The end of the line is one way to describe this fourth-gen 1988 Chevrolet Monte Carlo Super Sport (SS). Oh, it continued on in later years but the rear-wheel drive version was gone for good. This edition of the M/C SS (’83-’88) was popular and a pretty reasonable package considering the era. This survivor is represented by Past and Present Motorcars of Winter Garden, Florida, a known classic car dealership that specializes in vintage Chevies. Interested? It’s available, here on eBay for a current bid of $13,100 with the reserve not met or on Past & Present’s website for $41,988.
The Monte Carlo SS was first introduced in its inaugural year of 1970, lasted through ’71, and then didn’t return until 1983. Dropped at the conclusion of the ’88 model year, the Monte Carlo went on hiatus until 1995 when it returned as a front-wheel driver and amounted to not much more than a two-door Impala. The SS variant reappeared in 2004 and continued to the final M/C conclusion which occurred in 2007. In the abbreviated ’88 model year (December ’87 termination), Chevrolet knocked out about 30K Monte Carlo copies with 16K of those wearing the SS badge.
So, what set a Monte Carlo SS from its more pedestrian sibling? A few things, besides the obvious stripes and badging. For starters, there was a 305 CI “High Output” V8 engine, F41 H-D suspension, 65 series tires mounted on cast aluminum wheels, a full gauge package, an aero nosepiece, and a deck lid spoiler. Exterior finishes were limited to black, white, silver, and maroon.
The first thing one will notice about this Monte is the “smoked” headlight covers – not a good look in my estimation but it’s a subjective add-on styling feature that can be retained or removed. As for the black finish and red stripes – no worries, this Monte, which is claimed to have always been garaged, is still as sharp as the day that it left the Pontiac, Michigan assembly plant. That said, close-ups of the finish reveal a lot of orange peel – a lot more than I would have thought normal.
A 305 CI “H.O.” engine means a 180 net HP V8 tethered to a four-speed automatic transmission – the sole SS powertrain available. It’s not said how this car runs and drives but there’s no reason to assume that there are any issues. I’ll say one thing for the engine compartment, it’s complicated looking but there is a small block in there underneath all of that “stuff”.
The interior shows as about how you’d expect on an 8K mile car – it looks like new! The gray fabric is the typical GM woven ’80s upholstery material that I’ve been known to confuse with terrycloth, but it is amazingly clean. This SS is equipped with optional bucket seats and a center console and that’s how most of these seem to have been equipped. Needed here, is nothing!
Well, there you have it, this car is in remarkable condition and does represent the end of an era. The listing claims two owners, and though it’s not stated, it would seem that it was acquired, in both instances, for collection ownership with perhaps thoughts of a latter-day payday. Speaking of that, a buy-it price of $41,988? As nice as this car is, I’m not feeling it, how about you?
Nope
Exactly. And it doesn’t have T-Tops.
Absolutely love the car. Always was my dream car as a kid. But for that price it had better be packing a 6.0 LS motor dynoed at 600hp
“I don’t know why it won’t sell honey. I guess we have to hang onto it”
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Keep in mind those cars had the look and thats all. The Hp & automatic with a plush interior dont a sports car make. Asking 41g is a bit much. But a seller can ask dont mean a buyer will buy.
Headlight covers were the go-to move before the Ford Taurus with the wrap around headlights debuted. I was 16 in the fall of 1988, so these MCSS were over the top cool. U cannot wrap my head around $41k. There are so much cooler cars in that price range, maybe not with only 8k miles, but still….
I knew two guys growing up that had these. I always loved the look. Unfortunately 180hp and auto will never be thrilling. $41k? Hmm..$32k yes
A little too much on the asking price.its late model,soggy performance and certainly just looks quick.i saw one of these at Riverside 1/4 mile in 87′.it ran a 15.87@86mph as it got beat by my stepdad in his 69 roadrunner 12.20@103mph.
MC did a couple-year stint after ’88 as a 2-door Lumina until that car ended before becoming the 2-door Impala.
$41K??? Nope, sorry
I have an ’87 T-top with the nicer burgundy interior. Also 8K miles and her first owner was a GM tech. Runs very well for 305 SBC in my opinion. Jim in Ohio
Bought this thing in 90, 10k, had 10 k on it, beautiful silver, 87, but was a dog, wouldn’t buy another one.way over priced and withe 305, auto, was a definit dog.
I still own an 87 SS since new with 106k miles. Just did a $20k resto and she again turns heads. Best offer for a car I will never sell has been $30k. Feel $41k is a bit high. Still love her.
A really nice Monty SS that checks all the boxes,
but they are asking Buick Grand National money for a Monte Carlo.
Maybe sometime in the future they will get there, but the market hasn’t gone therre yet.
Very nice car, but terribly slow and not worth the money. If anyone started using it regularly, it would nickel-and-dime them to death, because these cars were made out of crap. I had one.
It’s too bad the “regular 305” didn’t put out the stated 180 hp and the “high output “ at around 220hp. The technology after 1985 was getting a lot better and I’m sort of scratching my head wondering WHY the 1987-88 Monte Carlo didn’t have a beefier engine. The price of this car is ridiculous. Good luck. Nice article.
Junk. No way
Nice looking car imo, the headlight covers could go. LS swap auto trans for me. Oh well.
Love this. I could except the HP..I wouldn’t be beating on…its a comfortable cruiser.At least it’s a V8…the mileage is great, like brand new, but the price is too high.
Miss my loaded 88 Monte SS with t tops. Sold it in 1993 for $9,300 to a police officer. He still has it today. Dumbest thing I ever did. I wouldn’t go $41,000, but some where near 30. But would prefer the claret interior like mine had. Paid $5,500 for mine at a drug forfeiture auction in Sept. 1991. Had 31,000 miles. Window sticker near $18,000.
Nice looking car, but everyone I knew who owned one had reliability problems. Not much fun when you have to get a loaner from the dealership to get to work.
Wanted one of these so bad when they first came out. $41K for this? Nope I will keep my Buick Grand National.