$850,000 for a Holden? If it's a Monaro HRT 427 concept
A Queensland, Australia car collector who wishes to be known only as "Chooka," walked into a car dealership last week and plunked down some $920,000 Aussie dollars (nearly $850,000 USD) -- on a 2002 Holden Monaro. Known to U.S. enthusiasts as the Pontiac GTO, the late-model GM sports coupe is not just another example of the model, but a rare Monaro HRT 427 concept that represents one of just two that were ever built.
The Monaro HRT 427 was built by Holden's performance HSV division with a 560 horsepower, 7.0-liter Corvette C5R racing V-8 engine capable of propelling the coupe from 0 to 62 mph in under four seconds. Carbon fiber components and race-inspired brakes hinted at the car's dramatic performance (its goal was to match up with Porsche's 911 GT2). Essentially designed as a race car for the road, Holden ultimately decided that the car just didn't make sense financially and shelved the concept after two prototypes were built. The other Monaro HRT 427 is being retained by Holden as part of its collection.
Chooka is a self-professed "Monaro fanatic" laying claim to 20 examples of the model that date back to the first series from 1968. The sale price makes this Holden the most expensive Australian car ever sold.
