THOSE in the market for a brand new CV8 Monaro would probably think they’re about 16 years too late, but if you are, then we have good news – Project Monaro is back up for grabs!
If you’re unaware, Project Monaro was a giveaway car built by Holden in 2019. The company purchased a second-hand 2004 VZ CV8 Monaro before completely pulling it apart and rebuilding it with a bunch of custom, one-off touches.
The LS1 was rebuilt by Maurice Fabietti from Fabietti Race Engines, with a hot GM Performance cam, CNC-ported and shaved heads with a raised comp ratio. The 4L60-E slushbox was rebuilt with Holden parts, as was the LSD diff.
All the suspension bushes and gubbons were replaced and a set of custom-tuned shocks and springs from Red Bull Ampol Racing were added, along with beefier AP Racing stoppers and limited-edition HSV wheels.
Former Holden designers Jeff Haggerty and Peter Hughes had a hand in penning the custom interior and exterior, all of which are one-off parts exclusive to this car. The trim was completely redone, the boys 3D-printed lips and spoilers, and a coat of PPG Panorama Blue Suede satin paint was laid down, a colour custom mixed just for this car.
Street Machine documented the build process from start to finish in conjunction with Holden, and Supercars legend Craig Lowndes presented the video series and also put the car through its paces at Holden’s old Lang Lang proving ground (see video above). We were also treated to a white-knuckle squirt around the ride and handling track at the Lang Lang with former Holden engineer Rob Trubiani, so we can personally attest to how well this thing grips, goes and stops.
With new driveline, suspension, brakes, interior and paintwork, Holden effectively created a brand new CV8 in 2019, and it hasn’t changed at all since then.
The winner of the giveaway was David Littlewood from Littlewood Smash Repairs in Parkes, NSW. “I didn’t believe them at first when I got the call, but I was ecstatic when I properly found I was the winner, it was a thrill to win it,” he says.
David admits he’s barely used the car since winning it, though, which is why he’s put it up for sale. “It’s probably only done 50km since I got it; I’ve taken some close friends and family for a few quick squirts and that’s about it” he says. “I’m too scared to use it because of how unique it is, and I have my ’69 Mach 1 to drive for fun instead.”
The car is up for grabs for $165,000, and you can view the full for sale listing here or call David at Littlewood Smash Repairs on (02) 6862 3555.
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