HSV GTS-R prototype for sale

You can't get any rarer or more exclusive than one of one.

The HSV GTS-R made its debut at the 2004 Sydney Motor Show, a race-prepared Monaro that was (supposedly) going to be available to members of the public as an Aussie alternative to the likes of a Porsche 911 Cup car.

Unfortunately, that never eventuated, however one car does exist and it's currently being offered for sale by Melbourne's Dutton Garage for Price on Application. In other words, if you have to ask...

The GTS-R may have been a concept but it's a working one and the level of modification over a regular Monaro makes it an extremely special car.

Under the bonnet is a tweaked LS2 good for 335kW/605Nm thanks to forged pistons, billet conrods, hotter camshaft, new exhaust system and recalibrated ECU. There's also a double-row timing chain and massive aluminium radiator to keep reliability under control.

Further down the line is a close-ratio six-speed manual feeding power to a 3.73:1 ratio spool diff. The steering rack is 10 per cent quicker than a VY GTS and adjustable dampers are by Ohlins, while the brakes are 374mm carbon-ceramic discs with six-piston AP Racing calipers up front.

Inside it's full motorsport spec, with an FIA-compliant chrome-moly roll cage, onboard fire extinguisher system, dry-break fuel cell and proper AP Racing pedal box with adjustable brake bias.

At the time HSV top brass were talking of a $150-180,000 asking price, however we suspect you'll need to add a bit to that to add the GTS-R to your collection.

With HSV reviving the famous badge for its final hero model, its appearance on the market could not have been more perfectly timed.