The Chevrolet Monte Carlo is one of those models that many owners thought would become a collectible later in life. Chevy did its best to fan the flames, adding monikers like “Z34” to the name along with some visual enhancements to seem like far more of a performance car than it actually was. Regardless, while most of the cars that got put away were the 1980s-era Monte Carlo SS, the fifth-generation model occasionally appears as a time-capsule specimen like this 1995 model here on craigslist with just 41,000 miles and an asking price of $5,300.
The seller doesn’t come right out and say that the Monte Carlo was squirreled away as a future collectible, so it’s entirely possible it just saw minimal use over the years to end up with mileage like this. The Monte Carlo was offered in two trim lines consisting of the LS and the Z34, with the latter getting several cosmetic upgrades in the form of distinct badges, a front air dam, and blacked-out trim. This example has apparently had additional lower body cladding added, as the side skirts and rear apron under the back bumper don’t appear to be stock.
Now, surprisingly, Chevy did give the Z34 a shot in the arm under the hood. The upgraded trim line got a 3.4 DOHC V6 that pumped out a respectable 215 horsepower and 220 lb-ft of torque. To me, this is one of the more satisfying aspects of this model, as overall, GM seemed more inclined to make its money by offering a unique trim line solely on the basis of cosmetic upgrades alone. To actually spend the money and offer a more powerful drivetrain was a major bonus for Chevy shoppers, many of whom would have been satisfied just with the special badges and front air dam. The seller claims this one runs great with no overheating and benefits from a new fuel pump and battery.
The Monte Carlo comes equipped with a sharp black leather interior with full power options. This example features the optional floor-mounted shifter that came standard with bucket seats, so really, if you’re a fan of this era of Monte Carlo, it checks all the boxes. While the resemblance to the Lumina of the same era was strong aside from having two doors, the generous equipment levels and powerful V6 under the hood likely make for a pleasant everyday driver. There likely aren’t many left with this sort of mileage, and the cosmetic condition certainly seems to validate the lack of use this car has seen over the years. Thanks to Barn Finds reader Pat L. for the find.
A friend of mine had one of these . He’d get pissed when I called it a two door Lumina .
So, Bud, what your friend was indirectly saying was Chevrolet also built some crazy pieces of cars besides his? Hmmm.
Na , he was just a puttz . The 3.4 is a decent engine . At least the on in my Grand Am GT was . I always thought 2 door Grand Ams should have been the GTO and not the Sunbird . Much like I felt Monte Carlo deserved better than the Lumina .
Well, that is exactly what it was. All Luminas were called Luminas until 1995 when they put the Monte Carlo label on the coupes. The chassie is identical to the 1st generation car. They just softened up the edges and revised the interior.
It seems too cheap, looks mint, only 40k, may be a scam
Had a ’95 Grand Prix GTP with this engine. Even with just 40k on the clock, that 25 year old timing belt is going to be dry rotted. Change it now.
Where is this located?
SOLD!! Is anyone surprised?? I wouldn’t think so. Not a fan of the Cheap 3 (once Chevy Ford & Plymouth now Toyo Honda & Kia) car lines but this model in this color was some Millenial’s dream car and at $5300 he snapped it up stat.
I’d love to meet the person whose dream car was a mid-90s Chevy Lumina. But yes I would agree with you that it was a pretty good deal at $5,300. Provided it was as represented.
I never thought these were bad cars, although you can sort of see the Beretta origins from the side view. Hey, it was the 90s, and this was the direction that the automotive industry was heading.
Beretta was a size smaller (along with the Corsica sedan), fit between the Cavalier and the Monte/Lumina.
Any of you guys ever work on one?? They are not decent.
I remember them being decent cruisers. They definitely pulled hard with the 3.4. They were really a better car than the previous gen Monte SS, quicker, quieter and more efficient. Not a lot of love for FWD then and now though. I think people preferred their Monte with a V8 and RWD even if it was slower than one of these.
I magine you’re a new driver in 2005-2010. You look at everything that is out there and that isn’t much for the $3500 you have to spend. I steered my friend’s son to an SHO (2nd Gen) that he drove the wheels off while learning valuable wrenching skills. However, when driving potential cars I found these to be an excellent alternate. Yes, they were part of the culture of GM, but I always thought those basket handle Cutlass converts were also unappreciated, especially with this 3.4. Despite our Monday QBing, there was a reason they sold two million a year of this particular chassis.
I have a 95 LS, 3.1! I love mine!! Runs great,nice and tight! I’m going to fix my issues and keep going and make it look nice! Mine is white with white wheels! I love it!
Nice Sidejob 🏖 white and white.. thats the Miami special