1976 Holden HX LE Coupe– Today’s Aussie Classic Tempter

By: James Robinson, Unique Cars magazine

Date: 10.07.2017

Last of the breed

The HX LE was the final iteration of the original Holden Monaro two-door, and although it never actually bore the Monaro name, most Holden enthusiasts recognise the LE as the proper send-off to one of Australia’s most iconic muscle coupes.

Released in August of 1976, the LE came out two months after the regular HX series was introduced into the marketplace.

The ‘LE’ in the cars moniker denotes Limited Edition, and the HX LE was certainly limited, with only 580 coupes being produced in total.

From its inception, the LE was conceived as an opulent, luxury focussed coupe, and as a result construction took place at Holden’s Pagewood factory in New South Wales, which focused on creating low volume, luxury variants such as the Statesman and Caprice.

Under the bonnet, power was derived from Holden’s 5.0lt V8 and was mated to the Turbo-Hydramatic three-speed automatic transmission and a Salisbury limited-slip diff.

Cosmetically, all LEs were painted a distinctive colour of metallic crimson and adorned with gold pin striping and lettering.

Inside, the LE was festooned with GTS features such as a walnut dash fascia and centre console and a crushed velour interior in a striking shade of crimson.

Other standard features included power windows, power steering, power aerial, air-conditioning, heated rear window, a quadrophonic eight-track player and tinted windows.

This particular LE has, according to the seller, been with the same owner for the past 15 years and has travelled a low 184150 kilometres from new.

The seller adds that the vehicle has undergone restoration work that has included a total engine and gearbox rebuild, respray, rust-proofing, replaced air conditioner compressor, radiator and electric window motor, new power steering pump and a completely rebuilt front suspension set up.

Thankfully, the seller also adds that the original and bespoke honeycomb rims do come with the purchase of the vehicle.

The LE is $79,990 and anyone interested in this piece of Aussie muscle history can view the full listing here.  

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