The Monte Carlo would enjoy a long run in the Chevy lineup, from 1970 and into the 2000s. It was Chevrolet’s first personal luxury that initially had ties to both the Chevy Malibu and Pontiac Grand Prix. This second-year example has only had two owners and logged close to 100,000 miles. It needs some TLC (aka new paint job) and has a 402 cubic inch V8 (a derivative of the legendary 396). Located in Simi Valley, California, it’s available here on Facebook Marketplace for $15,000.
Thanks to advance promotion, buyers were looking forward to Chevy’s new car, the Monte Carlo. However, labor strikes at Chevrolet and then General Motors overall would dampen the introduction of the car in late ‘69 for 1970 and then again in the latter part of ‘70 for 1971. The Monte Carlo would be in short supply for a few months both times, holding production down to 159,000 the first year and 129,000 the second. The cars were little changed from 1970-72 and can be hard to distinguish one from the other without looking closely. They sported one of the longest hoods of any production car.
Because the cars were targeted at buyers who wanted luxury in an affordable package, Super Sport versions of the cars did not take off sales-wise. An SS 454 was offered in both 1970 and 1971 but was discontinued in 1972. Yet you could get an ordinary Monte Carlo with Chevy’s new 402 cubic inch V8 which was a 396 that was bored out by 0.03 inches. It was called the Turbo-Jet 400 in the Monte Carlo, but still the SS 396 in a Chevelle. Output was rated at 300 hp gross or 260 hp net. This is the powerplant that the seller says comes with his Chevrolet.
We’re told the Monte Carlo is in working condition, but all the photos provided are taken of it in a crowded parking lot with other cars all around. Different views of the complete auto in different places would go a long way in helping to sell any car. We don’t see any major issues with the body, although the faded paint that covers the whole thing doesn’t match between the front clip and the rest of the car. What little we see of the interior looks good, although the steering wheel has been replaced. The seller may have been entertaining some performance changes for the car as there is a set of Edelbrock headers in the trunk.
Nice write-up, Russ. It’s funny how the mighty 396 / 402 / “400” seemed to lose some marketing luster once the 454 came out, but this could be a strong runner. I’d like to own one some day. It would be interesting to find a ’72, loaded to the gills, with the 454 (available in any Monte Carlo after the demise of the SS) and power everything. A 402 / four-speed would be another interesting find. As you mention the simple action of backing up to get the whole car in the picture is a lost art. Thanks for this great find!
Would rather drive this nice Yank Tank as it is than any brand new offerings from today.
Todays pathetic offerings, alarms going off if you leave a small bag on passengers seat, cant take keys out unless its in drive. What will they think of next, alarms and lights come on if someone sneezes.
Take us back to ’71 when cars were simple, had character and didn’t all look the same.
A good price for no rust Monte.
I would put those headers on EBay and place new 2.5-3” diameters pipes to the back.
I guess I remember my 69 camaro and 55 chev hardtop headers and always thinking the headers had cooled enough to change plugs but still getting light burns. Then of course the , heat under floors, the fit around steering or the Camaro slight crack on one side appearance in just a couple years.
I would love to get this if i didn’t have four classic cars (67 mustang, 63 SW vette, 54 pickup, 64 Chevelle) (not complaining but no room) and put the original steering wheel back and paint 👍
This should go fast!
I have owned so many cars,but my 72 Monte is the one that I miss the most
I miss my triple black 71 SS 454.Too bad legal problems forced a sale.