On Sunday 5th January 1975 the bulk carrier Lake Illawarra collided with the Tasman Bridge, 127 metres of the bridge collapsed into the Derwent River, along with 4 cars. 12 people died. Frank and Sylvia Manley were driving on the bridge that night and almost went over as well. Their 1974 HQ GTS Monaro coupe sat with its front wheels hanging over the edge. The car was 2 months old at the time.
The Monaro has be forever placed in Australian History as a true survivor of this honorific tragedy.