Some will say that the first iteration of anything is the best while others are convinced that time yields improvements. Take Chevrolet’s Monte Carlo for example, the first-gen (’70-’72) is held in high esteem with enthusiasts, especially the ’70-’71 SS 454 version. Gen-two (’73-’77) is another matter as the styling was more overt, heavy five MPH bumpers were the order of the day, and emissions control regulations zapped power output. Regardless, second-gens sold really well and today’s 1976 Landau is one of 258K assembled that year. The standout feature in this case, however, is this car’s claimed mileage recording of only 14.5K miles – that’s notable! Found in Watertown, New York, this discovery, courtesy of Mitchell G., is available, here on craigslist for $22,000.
I’ll suggest that the finish is Medium Blue Metallic and it certainly looks well preserved right along with its contrasting white vinyl landau top (and thus the model name). Interestingly, a full vinyl top covering was available, but only on the base, non-Landau model. Other Landau features included body color “sport” mirrors, Turbine II wheels, dual horns, accent pin stripping, and appropriate badging. The only non-original item noted is the inclusion of a set of Keystone Classic wheels in place of the born-with Turbine II pieces. I would be hard-pressed to issue this MC’s exterior a demerit for any reason – it does look like new.
Inside is a bit of a surprise as the seat inserts have been replaced with blue velour fabric, a two-tone get-up that was not available as an option – though white vinyl swivel bucket seats were on the checklist. I suppose this was done as a preference matter as the seats shouldn’t need to be reupholstered at 14K miles unless they were exposed to all of the wrong elements. Whatever the case, the interior is spotless – no mean feat when white is involved. Also, the seller mentions the inclusion of under-dash gauges (barely visible) and a tachometer.
The big news is under the big hood where the 175 net HP, 400 CI small-block V8 has been tweaked with headers, an open-element air cleaner, and chrome-plated valve covers (they don’t give you anymore go, I know, I’ve tried). Owing to the header swap, I’d imagine that the catalytic converter is MIA which could be an issue in states that require emission control inspections for model years back to ’76. The seller claims, “Drives like a dream. Sounds like a dream“. The sole transmission available was a three-speed Turbo-Hydramatic automatic unit.
These second-gen Monte Carlos really haven’t taken off from a collectibility, or a desirability perspective – not yet anyway. The seller adds, “A quality classic car is a diversified investment you can use and enjoy during your ownership while it increases in value“. That’s basically true, but whether that suggestion will apply to this particular car is hard to say. But if that were to be the case, this ’76 Monte Carlo would certainly be one to enjoy the increase, wouldn’t you agree?
Nice Monte. I had 2 of these years ago. This one is missing the sport mirrors.
I noticed that as well. And how about the cobra on the seat back? BOSS!
I had a 76 Monte with swivel buckets in gorgeous Mahogany. Not this hideous two tone style. Watertown, NY is in the snow belt, I mean like 275 inches annually. Forget it.
Yuck
Is it a ’76 or a ’75? Inquiring minds want to know!
’76 – typo on my part, fixed now.
Thx,
JO
75 had single beam round headlights.
Of the 2nd generation cars Monte, cutlass, regal the Monte was the best looking of the bunch. I’m cheap by nature but the price isn’t bad for the car seen. The only way it could be better is with a big block. Nicely done Jim. Written very well I had a cutlass with those inserts in the seats a hundred bucks later had two tone inserts.mine were tan body with black cloth inserts to save my legs in July. Great car.
I had a ‘76 Monte Carlo, 350, and it lasted me for 166,000 miles when I sold it. Bought it in 1978 with 26,000 miles.
It burned a quart of oil every 2,000 miles and it had an oil change at that point. The car started immediately when I just barely nicked the starter. Faster starting than any of the other 40+ vehicles in my life.
The doors had a habit of becoming too heavy for the original hinges and I noticed sagging in other Montes. Also, rust accumulated in the bottom of the doors as water saturated the area.
The one shown looks great.
Also, most vinyl tops shrunk, ripped, rusted out underneath. If you weren’t careful closing that huge hood you would bend it in half. Always keep the hinges well greased.
No car benefited from a switch from round headlamps to square ones.
And stacked rectangles at that. Blech
Noticing the full vinyl top, fruit roll-up manual windows, non sport dual side view mirrors, no tilt wheel. I did check out the full classified ad on this vehicle and was surprised to see the swivel seat option, but ultimately this is a Base model Monte Carlo and not the “Landau” edition. I’m a “top of the line” kinda guy I live in New York and with the modifications to this vehicle I wouldn’t think of purchasing this car. I love the 73-77 Monte Carlo’s I’ve only owned a 77 with the Keystone Crager wheels like this one, and my father owned a 74 back in the 80’s. Both had column shifts and both were “Landau” editions. And as loaded with all the options GM/Chevy would offer, minus a front seat center console which was a special order item for the Monte Carlo, but a standard option for the Olds Cutlass Supreme, Buick Regal/Century, and the Pontiac Grand Prix which I could never understand. All those models with the column shifts of course, This Monte is not for me, that’s just my opinion.
Lovely Colonade Monte Carlo.
Uh…the “Landau” roof is a half-roof. That is NOT a Landau roof in the photo…
Are you referring to my comment?
Definitely a custom upholstery job – notice the cobra stiching on the driver’s seatback. Maybe the owner was wishing he had a Mustang instead?
Or he is a Karate Kid fan.
Interesting group of features; white swivel seats and a 400 V8 and that’s about it. No bumper trim or tinted glass let alone other features. The 400SB was the big engine in ’76.
This car reminds me of our local dealership who seemed to order one each year with Rallye wheels, sport mirrors, radio and a white bench seat. Different color each year. All were simply great looking cars.
The write-up was a bit confusing. It seemed to blend Landau and base cars into one, and this is NOT a Landau. As pointed out, it has a full-vinyl top which was ONLY on base cars, whereas the Landau has a rear half-top. Likewise, not having dual sport mirrors is another red flag. This car is a ‘stripper’ in the Monte Carlo world. The only special feature might be the buckets, but the odd seat design change was NOT an improvement on the original. Low miles is a real plus, but it’s not enough to raise much of an interest in this car.
You’re right, it is. I went with the seller’s “Landau” description and I shouldn’t have. I would agree, it’s a base car.
JO
It’s cool Jim, I’m sure you write up and research
“Barn Finds” all day and everyday. That Monte Carlo in my opinion was a “over-looker” there’s nothing really distinctive about that vehicle at first glance. It can actually be interpreted as the typical 73-77 Monte Carlo. I’ve always admired the swivel option but I also don’t really like the interior upholstery either Ha!
Love these cars from this to all GM and Fords and Mopars and the ultimate the Grand Prix.
This appears to be someone who perhaps doesn’t own the car and has no interest or even bothered to know the difference between a base model and a Landau. Two things no one pointed out were that the back plastic molding that integrates the body and the bumper is missing, and it has elaborate pinstripes around the trunk lid which are NOT factory. All Montes from the gen-two had rally wheels. The interior with the cobra is so obviously NOT factory; just maybe this was a Pimp Your Ride show makeover from the 90’s 🤣
That interior killed it for me, too loud is one way I could describe it.
I agree; would say theirs something not right with this . 400 ? Most had a 305 . I worked on these back in the day and owen one and lucky to have a 350 , by the way I hadn’t seen one with a Quadajet (4 barrel) .
I’ve owned a 73, 77 & 79 Monte Carlo over the years. Not my favorite car but they were cheap or free for me.
My 77′ was my favorite with the N-50’s & aluminum slots helped the looks along with a fresh paint job & dual straight pipes.
400 was an option with a Quadrajet.
I’ve been restoring automobile’s for 40 year’s as I learned from my late Father which owned his business for approximately 50 year’s. For the past 25 year’s or so I’ve been restoring 60’s – 70’s Mopar Muscle car’s, antiques, classics and exotics. Back in the 80’s – 90’s my Father and I were buying up every 1973 – 1977 Monte Carlo we could find that was a solid car and mainly original. The majority we took completely disassembled and put them back to original condition down to the tires with a new Dupont laquer paint job ( show quality ) and the car’s were better than new. We made a ton of money off of these car’s and I’ll still buy a 1970 – 1972 Monte Carlo today … lol! I don’t get on here and comment negative remarks about anyone’s vehicle that’s for sale and that’s not my intentions. The reason I’m saying this is because I noticed where it said the mileage on this 76 Monte Carlo is 14,500 original miles but it doesn’t mention if the car has ever been wrecked or had a complete repaint. I see alot of part’s that’s been replaced on this car and if you blow up the pictures and look at the inside of the trunk ( top of the tail light panel ) the paint didn’t come like that from GM. There’s alot of tell tales that I’ve noticed and it doesn’t add up for a 14,500 mile car. Many of people have mentioned about this car being a stripped down version which it is the base model. It’s a S coupe and there was the Landau version. Base engine was a 305 2 barrel and GM offered a 350 4 barrel and a 400 4 barrel. Ok I’m done….lol!
I prefer the Stacked headlights to the earlier round ones on this Monte Carlo
This car is gorgeous! What a time capsule