http://finance.news.com.au/story/0,10166,1...7-31037,00.html

THE nation's last Monaro will be auctioned for charity, marking the end to production of the iconic coupe.

After announcing the end of Monaro production for the domestic market late last year, car maker Holden said today the last of the present generation cars, a specially modified V8, would be auctioned globally through eBay with proceeds going to the Leukaemia Foundation.

The car, finished in a custom colour, will be unveiled at the Melbourne Motor Show next week with the auction running from February 9 to 19.

Holden has produced more than 47,000 of the cars in the past four years.

As well as selling them in Australia, the company has also exported the car to the US as the Pontiac GTO, to the United Kingdom as the Vauxhall Monaro and to the Middle East as the Chevrolet Lumina Coupe.

The Monaro was unveiled as a concept car at the Sydney Motor Show in 1998 and launched as a production vehicle in late 2001.

The last car came off the Adelaide production line on December 13 last year and since then has been customised by Holden's design and engineering staff.

In addition to the special paint finish it also has unique embossed wheels and special leather seats.

GM Holden chairman and managing director Denny Mooney said the car was a fitting end to the latest chapter of the Monaro story.

"Monaro is symbolic of our success locally by showcasing Holden's strength in innovation and design," Mr Mooney said.

"It symbolises our commitment to philanthropy and we are extremely proud to be donating all proceeds to the Leukaemia Foundation with which we have a long association."

eBay Australia listing

With just under 6 days to go, the highest bid is currently at AUD$180,000 (USD$132,656.28).

Wow... I'm loving this car top to bottom. Even the paint remeniscent of Mopar's "Go-Mango".

SOLD! $ 187,600.00 AUD

Wow...just makes you realize, even more, how numbered the days are for the GTO.

The Last Monaro was bought by an Australian car collector (actually a Ford fanatic). As soon as he receives it, the car will be sealed in a controlled climate plastic cocoon and then stored with the his collection of Fords.

The Last Monaro was bought by an Australian car collector (actually a Ford fanatic). As soon as he receives it, the car will be sealed in a controlled climate plastic cocoon and then stored with the his collection of Fords.

From the Holden Web site:

THE VERY LAST MONARO TO SHINE IN EMERALD

The country Queensland businessman who bought the very last current generation Monaro in a global auction will today see his historic coupe for the first time.

Darryl Mattingley, from Emerald in Queensland , was the highest bidder when the unique coupe was auctioned on eBay.com.au from 9 to 19 February.

His last minute bid of $AUD 187,600 was three times that of a standard CV8 Monaro, which has a recommended retail price of $60,490. Ironically, he outbid another buyer from Emerald keen to secure the piece of Australian automotive history.

Mr Mattingley today received the keys to the very last Monaro, which Holden auctioned with all proceeds directed to long time Holden charity partner, the Leukaemia Foundation.

Mr Mattingley is a life-long car enthusiast, who has bought and restored a number of cars. He doesn’t plan to drive the car, but will instead ensure it appreciates by keeping it in ‘cold storage’.

“I think, being the last in the line, it will be a great investment. I also wanted to buy the car because the money is going to such a good cause.”

The Leukaemia Foundation was also present at the handover event, to receive the proceeds of the auction. Adrian Collins, CEO of the Leukaemia Foundation, was delighted with the result.

“ The Leukaemia Foundation is thrilled to have been chosen to receive the proceeds of the last Monaro sold and we sincerely thank both Holden and the Mattingleys for their overwhelming generosity.

The incredible $187,600 donated will ensure the 11 Holden patient cars can continue to provide this vital service to patients and families for the next two years. In 2005, Holden's contribution assisted more than 3000 patients and families and covered more than 250,000 kilometres."

The last Monaro was one of eBay’s most successful auctions. The amount bid has set a new Australian record for an item sold on eBay.com.au. eBay spokesperson Angie Cursley said,

“The last Holden Monaro makes a true Australian icon the most expensive item sold on eBay.com.au and it’s fantastic that it’s sale has raised so much money for charity.”

The auction on eBay.com.au was viewed by more than 300,000 Australians and more than 160,000 people looked at the car specifications on the “About me” page. The last Monaro was also the most watched item on eBay.com.au throughout the auction with more than 10,000 watchers.

This auction was verified by trading assistant GoingGone, helping charities raise money on eBay.