Sharing its platform with the Pontiac Grand Prix, the Chevy Monte Carlo debuted as a personal luxury car in 1970. And was an instant success. For the first two years, a Monte Carlo SS was offered and a 454 cubic inch V8 was available. The SS was discontinued in 1972, but you could still order the 454, though it was detuned a bit. This ’72 Monte Carlo has a solid-running 454, though whether it’s original is anyone’s guess. With driver-quality paint, this Chevy can be found in Galion, Ohio, and is available here on eBay for $19,100 (the current bid).
Changes to the first-generation Monte Carlo were few between 1970 and 1972. Sales were brisk, considering that GM encountered labor issues in ’70 and ’71 which lowered the number that could be built and sold. Other than some changes to the grillwork each year, it’s hard to tell them apart. A 350 cubic inch V8 was standard equipment and that’s likely how most were ordered with a Turbo-Hydramatic transmission (TH-350?). The optional 454 V8 produced 270 hp but that was SAE net compared to the gross measurements used in prior years.
This ’72 Monte Carlo has the look and feel of a Chevelle SS but without the stripes. The car has bucket seats with a console and the interior looks okay depending on whether you concur with the claimed mileage of 40,000. A prior owner was probably more interested in making it perform like a Chevelle SS, with a 454 V8 that has enough bling to suggest it’s been tweaked and not necessarily original. But we don’t know as zero history or documentation is provided.
The body appears to be solid with no indications of any rust other than some that might result from the bubbling of the driver-quality paint in a few places. We’re told that you should be able to jump in this car, fire up the engine, and go just about anywhere (or at least as far as the first gas station because this V8 probably loves fuel). If you like a combination of style, luxury, and performance, could this vintage Monte Carlo check enough boxes for you?
Repaint the Rally wheels and cruise
The drivers ed stable at our high school had one of these mixed in with the larger Impalas. I always hurried to get the Monte as it drove better and was cooler. Owned a ‘76 later on but never one from this gen. Lots of unanswered questions on this one. Nice examples especially with the 454 are getting pricey now. Put the rally wheels back to stock with normal sized tires and enjoy it.
Either the seller has no idea how rare a genuine 454 Monte Carlo is, or it wasn’t built with a 454. I think it’s more likely this car started out with a 350 under the hood. There were only 1268 454 Monte Carlos built for 1972, and just over 7000 built across all first-gen Monte Carlos.
454 with the real 4 speed would be nice also a factory tach
I’ve only seen one with a four speed…..was shocked, didn’t know they offered a four speed til I saw that one…
4-speed was available with 350 and 400 BB until ’71. 400 SB in ’70. Very rare.
I’m not sure how you could go wrong with the best looking Monte Carlo gen & 454 with A/C sure the gas mileage but the smiles you would get from tooling around in this would have to worth the price of admission!
454 is nice, but does it have a turbo 400, and a 12 bolt rear?
How did you crash your car sir,” Well I was looking down at the console at the tach,and Bam”
My uncle couldn’t start my cousins 71or 72 Carlo until I told him he had to push the clutch in!
How can you write an article about the changes between 70-72 “Montes” and not mention the main difference being the driving lights in the front bumper? 70 & 71 had them, 72 didn’t. I was 10 when my uncle had both a 70 & a 72. Both silver in color with black top and black interiors. He started a Monte Carlo club in north east ohio called “The Knights of Monte Carlo”. One of the members had the 454 with nitrous installed. Imagine sitting in the middle of the backseat of that car with no seat belt on at 10 years old when the nitrous was summoned from the driver!!!!!!!!!
SOLD for $19,850.