I know how many 1988 Chevrolet Monte Carlos were produced (29K), even how many wore SS (Super Sport) equipment. But how many of those 16K high-performance versions were equipped with a front bench seat? That, I do not know. As a matter of fact, I didn’t know such an animal existed but here’s the proof. I’m no Monte Carlo expert and don’t pay a lot of attention to Chevrolet’s one-time personal luxury coupe but I don’t believe that I’ve ever encountered a fourth-gen SS with a bench seat. Calling Salem, Virginia home, this very clean, end-of-the-run, rear-wheel-driver is now looking for new digs.
After a long absence, the Monte Carlo SS returned in ’83 and continued through model year ’88. Often found in white, silver, or maroon, a red velour-style upholstery was often the interior decor of choice – and this Monte got that part right. And speaking of the interior, it’s in remarkably clean and unworn condition considering this car’s 36 years of existence and 126K miles of use. Of course, the seats have been recovered and the headliner and carpet are new, so that explains the interior’s brightness. What you see here was standard equipment actually, as fabric upholstered bucket seats, including a center console, were a $257 option on top of option package 1SC according to the GM Monte Carlo vehicle information kit.
As stated earlier, this is a clean machine, maybe too clean, as I wonder what happened to the distinctive SS side stripes. At first, I thought a possible respray, and that is the case as the seller mentions, “IT HAS AN OLDER BUT VERY CLEAN, SMOOTH PAINT JOB.” So the stripes didn’t make a return engagement but the decal-like badging proclaiming this coupe as an “SS Monte Carlo” did. The seller further praises this Chevy’s panel alignment, lack of rust, and freedom from crash damage and I’d say his description is accurate. I will admit it, I like the “minimalist” exterior vibe.
The engine is a 180 net HP 305 CI V8 which the seller describes by claiming, “IT STARTS EASY, RUNS WELL & SOUNDS GOOD. IT DRIVES JUST AS NICE WITH A STRONG MOTOR, GOOD COOLING SYSTEM.” One curious statement however is, “THE REBUILT TRANS WAS UPGRADED TO A 350.” That’s a surprising swap if that’s actually the case. This Monte Carlo would have originally been assembled with a Turbo-Hydramatic 200-4R (the instrument panel gear selector bears this out) which is an overdrive unit. The Turbo-Hydramatic 350 is a three-speed gearbox without the advantages of that extra long-legged O/D gear. Ostensibly, the 350 is a sturdier unit but the 200-R4 does have upgrade capability that can be applied.
So, is this a rare Monte Carlo SS? Maybe, but perhaps “uncommon” is a better descriptor. A sales enhancer? Not in my book, how about in yours? Interested parties will find it here on eBay where it’s available for a current no-reserve bid of $10,500 with twenty-four bids tendered so far. BTW, there is an embedded start-up video in the listing – be sure to check it out.
That’s not a bench seat!
It’s technically a split-bench.
JO
Correct
A split bench is still a bench.
I’ve probably seen this at Cars & Coffee in Salem,but
don’t remember it.I really dislike that cheesy/cheap looking
front end.You’d think there would have been a stylist at GM
who could’ve done a better job.
Also,with a 305,makes it even easier to pass on this one.
If I remember right all ’83 Monte Carlo SS had bench seats.
The mid-80’s Camaro wheels look odd on a Monte Carlo, that and the TH350 swap suggest decisions were made based on what saved money. A thorough inspection would be wise so any potential buyers knows exactly what they would be getting.
Steve R
Good write up J.O.
Steve, this Monte w bench and column shifted Hydramatic is just asking for a 350-4. 🏁
Or a 350 5spd. Something that should have been offered when new.
Steve R
Our brothers south of the border 🇲🇽 got that one. Check out the Mexican Monte SS if you haven’t Steve.
What a cool 😎 ride.
Thanks for the reminder, I remember seeing something about that once. Australia had some really cool cars, both Ford and GM, for their domestic market too, though on different platforms.
Steve R
I’m thinking more Monte Carlo SS’s had the split bench then buckets, my 86 was a bench and most I remember seeing were bench. The buckets were a option, and if I remember correctly, it was an option that wasn’t checked as much as the standard split bench.
That’s no 1988 engine. Those were black with center-bold valve covers. That spray job in the door jambs looks like a**. Hard pass at $4000 much less $10K plus.
Bolt not bold
You are correct those are late 1970s valve cover/ engine 305 or 350
Also this was a late 1970s complete engine trans combo 350/350 trans or 305/350 trans swap out some years ago just sayin
Good catch! I think center-bolt valve covers were implemented in ’86 (on some engines?) and completely by ’87.
JO
My old 87 MCSS had a split bench. Loved that Monte Carlo. It had just been repainted its original color, black, but with no decals and polished IROC wheels, so I used to get asked all of the time, “what kind of car is that?” Not even close to being quick, but a solid cruiser that got decent gas mileage. One big thing for me, being in my early twenties at the time, no moving violations in that car. That was a first for me and the cars I owned during my late teens early twenties. I recall being placed on drivers probation, for my, well let’s just say, less than exemplary driving record…California’s DMV had enough of my shenanigans on the roadways I suppose.
Jim, the ’83 Monte Carlo SS came only with a blue and white bench seat with SS logos. Bucket seats were not available on any 1983 Monte Carlo. The blue and white bench carried over into 1984, but buckets were now optional. A bench seat in regular Monte Carlo colors was standard from ’85-’88. They’re not all that common, but they’re out there.
This is a typical interior for the Gbody Chevrolet. My 87 El Camino SS came with the same 60/40 split bench. Plenty comfortable. I swapped in some 84.5 Supra power seats and never looked back. So this split bench is nothing reare or special.
Beautiful looking car. Of all the Montes of the 1980s, the SS has always been my favourite car.
Tooooo much white!
looks to be missing original engine as previously mentioned. the 200r4 is gone with a pos 350 turbo why? original wheels gone as well. various shades of red inside. $10500. these bidders must be really desperate for an ss. better to buy the best example you can. these cars are worth the most when they have been left as built.
When I was 16 I had the chance to get my aunts 80s monte Carlo for free. I didn’t have the extra money or the time to go get it from my uncles family’s house in Tennessee. The 305 blew when they was starting to head back home to Illinois. If I could of got it I was going to put a 427 in it with a 4 speed manual transmission in it
Sold with a high bid of $11,601.
Steve R