Long-term ownership is typically viewed favorably by any enthusiast considering a classic purchase. Therefore, some may find themselves tempted by this 1977 Chevrolet Monte Carlo Landau. The seller has been its custodian since 1999, and the fact it has spent its life in a dry climate has left it as solid as the day it rolled off the line. All good things must end, with the seller deciding the time is right for this classic to find a new home. They have listed the Monte Carlo here on Craigslist in Brea, California. The listing text quotes a price of $19,999, although it appears they may have slashed that figure to $17,999. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder T.J. for spotting this remarkable survivor.
Chevrolet’s Second Generation Monte Carlo range graced showroom floors from 1973 until 1977. Our feature car rolled off the line during the final production year. Its original owner ordered it in Medium Green Metallic with a White Landau-style vinyl top. The seller recently clicked over twenty-five years of ownership, stating that the paint is original. Its condition is impressive if that is the case. A close inspection will probably reveal flaws and defects, but the car’s overall presentation is good enough to turn heads. The exterior holds a consistent shine, with no evidence of matte areas or patchiness. The vinyl is in as-new condition, and the panels are as straight as an arrow and rust-free. The tinted glass is spotless, and there are no issues with the trim or chrome. The aftermarket wheels and new BF Goodrich tires won’t appeal to everyone, but swapping them for something more appropriate shouldn’t be difficult. I would probably leave them, at least in the short term, because I think they suit this car’s character.
This Monte Carlo interior poses a few questions, and the list of optional equipment left me scratching my head. The seller describes the seatcovers as original leather, but my research indicates this wasn’t available in 1977. However, I am happy to be corrected if I am wrong. The upholstered surfaces look excellent, with no wear or signs of UV damage. The news may not be so positive with the pad because one shot seems to show a crack in the center. The carpet has faded in spots, but the lack of wear makes it acceptable for a survivor-grade vehicle. There are no aftermarket additions, which brings us to the factory options. The new owner receives air conditioning, a power front seat, power locks, and a pushbutton radio. I find the lack of power windows a curious omission from that list, but there must be a reason the original owner chose to forego that luxury. It seems odd in light of the other boxes they ticked.
Every Monte Carlo produced in 1977 featured a V8 under the hood, and this car is no exception. However, the seller doesn’t elaborate on which one it is. The odds are that, given its location, it is probably the 350ci powerplant, producing 170hp and 270 ft/lbs of torque. Shifting duties are performed by a three-speed Hydramatic transmission, with power assistance for the steering and brakes reinforcing this car’s luxury leanings. The curb weight of 3,990 lbs and modest engine power means this is not a muscle car. That isn’t necessarily bad because it should effortlessly cope with hectic city traffic and cruise comfortably at 70mph on the open road. The seller purchased this gem in 1999 and has maintained it meticulously since. It has a genuine 73,000 miles on the clock, and the Service Records may support that claim. It runs and drives well and is ready to head into the sunset with a new owner behind the wheel.
I have recently talked in other articles about the rollercoaster ride experienced by the classic market in 2023 and how some cars starred, and others suffered. The 1977 Monte Carlo Landau was an undoubted star, with values climbing by around 6%, regardless of condition. The seller’s price looks realistic, especially if an in-person inspection confirms it is as good as the listing and supplied images suggest. It has only been on the market a few days, and I won’t be surprised if it finds a new home fairly quickly. That poses the question of whether it is likely to be yours. What do you say?
Very nice color combination.
I had 2 white/red 76 Monte’s at different times. Both 350-2 and always took me where I wanted to go.Had them in the Bronx NY. and both looked sharp all the time. Always got thumbs 👍 up . Also had my fun in them! 😌..Sold both… This one I wish was closer to me. I would love to have it. It’s in great shape and it’s a very fair price. Good luck to the next owner..🐻🇺🇸
I had 2 – 77’s , brown with tan landau, both had 305’s. Both pigs but drove beautifully! Long Island, early 80’s. Would travel to French Charlie’s almost every weekend! Had family there.
That definitely looks like the original vinyl seat pattern, but it seemed to be one of those unwritten, Sloan Ladder-enforcing GM rules that Chevys couldn’t have real leather (Corvette excepted), well into the ’80s.
People who haven’t been around cars long enough to remember that for large number of cars the choice was vinyl or cloth tend to call vinyl leather
Almost perfect! I’d shorten the tail pipes 4 inches, swap the wheels for a set of Cragar SSs and add a GPS cruise control unit.
The most comfortable car I ever owned was a ’77 MC in light metallic blue w/ a dark blue landau top. 305/350. I sold it and bought a new ’80 Corvette. BIG MISTAKE!
Cragar SS are made for this car!
I would find a fully set of the chevy rally wheels along with shorten the tail pipes. Most came with single exhaust pipes. Wonder was this one converted.
Agree on both points except I’d have the exhaust pipes barely showing coming out behind the tires with chrome tips or out to the bumper corners and curved down without chrome tips. Not too loud on the sound either. This ain’t no SS 454.
The wheels are the first thing I noticed and I agree with you. I’ve always felt these type are more for a “drag racing” type of car.
I loved this color then and now. But then colors were great and plentiful in the sixties and seventies. Everyone’s car was just a little bit different. The plethora of stand alone options helped too. Cloth or vinyl were your upholstery choices and power windows were not as common due to cost and perceived reliability. Style was more important than conveniences. Air, locks and FM radio is all typical. At least it’s a 350 which was the top dog and last year in a G-body.
I like the style of these Monty’s.Way better than the next generation.My friend has a triple black 75 with the round headlights.Were quite common on the used lot back in the late 80’s along with more Cordobas, Citations and uncountable Impalas.Don’t recall any MC with leather seats.Seen a couple loaded with swivel buckets and maybe center console.350 are good,305 sucked.Nice green but I think it’s a repaint.$12k max.
Had a black 77 Monte Carlo 🏆 List price $6,347. Kept it for 5 years, but looked at 79 Monte Carlo. List $8,400? Much less car at much higher price and will V6. The 😉 Go for Baroque styling of the 77, didn’t work as well on the next generation. This one looks like a true Bon Marche! 👍
Great car – no complaints. 305ci V-8 ‘s came standard. 350ci V-8 was an upgrade. We had one,(‘77 with the 305ci), white with red cloth and dash. Beautiful car with Rally wheels. This was in 1995 and it wasn’t considered a classic but people still looked at it like it was ! The 305 that was in it actually did a pretty good job. 16mpg on the highway! And that was straight from the factory equipment! This car is FOR SURE a keeper! Price wise? Most likely around 11-12k tops as a previous commenter – commented. ANY ENGINE works for me – can’t be too picky these days! Nice article. Good luck!
This isn’t the first car I have seen on here where either the ambitious or unknowing owner says leather rather than vinyl. Other than Corvettes, the only factory leather came in the late 80s through the final ’90 year in Caprices most of which were Brougham or Brougham LS.
I had a ’72 Caprice with power locks w/no windows.
Easily add the windows on this Monte by tying to the lock wiring. Probably have to do more on the driver’s door but maybe not.
Then add a cruise and enjoy!
Presentation is nice, did quite a few camshafts, chains and valve jobs at that 70K + miles point, but many went much longer if taken care of, still think price is high, get it for $15K if you gotta have it, not much upside down the road, a nothing special car.
back in the day I picked up a 75 monte, fully loaded, big block, with a rod knock. body was straight with no rust, interior needed help. had planned on resurrecting it, but ended up moving out of state for work. traded it to a friend that ultimately scrapped it. ruin my whole day when I found out.
Back in the 80s and 90s these were my car of choice for endurance racing at my local tracks in southern Ontario, I was amazed at how well a stock 350 would endure 200 laps in first gear, we had a Labour Day enduro for 12k$ to the winner ( won it twice), always wanted a nice one for the street