While we don’t always feature cars that have been restored, some examples are just too good to ignore. Now, if the car in question is also a model we don’t often see with big money spent on its rejuvenation, well – that’s practically irresistible. This 1978 Chevrolet Monte Carlo is a perfect example of the vehicle I’m describing here, with a ridiculous powerplant and completely refreshed cosmetics in the form of a three-stage custom paint job. There’s really not one part of this Monte Carlo that hasn’t been restored, and while it’s clearly not a barn find, you have to respect the work that’s been done. The Monte Carlo has under 44,000 original miles and just under 6,000 on the new drivetrain components. Find it here on eBay with a $27,500 Buy-It-Now.
So, to begin with, you have a low mileage Monte Carlo that was likely pretty nice before it got the restomod treatment. That’s a big decision, to revamp a low mileage survivor and decide that you’re going all in on a major drivetrain build. But the seller didn’t stop there, essentially touching every aspect of this Monte, from the wheels to the gauges. The real bonus is you wouldn’t know much about the build from the outside except for the large hood scoop, which actually serves a purpose given what’s under the hood. The Monte Carlo also sits on a fully built suspension that the seller contends reflects a commitment to building the car with the best of the best components.
The interior is nearly all-stock but in mint condition, except for some key details that clue you in to what’s happening underneath. The Monte Carlo’s drivetrain features a Chevrolet 502 Ram Jet crate engine paired to a Tremec T56 Magnum 6-speed manual transmission, which you can see sitting perfectly in the center console. You almost have to look for it in the photo, it’s so nicely integrated to give it an OEM appearance, like it was always meant to be there. There’s also a Moser Truetrac 9-inch rear coupled with 3.73 gears, along with adjustable shocks, Hotchkis front and rear sway bars, Hotchkis upper control arms, and more. Long tube headers and a Flowmaster exhaust round out the list of improvements.
Appearance-wise, the Monte Carlo rides on what looks like a widened version of a factory-style Rally wheel, and you can bet the rubber has been upgraded as well. The hood is almost a bit of a downer given how completely stock the Monte could otherwise look from the outside, housing all sorts of impressive modifications that aren’t immediately apparent from the outside. The seller notes all receipts and build documentation is included with the sale, and that he’s looking for a cash in hand sale only. I can’t say I blame him, given the number of dreamers a car like this likely brings out. Would you pay the asking price given the impressive list of upgrades?
Ditch the 502 badging, swap the Rally-esque wheels for a set of steelies with wire hubcaps and whiteline tires, see if a smaller Cowl induction hood will fit, and take this car for lots of cruises and burnout sessions
Sorry, if u like this car. This Gen was styled by 5 year-olds with dull crayons. But hey, I like pacers.
$27,500.00 and no bids.
Bob
That has to do with their taste and the platform they choose rather than execution. If this was in a desirable body there would be a lot of interest at this price.
Steve R
It’s a really nice build that likely is selling for cost or much less…don’t see a console Jeff, and the cowl hood is due to clearance with the big block and it’s intake runners being so tall.
I like it, but not really a fan of this era of G-body. GLWA
Folks, a 1978 Monte/Malibu/Grand Prix/Century, etc is an A-BODY, and would remain so until model-year 1981. Afterwards, when the A’s were downsized onto an enlarged X-platform, they would be redesignated as Gs.
Stop using a future letter designation on an earlier model year!
“GLWA”?
I don’t care if that’s how they talk on Jupiter! Type it out in full!
glwta!
What a shame. Looks like quality work. Oh those seats – red mouse fur.
I think it would pass anything on the road but a gas station. That being said nice looking car and mods, not to much of a fan of the smaller Monte Carlo’s very nice.
The engine was built for torque and with the overdrive transmission and fuel injection it will deliver reasonable mileage.
Steve R
Better ware Depends when that little pedal is pushed to the floor.
I’d have those low hanging exhaust pipes tucked up closer, and add caps to the rally wheels for a finished look. Although not terribly fond of this generation Monte, I agree that this is a very nicely done one! GLWTA!! :-)
Why?
Why not?
Not everyone likes 50 Nash cars as much as you.
My dad bought 1976 Monte brand new and I loved it .When the 1978 Monte came out we were so disappointed we called them Tonka Toys .But I love this one real close to being a sleeper
Its a beauty, couple gweaks and it would be perfect.
As mentioned the rim choice is not complimentary and to blend that shifter in better it screams for a color matched boot and knob, no other colors in that car need apply.
The quages dont fit either. Better suited for the factory dash with either some quality aftermarkets that fit insitu or a custom console that houses some tastefully thiught out clusters.
Agaain a beaut with a few personal tweaks and also as mentioned befriend the Les Schwab guys as you visit weakly for new rubber…
Being a product of the 70’s, growing up in the 80’s and early 90’s…..I love this! Looks like a ton of straight line, light to light turnpike fun. I would’ve loved to own this in the late 80’s and early 90’s on LI…heck, I would probably enjoy it just as much now.
For that money I think these look so much better in black with a nice fat 10inch rim and tire under those big wide quarter panels and could have put a much nicer set of rims on it as well as a nicer less square boxy looking hood scoop on such a curvy body car .These can look really hot rod mean This one has the right gear but just doesn’t have the look its capable of to make someone fall in love and hand over all that cash IMO
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