New book.."monaro magic".

[Pickles]

A new book is to be released within the next 6 weeks/ 2 months.
It is called "Monaro Magic", & is written by renowned Holden man, Norm Darwin. It will be a 260 page hardcover book with a forward by Warren Turnbull whose name would surely be familiar to all Monaro fans.
This book could prove to be the new Monaro "Bible", & gives full specs/details of all Monaros & their HSV derivatives etc from HK to VZ.
The appropriate website is www.handpub.com.au
It's certainly going to be a "must have" for me. I'm a member of the Monaro Club and I'm aware of others who are very excited about this book's release.
I just thought that some of you GTO/GTS owners may be interested, & I suppose anyone else, who's interested in Australian Motoring history!
Cheers, Pickles.

[HSV590]

Good find Pickles, will have to grab myself a copy too I think...
Cheers
Mark

[Smitty]

.....cool Pickles
wondered what Norm has been up to .....
look forward to the book !

[BLQWN]

Just in time -my Monaro bible (by Warren) has just about fallen apart from overuse!
cheers

[Gee]

It's a good time for great Holden books, hot on the heels as this is of Terry Bebbington's '60 Years of Holden'.

Shame it's not likely to happen, but have always wished there was a revised edition of Turnbull and Stewart's Monaro Story / Monaro Facts - would have been superb if it had example images (i.e. models, paints, trims, stripes, badges etc etc.) and a better overall presentation.

What I am hearing of this new book is it may be just that.

[mrzee]

I'll be able to buy my own chistmas present.

Cheers

[v8dude78]

mmmmmm think i might of found the old mans x-mas present

[Pickles]

Just in time -my Monaro bible (by Warren) has just about fallen apart from overuse!
cheers
G'Day Chris,.....Yes, the book that you speak of certainly is a collector's item.
I've actually handled one, but they're so valuable that I hardly dared open it...I think examples in mint condition go for around the $1000 mark!
But nothing like the new book has ever been done......and as the author has had access to Holden & HSV records etc, this publication could become the "new" bible.
Cheers, Pickles.

[Gee]

Pickles from memory the last couple I've seen on ebay and an another for straight sale on another Holden site went for quite a bit more than $1000 - amazing but the ultimate resource for the Monaro collector.

I have the 'bible', but thankfully also a full pdf for when I actually want to read it :)

[Ellistwo]

$111 = cheap. My cheque's in the mail.

[Pickles]

Pickles from memory the last couple I've seen on ebay and an another for straight sale on another Holden site went for quite a bit more than $1000 - amazing but the ultimate resource for the Monaro collector.

I have the 'bible', but thankfully also a full pdf for when I actually want to read it :)
Not a bad idea!!!
Do you have a Monaro?....If so, what type?
Cheers, Pickles.

[Red CV8 R]

I think I will need to pick up a copy of this!

Thanks for the tip Pickles



:goodjob:

[Gee]

Yes I do Pickles, like my coupes a little older though - HQ.

unless my numbers come up :lol: not sure I'll ever fulfil my desire for an HK in the collection.

[Smitty]

Pickles from memory the last couple I've seen on ebay and an another for straight sale on another Holden site went for quite a bit more than $1000 - amazing but the ultimate resource for the Monaro collector.



someone has just paid $800 for a copy (un - numbered and in good used cond) on EvilBay

There is another copy for sale at a bargain Buy It Now price of...........
$1250 plus post :confused:

[Pickles]

someone has just paid $800 for a copy (un - numbered and in good used cond) on EvilBay

There is another copy for sale at a bargain Buy It Now price of...........
$1250 plus post :confused:

Yeah, well......absolutely correct Smitty.
So, I say this book will be an absolute bargain.....doesn't matter whether you own a Monaro/GTO/GTS etc etc,....this book is top value for your dollar if you're into Aussie Motoring history,...... of any description!!
Cheers, Pickles.

[signature coupe]

thanks pickles,just ordered one for myself,should be nice leather bound

[Pickles]

thanks pickles,just ordered one for myself,should be nice leather bound

No worries...can't wait to get my own copy!
Cheers Pickles.

[Ellistwo]

This must be just around the corner?

I'm quite looking forward to it.

[Gee]

Also a bit of a plug for "Dr" Terry Bebbington's '60 Years of Holden', having had a look over the book and chatted with the author this week.

The latest edition (i.e. after his '45' and then '50 Years of Holden') has tonnes of information and pictures for the Holden enthusiast - everything covered from 48-215 to VE.

[Pickles]

This must be just around the corner?

I'm quite looking forward to it.

So am I!!!......It will happen within the next 4 weeks....could even be on sale at the All Holden Day, but I'm not sure about that......but don't worry.....for all enthusiasts, it will be worth the wait!
I will advise as further info comes to hand.
Cheers, Pickles.

[bladerunner]

someone has just paid $800 for a copy (un - numbered and in good used cond) on EvilBay

There is another copy for sale at a bargain Buy It Now price of...........
$1250 plus post :confused:

ive been offered nearly $2000 for my copy- the monaro story - but im not interested..yet, ive carefully flicked thru it occasionly to find info for munro owners and buyers, but its also usefull for checking codes on other models as well ..paint,trim ,driveline etc...

[Pickles]

Monaro Magic was on sale at the All Holden Day yesterday, so I grabbed a copy & caught up with the author, Norm Darwin....great bloke & an AWESOME book.
This book is beautifully presented, with some top original Holden images, and also some current classics. And the information contained in it?......What can I say?....just that there's a HUUUUUUUUUUGE amount of info there, on every model, all in chronological order.
If you're into Monaros or just a motoring enthusiast, this book is a "must have".
Cheers, Pickles.

[Red CV8 R]

Sounds good Pickles.

How much of this book is dedicated to the newer models? Does it have some rare information on the newer stuff or is more focussed on the early cars with a little bit on the new models?

Thanks

[Ellistwo]

Now I'm champing at the bit. Dunno why us guys who paid in advance shouldn't get a signed pre release though.

[Smitty]

Monaro Magic was on sale at the All Holden Day yesterday, so I grabbed a copy & caught up with the author, Norm Darwin....great bloke & an AWESOME book.
This book is beautifully presented, with some top original Holden images, and also some current classics. And the information contained in it?......What can I say?....just that there's a HUUUUUUUUUUGE amount of info there, on every model, all in chronological order.
If you're into Monaros or just a motoring enthusiast, this book is a "must have".
Cheers, Pickles.

my order went to the publisher about 3 weeks ago
so looking forward to it..... :)

[charlie15]

picked up my monaro yesterday..maybe ill buy myself a copy:)

[Pickles]

Sounds good Pickles.

How much of this book is dedicated to the newer models? Does it have some rare information on the newer stuff or is more focussed on the early cars with a little bit on the new models?

Thanks

What is "rare" to some, may not be "rare" to others, so that sort of question requests some fairly subjective info!!!!...So you'd best look at the book yourself....however, just as a guide, pages 177-254 appear to be based on the "new" Monaro.
I've owned an Series 111 CV8, & currently own a VZ GTO (it's the yellow GTO featured in this book!), & I had a fair amount of info that I'd collected on these cars, before I saw the book......which has a heap more....but that's for you to decide!
I think the book is awesome, & at $59.95 it is ridiculously cheap.
When you guys get your copies, what about some feedback?
Cheers, Pickles.

[Toddler78]

Now I'm champing at the bit. Dunno why us guys who paid in advance shouldn't get a signed pre release though.

Yeah I tend to agree a little bit. My mum bought the book for me for xmas and spoke with the aurthor mine is being personally signed. maybe he has just got his shipment in and is in the throws of sending them all out?

[Ellistwo]

Got it. Even signed with best wishes from Norm. Thankyou Norm and thanks Pickles for bringing it to our attention.

[super coach]

Im still awaiting for mine, will it ever come.........

[Pickles]

Got it. Even signed with best wishes from Norm. Thankyou Norm and thanks Pickles for bringing it to our attention.
No worries....I think the book is really really good...I don't think anyone would be disappointed with it. I reckon anyone with any sort of Monaro/GTO/GTS etc should have a copy, plus anyone into cars, particularly Aussie cars.
Cheers, Pickles.

[Smitty]

my order went to the publisher about 3 weeks ago
so looking forward to it..... :)


woohoo...mine just arrived in a parcel Post bag :bow:

had a quick squiz flicked thru a number of pages
and some of the stuff thats in there is amazing

282 pages of ...Monaro magic
and a great Foreword by Warren Turnbull

[FITZY777]

Just ordered mine.

Must have missed this thread.

Cheers

Fitzy

[Ellistwo]

No worries....I think the book is really really good...I don't think anyone would be disappointed with it. I reckon anyone with any sort of Monaro/GTO/GTS etc should have a copy, plus anyone into cars, particularly Aussie cars.
Cheers, Pickles.

Yes the Pontiac boys get a section too.

[Pickles]

woohoo...mine just arrived in a parcel Post bag :bow:

had a quick squiz flicked thru a number of pages
and some of the stuff thats in there is amazing

282 pages of ...Monaro magic
and a great Foreword by Warren Turnbull

Have a look at the VZ GTO on page 223, & also on the "Chapters" page in the front of the book......that's our GTO......we're pretty chuffed about that!!
Cheers, Pickles.

[tmob]

just ordered a copy for my younger brother. should give him some light reading when he's not out in the shed working on his HQ LS coupe

[Toddler78]

just got my signed copy today:smilesandbanana:

having a quick look it looks good

[Leilani7]

Have a look at the VZ GTO on page 223, & also on the "Chapters" page in the front of the book......that's our GTO......we're pretty chuffed about that!!
Cheers, Pickles.


I'll bet you are!!!! , :goodjob:

Looks great :woohoo: , got my signed copy today :smilesandbanana:

[mickeyVX350]

My Missues actually bought me the Joshua Dowlong Monaro book. it is a great read too!

[Pickles]

My Missues actually bought me the Joshua Dowlong Monaro book. it is a great read too!

It certainly is....that book is more about the CV8, the new book covers all Monaros....but both are a "must have".
Cheers Pickles.

[mickeyVX350]

"Dowling" oops... typo!

Yeah, the book is great - all about the rebirth and the knock-on effects of it's design.

I might have to give the new book a look as well.

Well - the new Missus certainly passed the test...

[JET-33]

I'll bet you are!!!! , :goodjob:

Looks great :woohoo: , got my signed copy today :smilesandbanana:

signed by who?

seems like this book is recommended. i dont usually buy or read books but i might make an exception for this one :)

[Leilani7]

My Missues actually bought me the Joshua Dowlong Monaro book. it is a great read too!

Yep it is , have that one too

both good reads!!:)

[Leilani7]

signed by who?

seems like this book is recommended. i dont usually buy or read books but i might make an exception for this one :)


Norm Darwin the Author, check out" Pickles "post on page 1 ... post no 1
Explains it all :)

[korrupt]

Is this book available in stores or only online ?

[Pickles]

Is this book available in stores or only online ?

Any good motoring bookshop should have a copy..in melbourne, you could speak to David at the Motor Bookshop...he'd know all about it.
Cheers, Pickles.

[decoupe]

Just got my leather bound copy . Even smells good ..
Problem is I think I should have bought two copies as it looks that good that I don't want to get the pages dirty or creased . Should have got a hard backed copy to read and the leather one to put away to gloat to the Grandkids about in years to come !
But an interesting book , as I had a flick through it has told me how many of my Coupe were made and in what colour and also how many with different coloured trim .
Love it and thanks Pickles for letting us know it was available ...

[Ghostrider]

Heh there is a small pic of my car on page 204, looks like from when we had the cruise out to York a few years ago :goodjob: I'd only had the car a couple of weeks


............ cant find anything else on it in the book thou :confused: my paint colour isn't even listed and it certainly isnt a vz...

[mickeyVX350]

Well I went out and got it at lunch time from a little auto shop in Ballarat... The bloke asked how I knew about it, to which I said "I went to the publisher's site, and you were the first distributor".. He replied, "It's my dad!" Weird!!!

I have the hardcover sitting on my desk in plastic, can't wait to get it home to have a flick!

[Pickles]

Just got my leather bound copy . Even smells good ..
Problem is I think I should have bought two copies as it looks that good that I don't want to get the pages dirty or creased . Should have got a hard backed copy to read and the leather one to put away to gloat to the Grandkids about in years to come !
But an interesting book , as I had a flick through it has told me how many of my Coupe were made and in what colour and also how many with different coloured trim .
Love it and thanks Pickles for letting us know it was available ...
Well, that's what I did.....I've got a leather copy, which will remain in its packing box, & I have the "ordinary" copy to read. I did the same with Joshua Dowling's book.
Cheers, Pickles.

[signature coupe]

cant believe how much info. is in this book,it will definatly help wth the HG GTS build my dad and i will be doing.
only thing im dissapointed about is i ordered the leather bound copy and it says on the website limited edition,but theres no numbers,or no signature from the author,pretty poor

[mickeyVX350]

I think I am gonna get flamed here, but apart from the pretty pictures and miles of info - It is poorly written, structured, hard to follow and grammatically terrible.

The sentences are extremely long in places, no punctuation in sight and different story lines smash together, join in mid sentence, and introduce concepts. It reminds me of one of the kids coming in hyper after a day at school and blurting out their day.

For example: Mentioning the HK GTS 327, then mid sentence referring to the HG 350 which was never mentioned previously. At one stage they were referring to racing, some race from London, but in and out of different bits. It got frustrating.

I have read the first few chapters - and I hope it picks up.

For me, the giveaway was on the cover "History Holden Monaro, Coupe..etc" not "The History of the Holden Monaro"...

The pictures are worth it.

Before getting a hosing, yes I read well, and a lot! Oh, I am also a teacher...

[Pickles]

Why would you expect a "hosing" or anything else?!! You are entitled to your opinion....the same as anyone else.
I'm sure that even the author wouldn't say he's got everything absolutely correct, either technically, or grammatically 100%!, but he's simply done his best, to write a book about The Monaro ,
I love the book, it's got heaps of stuff about the Monaro that I've never seen before, nothing like it has been done before, & I think it's good value.
Cheers, Pickles.

[Gee]

Fair comment mickey... however I think most people who will buy this book will not mind and even defend the author.

While I'm not going as far as attacking anyone, it's pretty fair to say that proofreading has been inadequate and more critically failings in the accuracy of technical data are surprising.

It's a shame, could have been so great.

[BLQWN]

Just contacted Norm as to where my copy was but said he never got my email in November, oh well he has now, and both copies are on their way...

[Smitty]

I think I am gonna get flamed here, but apart from the pretty pictures and miles of info - It is poorly written, structured, hard to follow and grammatically terrible.

The sentences are extremely long in places, no punctuation in sight and different story lines smash together, join in mid sentence, and introduce concepts. It reminds me of one of the kids coming in hyper after a day at school and blurting out their day.

For example: Mentioning the HK GTS 327, then mid sentence referring to the HG 350 which was never mentioned previously. At one stage they were referring to racing, some race from London, but in and out of different bits. It got frustrating.

I have read the first few chapters - and I hope it picks up.

For me, the giveaway was on the cover "History Holden Monaro, Coupe..etc" not "The History of the Holden Monaro"...

The pictures are worth it.

Before getting a hosing, yes I read well, and a lot! Oh, I am also a teacher...

I am not going to flame you....but just remember its NOT a novel


Its a book full of technical mechanical detail and data
and thats what we want...not 'War and Peace'

[mickeyVX350]

It doesn't have to be a novel, but if you are trying to follow the storyline / development and key movers / accomplishments etc... It lacks that. I would expect it to be fluid and coherent / storylined at least.

[PC12]

Picked up my copy yesterday. Love it. Very interesting reading. Nice photos of your GTO Pickles.

PC12.

[Pickles]

Picked up my copy yesterday. Love it. Very interesting reading. Nice photos of your GTO Pickles.

PC12.
Thanks, I think the book's great.
Haven't spoken to Norm recently, but a few guys in the Monaro Club have, & apparently the book's selling very well indeed.
Cheers, Pickles.

[Smitty]

Thanks, I think the book's great.
Haven't spoken to Norm recently, but a few guys in the Monaro Club have, & apparently the book's selling very well indeed.
Cheers, Pickles.

caught up with Norm last week...book is selling very well (he's happy)
and it looks like there will be a reprint later this year :bow:

[Pickles]

caught up with Norm last week...book is selling very well (he's happy)
and it looks like there will be a reprint later this year :bow:
Fantastic.....Putting it all together would have been a hell of a job, so I'm glad it's all going well for Norm.
Cheers, Pickles.

[PC12]

Amazed to read the last GTO to come from HSV was a Pontiac on the 14Th. Checked my build date and it was the 4th. very close to the end.