Claiming that any aging classic is in as-new condition is bold and risky. There will invariably be nay-sayers popping out of the woodwork, quick to highlight the smallest flaw or imperfection. That brings us to this 1986 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS. The seller makes bold claims about this car, and they appear to be largely on the money. Adding to its appeal are a known ownership history and an extremely low odometer reading. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder T.J. for spotting the SS listed here on Craigslist in Cypress, Texas. The seller set their price at $34,500, so let’s take a closer look to see what the new owner receives for their money.

This is not the first 1986 Monte Carlo SS we have seen at Barn Finds, and it almost certainly won’t be the last. However, it is one of the nicest original and unmolested survivors we have seen recently, helping it to catch the eye of enthusiasts seeking their slice of retro 1980s charm. The seller supplies several close-up shots of the Code 19 Black paint, and there is little worth criticizing. It has a wonderful depth of color and shine, with no significant chips or marks. The seller raves about the car’s “like new” condition but qualifies this by mentioning a small panel imperfection that doesn’t show in the supplied photos. The SS is said to be a survivor, making the crispness of the stripes and graphics particularly noteworthy. There is no evidence or mention of rust and no pitting on the original alloy wheels.

The automotive industry had spent many years dealing with plastic trim by the time this Monte Carlo rolled off the line, but it continued to be an inexact science. Certain plastics worked better than others, especially when longevity was a factor. Therefore, finding a car from this era with broken and crumbling trim is pretty common. However, this SS has avoided those pitfalls. There is no evidence of deterioration or signs that UV exposure has exacted a heavy toll. Even the prone console lid is in good order, while the distinctive Gray cloth is free from any problems worth mentioning. The interior remains unmolested, which is refreshing since many of these classics have been lumbered with additional gauges and aftermarket stereos. This car retains its original AM/FM radio/cassette player, along with air conditioning, power windows, power locks, cruise control, a tilt wheel, and remote exterior mirrors.

This Monte Carlo emerged during the mid-1980s, a time when the term “muscle car” had a very different meaning from almost every other era in automotive history. Manufacturers were learning how to cope with dwindling engine power, and what technologies were required to claw back performance. Therefore, the 180hp and 225 ft/lbs produced by this car’s 305ci “HO” V8 is about what buyers expected in 1986. Chevrolet didn’t offer buyers a manual option, with a four-speed self-shifter sending the power to the rear wheels. The ¼-mile journey took 16.3 seconds as the SS worked its way to 127mph. Those figures bring us to an interesting point to ponder. Chevrolet introduced an Aerocoupe version of the 1986 Monte Carlo SS as a homologation special for NASCAR competition. It was designed to be more aerodynamically efficient and to provide greater downforce than its sibling. However, it could only deliver a 17-second ¼-mile ET, and the engine ran out of breath at 119mph. That was surprising, but its cause wouldn’t have been helped by the additional 90 lbs it carried compared to a regular SS. The seller indicates that this Monte Carlo has a genuine 10,800 miles showing on its odometer, without mentioning verifying evidence. It has a known ownership history that could make confirmation possible. It retains many of its factory components, including the belts and hoses. The seller uses the Monte Carlo for short journeys to shows and special occasions, suggesting it is a turnkey proposition.

A known ownership history is often viewed favorably by potential buyers, and this 1986 Monte Carlo SS ticks that box. The seller has been its custodian for nine years after buying it from the original owner. That should make verifying the odometer reading and other facts about this classic possible. That brings us to the subject of the price, and whether the seller’s figure is justified. The ’86 Monte Carlo SS is one of a range of classics that suffered a drop in 2024, but it was a fairly mild correction. There is no evidence of the trend reversing, although it is best to never say “Never” in the classic world. The seller’s price sits at the top end of the market, but it could be justified if the odometer reading is verifiable. Are those factors enough to convince you to pursue this SS further?