Black-out trim and tasteful modifications give this nicely refurbished Chevy some attitude. When was the last time you saw a cruise-ready V8 GM H-Body? This one retains its claimed-original V8 as well, upgraded with some bolt-ons and “too much to list,” according to the seller. Check out more pictures and details on this 1975 Chevrolet Monza Towne Coupe here on Craigslist. Thanks to reader Tony P. for spotting this Union City, California classic. The $8500 asking price buys what looks like a turn-key cruiser.
What looks like a comprehensive engine compartment refresh leaves only one quibble: no air conditioning. The claimed “factory” 350 cid (5.7L) small block V8 would have made 145 HP, according to MacsMotorCityGarage with the 350 as a California-only feature thanks to the lack of California emissions certification on the other states’ 262 cid version. Factory brochures at Lov2xlr8 rate the 350 at a meager 125 HP, but that V8 torque would have made this 3000 lb four-seater more fun than your average small car of the day.
The Buckskin interior looks great, albeit plain compared to the in-your-face orange. I owned a similar car for years, a 1976 Buick Skyhawk with the 231 cid (3.8L) Buick V6 and a Borg-Warner five speed manual gearbox. I knew about the V8 H-Body and used to troll used car lots looking for them out of curiosity. Word on the street was you had to loosen the motor mounts and crank the engine to one side on the V8 cars to change the left rear spark plug.
Time spent on this car’s stance and rolling gear paid off big time. The Torq Thurst style wheels and suspension choices deliver a sporty lowered look with practical ground clearance. While the rear wing echoes the chin spoiler, I’d probably leave the trunk edge stock. Factory brakes were weak, and this five-lug conversion with upgraded brakes should stop this Chevy as sharply as it looks. Only the subtle V8 fender callouts announce the “5.7 Litre” to keen-eyed spotters. Owning one of these would satisfy some curiosity from my younger days! What’s your top dollar on this overhauled specimen of GM’s smallest V8 coupe?
A military friend of mine had one of these with a 262 V-8/4 speed. It wasn’t a bad ride. This one is sharp! GLWTS!! :-)
Did it happen to be a Air Force SP that owned the car? I knew a guy who also worked at Dominos pizza who let us drive it one time . Boy were people surprised when we left them sitting at a stoplight.
Not a rear wing fan, but I like the way the rest of this car has been finished. With the 5-lug conversion, it’s a step closer to adding internal beef to that 350. May have to make some other strength modifications to the drivetrain, and this is ready for cars n coffee. And perhaps a stoplight wakeup call to a Civic on the drive home!
It looks like a well thought out car, the upgrades make sense and it sits well. The seller doesn’t say it still has the original engine, only that it was factory 350 equipped. The asking price seems very reasonable, there is a lot of money in that area, it’s surprise the car hasn’t sold.
Steve R
I always though GM’s first iteration of H-bodies were good looking cars. I prefer the 2+2 hatch to the Town Coupe. Other than appearance these cars and many others were simply transportation, nothing more or nothing less. I did briefly have a v8 Skyhawk with an M20. It was a fun car to drive.
The seller doesn’t mention the rear end. These had a 7.5 inch ring gear which depending upon the 350 might not last too long. Despite the seller’s claim, the 350 was not offered in the H-bodies. Interestingly enough some pre-production documents do reference a 350 rather than the 262.
In 1975 you could get a 350, but it was only available in California. You can find several sources online which reference that they were and why. I don’t think it increases the value above the 262, but it’s more of an answer to a trivial question question.
Steve R
I had one with the 262, I would gladly pay more for one equipped with a 350.
I took a yellow 1975 Monza with a 350 in trade in 1985 at the Chrysler dealer where I was a salesman. I gave it a long test drive and it performed well in stock form. This one has had some engine and chassis modifications and is probably a ball to drive other than the massive transmission hump that crowds the footwell and pedals.
I doubt that these cars have reached the point where numbers matching engines are going to have a big impact on the value.
V8 350 and its an auto trans, I will pass. I had a 1980 Pontiac Sunbird with a V6 and a 4 speed and it was a blast to drive. When I joined the military and the Air Force sent me over to England I sold the car. Totally regret the decision till this day. Overall this looks like a nice car, GLWTS.
Wow, that is surprisingly nice. I’d call that about as good as it gets, with these cars. Not really a fan of orange, but it’s so well-done, I could live with it. Tidy engine bay too. This has been built better than I would’ve done myself.
Well, thats definitely something you don’t see every day… engine mods most definitely increased the HP numbers over the lame factory specs. I think it would garner a lot of attention at the local shows… unfortunately its on the wrong side of the country. Someone will get a nice conversation piece.
When I saw the picture and title for this page, I guessed that it was selling for about $8000 and I wasn’t too far off. Seems like a reasonable price but if you can get it lower than $8000 that’s great!
I’m typically not one for the coupes and prefer the hatchbacks, but this is very nicely done. For the money it doesn’t seem like a bad deal if there’s no rust and it drives well.
I agree with the above comment that these cars at this point doesn’t make that much of a big deal if it’s not numbers matching and what not. This car was made to cruise and have fun with.
The side profile of this car has such a strong resemblance to a Photoshopped Chevrolet Malibu of the same year. I never realized it until I saw it with this car.
Looks to be nicely executed outside and underhood. I like the 5-lug upfit. The color looks like 1977 orange and the 2+2 steering wheel looks right at home. Could be a fun cruiser.
The 262 couldn’t California emissions standards,but a fortunate outcome for buyers in California….the 262 is pretty much a boat anchor…