THE RIGHT ANSWER
The plan Dave Bouman thought about in his idle moments, restoring a Monaro GTS 350, was going to result in a full size version of a 1:18 model he had as a child, finished as per the model in a fashionable burgundy with gold stripes. This ‘one day’ vision sustained Dave for years as he got on with the business of living life and raising a family in Dunedin, and restoring a couple of other Holdens.
He had the Monaro, or what was left of one, bought as a derelict in a paddock out on the Tairi. The farm belonged to a friend of theirs and the car belonged to a friend of the farmer’s. Dave’s wife Paula said he was in the right place at the right time, as other people were interested in buying the Monaro.
“It was a 1969 HT Monaro GTS fitted with a 186 engine and an Opel four-speed box,” said Dave. “I went up and saw him and made an offer and bought it. Glad I did. I paid $800 for that wreck as a wedding present to myself. I said to Paula I’ve got to get it.”
That was nearly three decades ago. Dave and Paula Bouman are members of the Otago Holden Enthusiasts Club and Dave is also current club president. Paula’s mint Holden HZ Premier shows Dave’s restoration talents but Dave knew that rescuing
