Dean Rickard's 69GMHT Holden HT Monaro GTS

There’s very few cars that instantly make you think of ‘Straya’ than a Holden Monaro. And in terms of rebuilt and improved classics, Dean Rickard’s 1969 Holden HT Monaro GTS is right up there with the best.

Currently doing the show scene right around Australia, Dean’s Monaro has been to events such as Red CentreNATS, Rockynats, MotorEx, and more. It's headed to Summernats 35 in January and then it’s even heading over west to Motorvation 37 in Feb!

The car is built to be a driver, and Dean does just that. Dean said he had a blast cruising it around Alice at Red CentreNATS 08, and even took it for a blast down the drag strip on the hunt for the top gong Grand Champion award. Make no mistake about it, Dean intends on driving his LS3-powered Monaro.

Down Town Kustoms are responsible for the car and how it is today. Originally a 307ci GTS, the HT has had every last detail on it renewed, modified or improved. It’s nothing short of a work of art. The car has also been built to suit Dean, both in taste and stature - because he’s certainly tall!

Underneath is as impressive as the outside and inside, sporting a custom designed chassis and a Down Town Kustoms front and rear end. As mentioned above, power is thanks to an LS3 6.2-litre V8 engine, but, unlike a lot of show cars we see nowadays, Dean has made sure this is a three pedal car - the Tremec six-speed manual is further proof Dean wants to run up the miles.

Step inside the car and you’ll find a pair of Mercedes-Benz SL500 bucks seats, custom door cards and an all round green theme that is extremely tasteful to the era this special model is from.

If you see Dean’s Monaro GTS at a show make sure you head over and check it out. And Also say g’day to Dean and have a chat about this very special car he’s had built.