As a rush of new European models entered the market and Australians were presented with a wider range of choices in general, the HJ Monaro upgrade had to satisfy a more demanding enthusiast buyer.

Introduced in October 1974, the HJ Monaro GTS offered extra comfort, a comprehensive sports instrument panel of its own and greater emphasis on body detailing to further distinguish it from other models. Beefier HJ styling was matched by extra-strength bumpers. The four-headlight Monaro LS coupe became the new entry level Monaro and the GTS continued as a single headlight coupe or four door sedan. All HJ Monaro coupes retained the HQ's rear styling.

More imposing than its predecessor, the four door GTS featured a prominent, blacked-out grille, bigger wraparound rear lights, more aggressive side vents and decals. Full foam high-backed seats came in a variety of trims, including herringbone with a red centre stripe. The GTS instrument panel featured multiple ventilation outlets and clear recessed instruments with international symbols.

The first factory front and rear spoiler options gave the HJ GTS real presence, the deep rear spoiler and new tail lights in particular bolstering its sloping boot line. As the imported Chevrolet 350 was de-tuned to meet US anti-pollution legislation, it no longer made sense as a premium performance option. Instead, Holden boosted the compression ratio of the local 308 to close the performance gap. The automatic 308 gained the Turbo-Hydramatic 400 from the previous GTS 350.