We are always grateful when our readers refer wonderful classics for us to feature at Barn Finds, but my illustrious colleague Russell Glantz also has an eye for gems. He spotted this 1977 Chevrolet Monte Carlo that is a cut above the ordinary. Its spotless presentation is hardly surprising considering it has a genuine 22,000 miles showing on its odometer. It is ideal for someone seeking a high-end driver featuring some desirable factory options. The seller has listed the Monte Carlo here on eBay in Lakeland, Florida. They set their auction to open at $15,000 but have received no bids at the time of writing.
Chevrolet introduced its Second Generation Monte Carlo range in 1973, and in the face of proposed tougher roll-over laws, ditched the Hardtop in favor of a pillared “Colonnade” Coupe. It remained in production until 1977, with our feature car rolling off the line in the final year. The seller emphasizes the car’s originality, although they do admit that it underwent a repaint in its original Light Buckskin. They don’t elaborate on when this occurred, but the car’s overall presentation suggests it has led a sheltered existence since. The paint shines nicely, with it and the panels free from major flaws or defects. The seller supplies a comprehensive image gallery, with the underside shots confirming that this beauty is rust-free. The trim and glass are excellent, as are the Rally wheels. The overall impression is positive, and this only heightens when we examine the rest of the vehicle.
One area of confusion surrounds the interior trim. The seller describes it as Tan leather, but my resources suggest that this material wasn’t available in 1977. I am happy to be corrected if I’m wrong, but what is beyond doubt is that it presents as superbly as the exterior. There is no evidence of wear or neglect, and the carpet is impressive considering this car’s age. The condition is consistent with the claimed odometer reading, but it isn’t just a pretty face. The first owner equipped the car with air conditioning, power windows, a tilt wheel, an AM/FM stereo radio, and ultra-desirable swivel bucket seats.
Chevrolet offered its 305ci V8 as the entry-level engine for 1977 Monte Carlo buyers. However, this car’s first owner spent the extra to secure a 350ci powerplant. The small-block sends 170hp and 270 ft/lbs of torque to the road via a three-speed Hydramatic transmission, with power-assisted steering and brakes lightening the driver’s load. Overall performance was average for a vehicle of this vintage, but it is fair to say that this Monte Carlo would be happier sitting on the freeway at 70 than tearing down the local dragstrip. The seller claims that the odometer reading of 22,500 miles is genuine without mentioning verifying evidence. The car’s condition makes it plausible, but there’s nothing like holding a piece of paper that removes any doubts. Potential buyers can consider the Monte Carlo a turnkey proposition that runs and drives perfectly.
I would typically expect a classic like this 1977 Chevrolet Monte Carlo to generate significant interest when it hits the market, but that hasn’t been the case. The listing view tally of twenty-three is extraordinarily low, as is the Watch List total of four. However, it is worth noting that this auction is in its early hours, and those numbers will undoubtedly gather momentum with time. That poses the question of what the seller might expect the price to reach when the hammer falls. I would typically suggest a figure, but I have decided to leave the ball in your court on this occasion. It will be interesting to see if anyone hits the nail on the head, and whether we have readers who would consider pursuing it further. I wish you luck if you do.
1st pic says it all.
Then we see the console, all the other wonderful comfort appointments, and the 350ci.. icing on this buckskin Monte’s cake.
I can attest to the rear bumper strength. A friend had a race car made from a 77 monte, I somehow decided to use my head to check structural integrity. The result was a week long coma. But the bumper to this day remains in 2 pieces. Not sure if it was week steel or solid iron head.
Is this the “ultra beige” trim package?
Nice looking car, just a boring color.
Loaded with all the right options except not even a vinyl top to break up all that cream beige
Pretty car. But the odometer is off-kilter; likely a rollover or rollback.
Sold by a dealer….Nahhhhhh
Gorgeous, nicely optioned car, I wish I could buy it. In 1990 or 91, I was a meter reader for a utility on Long Island, and an elderly couple had one with the same color in their garage, I don’t remember what year it was, just that it had very low mileage and still had slipcovers on the back seat. They didn’t want to sell it. Years later, and I sometimes see it at local car shows, and it still has the slipcovers on the backseat. It is nice to see it enjoyed and preserved for what it is.
Beautiful car, but I always hated GMs use of “idiot” lights. And a car like this deserved the gauge package.
I had a 77 Monte Carlo and it had the gauge package but it was an option.
A 22K mile car and it needs a paint job, especially a non-metallic color?
I’d want to see the “before” pictures, for sure.
The blue seatbelt doesn’t make sense to me in the interior photo. If it was color coordinated it wouldn’t be blue.
Really nice, though I much prefer the original round headlight version.
This car combines beautiful styling, claimed low miles with the right options 350 V8, floor mounted TurboHydramatic, air, power steering, power brakes, bucket seats etc. This is a 48 year old car so anything can go wrong with parts, or there could be undercarriage rust, the provenance may not check out exactly on the miles but the Monte looks solid enough to make a collector very happy at the right price.
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This car combines beautiful styling, claimed low miles with the right options 350 V8, floor mounted TurboHydramatic, air, power steering, power brakes, bucket seats etc. This is a 48 year old car so anything can go wrong with parts, or there could be undercarriage rust, the provenance may not check out exactly on the miles but the Monte looks solid enough to make a collector very happy at the right price.
nice car. for having allegedly such low mile’s low miles what happened to the original spare tire? everything is freshly undercoated, and exhaust is freshly painted what is the dealer hiding? low mile car should sell itself. at least there is no v/top elsewise there would be tons of rot around those windows
Why did you proclaim it as having original miles? There is no such statement or documentation mentioned in the ad. Mileage should always be taken with a grain of salt on old cars, it’s so easy to change. If the numbers don’t align, that’s an indication it has rolled over.
I know where there is a silver one like this. His parents bought it new and he has it put away but would sell it, but I’ve been afraid to make an offer. Maybe this summer I’ll take a chance.
If it has been properly maintained and family owned, not “refinished” like this one, why not? These are solid and reliable.
Nice car, but no 48 year old gas tank is that nice. Something fishy here. Had a 76 Monte with swivel seats from 1982 to 1991. One of best cars I ever owned.
I’ve looked at a few cars from this dealer.
They like to paint the underside & exhaust systems on their cars. Looks nice until you start driving them and Kenny Roger’s starts sing “Somethin’s Burning” (like the exhaust system) from the radio! Lol!
That’s a vinyl interior, not leather . Monte Carlos didn’t offer leather until the last generation and mostly on the Dale Earnhardt editions but I’ve seen a Z-34 with leather.
That said, the swivel buckets are a cool option; ex-girlfriend had those in her ’74 Cutlass. I like the colors in & out, too.
Painting the underside reminds me of a ’69 Buick Wildcat coupe I saw on a dealer used car showfloor. $8,000 and looked great topside. A glance underneath showed fresh undercoating. Peeling back the trunk floor mat showed large rust through holes with a scenic view of the concrete floor. ‘Bye.
The car is is great condition, but the color scheme is duller than a Baptist minister. The silver or blues would look better. Love those buckets, color and condition.
You should be around a Baptist preacher getting on about hellfire and brimstone, far from bland. It can be fun to watch them run and jump and holler…
This car has a 305 engine, not a 350 as advertised. VIN code U signifies a 305.
A 305 2 bbl V8 in a 3800 pound Monte Carlo makes a big difference. The 305 had 140 horsepower. The 350 4bbl had 170 horsepower. The small engine would definitely lower the value and desirability.
Very nice automobile!
One of the best models GM ever made. I am totally biased as I have owned many and still own my 1973 454 triple black every option for 43 yeas.
Beautiful Automobile, one of the most undervalued cars in the GM lineup.