Holden launches Project Monaro

Tuesday, 2 July 2019

Before you get too excited, this headline doesn't mean Holden are launching a new Monaro.

The ship has sailed on the chances of that ever happening again, but this is pretty much the next best thing. Well, for one person, at least.

Holden's latest Aftersales promotion is called Project Monaro and it sees the company embarking on a 'unique restoration' of a 2004 VZ Monaro CV8, calling it a real 'money-can't-buy kind of car.' Which is true, because you can't buy it, but you can win it.

The Holden Coupe concept fired up desire for a new Monaro in 1998 and it became a reality in 2001. The VZ was an update that appeared in 2004.

Open to customers in both Australia and New Zealand, the competition will run until 31st of March 2020 after which a winner will be chosen.

**READ MORE

Craig Lowndes (or what appears to be a cardboard cutout of him) has teamed up with Holden for Project Monaro.

* Rare Holden Monaro attracts monster bid

* The real 'last Monaro' is finally sold

* Devoted Holden fan fizzing with Monaro prize**

The Monaro was also sold as a Chevrolet and Pontiac, while the HSV version was rebadged as a Vauxhall in the UK.

But the awesome car is not the only prize up for grabs as part of promotion. Holden has teamed up with motorsport legend Craig Lowndes on the project and the second prize is 'Lowndesy’s Ultimate Holden Garage', complete with tools and workshop equipment, as well as 'an incredible collection of Lowndes themed memorabilia.'

“We’re really excited to be part of this promotion as partnering with the team in Australia means we can deliver some really significant money-can’t-buy prizes such as the Holden restored VZ CV8 Monaro and Craig Lowndes Ultimate Holden Garage,' said Greg Sillitoe, Aftersales Business Manager for Holden New Zealand.

“Any customer who spends $115 (including GST) with their local Holden Dealership’s Service or Parts Department earns an entry into the prize pool.'

The restored 1969 Monaro HT Holden New Zealand gave away to celebrate its 60th birthday.

Holden says the restored Monaro will be 'as close to a brand new CV8 as possible, only reimagined, refined and improved from the ground up using Holden Genuine, AC Delco and Chevrolet Performance Parts.'

Which sounds pretty good to us

As well as teaming up with Lowndes, Holden's Port Melbourne based design team (including some of the original V2 Monaro designers) have been tasked with contemporising the car both inside and out.

The engineering team, along with the Red Bull Holden Racing Team and some key build partners, are in charge of improving what Holden call 'the big 3' performance characteristics of the Monaro – the go, stop and turn - with the aim of bringing it to current day performance standards.

Which sounds even better to us.

As part of the build of Project Monaro, Craig Lowndes will present a series of behind-the-scenes mini-documentaries that will follow the project from concept development, through body, interior and mechanical restoration and culminating in the final shakedown of Project Monaro at Holden's Lang Lang Proving Ground.

'I am truly proud to continue my long-term association with the Holden brand,' said Lowndes. 'Like many Australians, I grew up with the Monaro. It's such a thrill to be working on such a special project with the team at Holden.'

The car is, of course, based in Australia - so what if a Kiwi wins it? Holden New Zealand will have your back there - “There’s every opportunity a Kiwi winner could claim the Monaro,' said Sillitoe.

'In fact, we’ll be happy to cover the cost of shipping the vehicle to NZ if this happens.”

This isn't the first time Holden has given away a restored Monaro - to celebrate its 60th anniversary in New Zealand in 2014 the company restored and gave away a 1969 Holden Monaro HT as the prize of its 'Favourite Memories' campaign.