While the 1987 Monte Carlo SS doesn’t rate as the rarest car on the planet, it is unusual for us to see two ultra-low mileage examples appear in quick succession on our desks here at Barn Finds. However, that has been the case, as our own Russ Dixon has recently produced this excellent article on an ’87 SS Aerocoupe with 6,500 miles on the clock. Our feature car isn’t an Aerocoupe, so it concedes ground to the other SS in the rarity stakes. However, with a genuine 2,300 miles showing on its odometer, it does trump its sibling when we reach the question of mileage. If you have the overwhelming desire to park this Monte Carlo in your garage, you will find it located in Kings Park, New York, and listed for sale here on eBay. The owner has set a BIN of $42,995, although he leaves the option open for interested parties to submit an offer.
When confronted with a car like this SS, it isn’t easy to know where to start. The original owner purchased it, and while he managed to clock a few miles, it has spent most of its life in a climate-controlled collection. As a result, it has never experienced exposure to harsh weather or damaging UV rays. That has helped to avoid all of the nasty elements that can cause significant deterioration and aging. The Code 19 Black paint is flawless. It has a depth of color and shine that makes you feel that you could walk into it. That paint covers panels that are laser straight. There are no dings or marks and no evidence of repair work or touch-ups. The original owner subjected the SS to the full range of protection processes at his disposal in 1987, which means that the Monte Carlo has managed to remain completely rust-free. The underside looks as good as it would have when the car rolled off the line, with not even a spot of surface corrosion. The sometimes brittle plastic is immaculate, while the distinctive Red graphics look crisp and clean. The original owner splashed an additional $895 to equip this Chevy with a glass T-Top, and it’s no surprise that this is as pristine as the rest of the vehicle. The glass is spotless, and the alloy wheels are factory fresh and wrapped in their original tires.
Lifting this Monte’s hood reveals the numbers-matching 305ci High Output V8 that produces 180hp. Bolted to this is a four-speed 200-4R automatic transmission that feeds the power to a limited-slip rear end. Standard equipment extends to power steering and power front disc brakes. While technically classed as a muscle car, the vehicle’s ability to cover the ¼ mile in 16.6 seconds doesn’t seem that impressive today. Sadly, it was pretty typical of what American buyers could expect at that time in automotive history. That didn’t stop people wanting an SS, with Chevrolet selling a respectable 39,251 examples during the 1987 model year. As you might expect, the engine bay of our feature car is perfect. There is no evidence of any deterioration or corrosion, and every hose and belt is original. While the vehicle may have effectively spent its life in a museum, that doesn’t mean that it has been neglected. The owner regularly changes all of the fluids, and this is fully documented. Other documentation includes three original Window Stickers, the Owner’s Manual, original Title, and the paperwork for the protection processes he treated the SS to when it was new. The seller has had the original tires tested and checked. They are not out of round and show no evidence of rot. The Monte Carlo runs and drives like new and is ready to return to its rightful place on our roads.
The easiest way to describe this classic’s interior is to call it spotless. It is no surprise that the life it has led means that there is no wear on the Maroon upholstery and no marks on the carpet. The remaining upholstered surfaces are in as-new condition, the dash and console are spotless, and the headliner has avoided the common issue of sagging. However, there is one interesting little quirk with this interior that surprises me. The original owner chose to forego power windows, which is not something that you see that often on an SS of this vintage. There are also no power locks, but the vehicle is loaded with other luxury appointments. These include air conditioning, cruise control, twin remote exterior mirrors, intermittent wipers, a rear defogger, and an AM/FM radio with a cassette player and graphic equalizer.
This 1987 Monte Carlo SS is a stunning car that is in as-new condition. The reality is that it needs to be because the BIN price is well above what you might expect to pay in the current market for a pristine example. However, it isn’t unprecedented because a couple of recent examples have matched that figure. The sales record was set in 2018 at an eye-watering $100,000, so some people still crave these 1980s classics. This Monte Carlo isn’t a cheap car, but are you tempted to pursue it further in the hope of finding it parked in your garage?
It’s amazing how times have changed so rapidly. My brother had the same car with the same mileage except for his being silver with a grey interior, loaded and completely spotless. About 4 years ago struggled to get 15k for it. Now these low mileage cars have been coming to light and (some) bringing cRaZy $$.
There is no indication the market is willing to pay his asking price. Until/unless it sells he’s on a fishing expedition.
Steve R
Times haven’t changed that much, it’s worth about 20K
Low miles but still a slow smog choked 80s V8.
You may want to do some searching. Find a 2k mile t-top car anywhere. The only one for sale has 700 miles and they are asking $59,995. Also. I have turned down $37k. Tried to copy and paste my eBay offers but it would not let me post in this reply.
Rob……when it comes down to it, doesn’t matter what u or I think.
The market always dictates the value. If it’s for sale for months u know you’re asking way too much, or you’re not advertising it enough.
Meh
Tested the 35 year okd tires. No way can they be safe, no matter what . I thought tires over 7 years old needed to be replaced. Maybe I am wrong.
If you just using the tires for a car show they are just fine. I wouldn’t take a family trip to Wally World. Buy a second set of wheels and tires to keep the originals in place if someone plans on using the car.
Just replaced on my Cutlass 442 with 14,400 miles I bought new. Kept in garage drove very little but had broken belts sitting. Kept original tires but $800 for new set.
Connecticut Mike, not true.
“the vehicle’s ability to cover the ¼ mile in 16.6 seconds doesn’t seem that impressive today. Sadly, it was pretty typical of what American buyers could expect at that time in automotive history”
Not really. He could have bought an ’87 GN sans T-tops for the same price and been in the 14’s in the 1/4 mile. And into the 13’s with bolt on mods.
Chevy could have dropped in the 5.7 along rear discs and gears to make a true performance package. This is really a sticker package car in stock form.
I love it. 10-year old me’s dream car. Sexy curves that are still appealing 35 years later. Unlike the 77-80 Caprice/Impala, I prefer the SS without the aerocoupe back window. Just personal taste.
Slap some new Cooper Cobras (white letter side out of course- this is America), replace any dried out rubber bits, and drive it like you stole it
First Covid, now this? A pandemic of low mileage Monte Carlos?
Why was the passenger door’s latch pin painted? It didn’t leave the plant that way.
This is how the cars came. I have a 461mile aero coupe and a 27k mile one. It’s how it was done.
I see painted latch pins in Aero Coupe stock photos so I stand corrected. It’s highly unusual because the paint wears away quickly and looks like crap.
Not like you were gonna buy it anyway.
https://youtu.be/-yUnASyxy38
Video of the car
https://youtu.be/-yUnASyxy38
Video of the car walk around
https://youtu.be/-yUnASyxy38
Video of the car walk around
https://youtu.be/qo2bPwitdG8
Road test video as well
Very nice car until i get a look at that interior makes me want to throw up.
I bought a 1988 SS in 1991 from orig owner for $5,500. Mine was the Dark Claret color. Every option $18,000 plus MSRP. Never drove it in bad weather, stored in jack stands inside. Drove it about 5,000 miles in two years and sold it with 30,000 no hit miles for $9,300 to a police officer in Hatbiro, PA. He still has it today. I knew these cars would be worth money. Shoulda kept it, but divorce got in the way. I talked to him recently about buying it back. Can’t afford it. One of my favorite cars ever. Wanted one since they came out on 83. I am 65 years young and maybe I will get it back.
Good luck. Cool story. Maybe the guy will cut it loose for a fair price
Sure, most guys are in it for charity, lol…especially when they don’t want to sell.
My car will do 15.35 all day long. Stock on Goodyear rubber. I do not know who dreams up these et.’s but that is for insurance, not that it matters because 15 is slow.
As for the ASK on this car I say Good Luck with that maybe they know something I do not.
If these cars are bringing that kind of coin maybe my car is worth a lot more than I thought.
https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipN0ZnVVQY4BGC4HvPfZRx1Y5Jcx36Y9ZIROBIdP8RQt1PmudDKnNIZtMt5v-2kBBw?key=R0x5NXRqNnpGUFV2dnpNQ2JpdjZqMk50R21UQ3lR