Once upon a time, the “SC” in NASCAR stood for Stock Car. The category aimed for manufacturers to bring their models to the track featuring lightly modified standard body shells but with drivetrain upgrades within tightly controlled specifications. While the intent was noble, manufacturers constantly sought what is sometimes referred to as “the unfair advantage.” Because there was limited scope to extract additional power from the V8 engines within the rules, companies turned their attention to aerodynamics, with vehicles like the Plymouth Superbird as a shining example of creative thinking. NASCAR soon outlawed the Superbird and cars of that type, but manufacturers continued their quest for aerodynamic efficiency more subtly. The result was cars like this 1986 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS Aerocoupe. Only 200 examples rolled off showroom floors during that model year, and like many vehicles from that era, they became unloved. Today, good examples are climbing in value as people jump aboard the nostalgia train. Our feature Monte Carlo presents well and is a turnkey proposition for its next owner. The seller has listed it here on eBay in Madisonville, Kentucky. They have set a BIN of $28,500 but leave the option to make an offer. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Larry D for spotting this beauty.

While aerodynamics is a consideration for NASCAR competitors and manufacturers on road and short courses, it is critical when speeds climb on tracks like Daytona and Talladega. It was with a focus on those iconic tracks that General Motors turned its eye when developing the Aerocoupe. They faced stiff competition from Ford’s Thunderbird because it proved more efficient and capable of producing the required downforce than the GM models. The answer was to adopt a sloping rear window that allowed the air to flow smoothly across the rear spoiler. The result was a significant increase in downforce without the cost of extra drag. It allowed the Monte Carlo Aerocoupe to secure eighteen wins out of the twenty-nine races in that season. Arch rival Ford scored five wins, while the remaining races were split between Buick, Pontiac, and Oldsmobile. It proved one of the most dominant results in NASCAR history and helped Chevrolet justify the development costs of the Aerocoupe. Our feature car is 1-of-200 produced during 1986 and presents well for its age. The supplied photos aren’t great, but they support the seller’s claim that they recently treated it to a repaint in its original shade of White. They added the correct stripes to give the exterior an as-new appearance. The recent work means the panels are straight, with no dings or marks. The seller doesn’t mention rust, and none is visible in the supplied photos. The alloy wheels are unstained, and the overall first impression is positive.

This Monte Carlo rolled off the production line during The Malaise Era, making it no surprise that its 305ci V8 produces a modest 180hp. Buyers faced a single drivetrain combination for this model. That meant the power fed to the rear wheels via a four-speed 200-4R automatic transmission, while power assistance for the steering and brakes were standard fare. The journey down the ¼ mile was unlikely to set your heart racing. It took 17 seconds. As mentioned in previous articles, a “garden variety” Monte Carlo SS covered the same distance in 16.6 seconds, indicating that the aero upgrades offered no advantage at freeway speeds. The seller states they recently rebuilt this Monte Carlo’s engine and transmission, and it has accumulated a mere 200 miles since. It runs and drives well, although they use it primarily for shows.

I am disappointed by the supplied photos because they fail to provide an effective overview of this Aerocoupe’s interior. The burgundy cloth and vinyl upholstery look good, although a slipcover hides the driver’s seat. There are no signs of crumbling plastic and no evidence of aftermarket additions. The car has air conditioning, power windows, and an AM/FM radio and cassette player. It isn’t clear whether it scores cruise control or power locks, which would be an excellent question to ask the seller.

Some might look at the 1986 Monte Carlo SS Aerocoupe and consider that with only 200 produced, it represented a “toe in the water” approach by the company due to the radical styling. However, that figure was a deliberate target, representing the lowest production total a manufacturer could build for acceptance into NASCAR competition. The Aerocoupe proved a racing success, and Chevrolet built a further 6,052 examples for the 1987 model year before scrapping the Monte Carlo as its frontline NASCAR model in favor of the Lumina. It is unclear how many first-year cars still exist, but it would be fair to assume that a few followed many vehicles from this era to the scrapyard. The Aerocoupe shares one other trait with some cars from the 1980s, where values have begun to climb noticeably. The BIN on this one is slightly below what you might find in the current market, but if an interested party made the seller an acceptable offer, it could prove to be a bargain. Is that thought enough to make you consider pursuing it further?