The impact of the first Monaro will not be forgotten by anyone who swivelled in the street to watch it go by or pressed against the showroom window for a longer look.

A product of a brand new Holden design studio, the HK Monaro coupe took a spectacular design direction that was profoundly influenced by automotive trends in the USA.

Its striking roofline was modelled on the front drive Oldsmobile Toronado coupe, which was the most sensational US release in 1966 and remains a 20th Century styling beacon. The Monaro shared the same rear pillars, which blend seamlessly into the rear quarter panels, and an almost constant slope from rear window to bootlid. Other Toronado features, like the stylish rear wheel arch blisters, also worked well on the more compact Monaro.

Exterior GTS detailing included a tail panel strip that replicated full-width tail lights, offset bonnet and side stripes, cooling slots in the front guards, stainless steel full wheel covers and grille blackouts. Inside, there were new stitch patterns, ventilated trim, an alloy-spoked steering wheel, centre console and other cabin details that were a moonshot away from anything seen inside a Holden before.

There were no less than 19 Monaro engine and transmission combinations, including the 161 (2.6), 186 (3.0) and 186S sixes as well as 307 (5.0) and 327 (5.4) Chevrolet V8 power.