their 1973 HQ 253 GTS V8 factory 4-speed that takes the spotlight. Restored in 2006 and resplendent in Sunburst Metallic with white bonnet/boot panels. Both the drivetrain and engine are original, but the interior restored to statesmanlike quality, a stunning example of the very popular HQ Holden.