DIECASTDESIGNS -Diecast Models
A JOURNEY INTO DIECAST RESTORATIONS AND MODIFICATIONS - by Diecastdesigns
Diecast Models - TRAX HOLDEN MONARO
More coming
Trax is an Australian producer of diecast models. The models are made in China but are of a good standard and are collectables not toys. The Holden Monaro is an Australian vehicle that was only produced as a two door coupe. It was an Australian "muscle car" and full size cars are still sought after and are not cheap. Many diecast makers produced Holden Monaro's but I have only restored or modified Trax versions. The first model was the HK Monaro and I managed to obtain a number of unpainted versions. From these I have repainted or modified those that you see below. The next model was the HT which was very similar in appearance but had scoops on the bonnet. Future models never had the same appeal as the original two which are the most sought after today.
As mentioned this is an unpainted version of Trax's HQ Holden Monaro. It came complete with windscreen, windows and interior. The base was screwed in which made it easier to take apart and work on. All models were fully disassembled repainted and or modified and then put back together.
Not quite a Holden colour but typical of what they look like as a standard Monaro. Exterior and interior painted and stripes added.
Side view
Rear view. The car never came with two sets of twin exhausts. Generally either a single exhaust in the 6 cylinder model or twin in the V8 (from memory)
I do not believe the HQ Monaro was used as a Police vehicle. I think the HT Monaro was used by Highway Patrol. In any event I created this model in the fashion it might have been in those days (1968). The fittings on the roof were also made as a one off.
Side view
Rear view
A front air scoop has been moulded and added to the bonnet of this model. It has been painted in a Chameleon red/gold paint. Wide wheels and tyres and dual exhaust pipes complete the modified look.
Side view. The Red in the paint shows well in this light.
Rear view. The variation can be seen in different lights, hopefully noticeable in the photo.
The roof was removed and the model modified to a convertible. There was never a real life Monaro convertible but as can be seen from the photos it would have been an extremely desirable model. Convertibles were not popular among Australian carmakers probably because the market was fairly restricted. Paintwork and wheels all done to give the model a bright sporty look.
Side view
Rear view enhanced with the exhaust pipes.
Another unpainted model brought to life. In this instance I added the two scoops o\n the bonnet. The later model HT Holden came standard with these and other small modifications. A dark blue metallic paint job, some gold stripes and gold hubs and the model looks very different from the others.
Side view
Rear view. Different treatment with the dual exhausts from the other models.
Another Monaro repainted with after market wheels and tyres. Metallic green?
The same Monaro repaint as in the previous photo. Looked decidedly metallic green but definitely looks Metallic purple in this shot.
The truth revealed. A Chameleon paint which changes the colour in different light and when viewed from different angles. Not two models. Just the one in front of a mirror. Great effect even more distinctive than the red gold chameleon version.