One of Chevrolet’s more revered badges is the Monte Carlo SS. It proved successful on the sales charts and the race track, although Chevrolet temporarily retired the SS badge in 1988. It returned with a vengeance in 2000 as part of the Sixth Generation model range. Our feature car rolled off the line in 2002 and has spent the last few years sitting in an impound. The experience hasn’t harmed this classic, with it remaining as solid as the day the original owner took delivery. The current owner feels it would be a straightforward project for the right person and has listed it exclusively with us at Barn Finds Auctions.

The Monte Carlo SS was a firm favorite in NASCAR circles, with no lesser drivers than Jeff Gordon and the late great Dale Earnhardt tasting success behind the wheel. Chevrolet introduced the Sixth Generation Monte Carlo in 2000, reviving the SS badge that had lain dormant since 1988. The new generation featured more aggressive styling than its predecessors, with some body changes designed to assist the SS in achieving racing success. This “Monte” rolled off the line in 2002, and it would have looked stunning with its Galaxy Silver paint shining at its best. Time has taken a toll on the finish in some areas, but the vehicle remains presentable if the new owner wants to return it to active duty quickly. The panels sport a few bumps and marks, but the SS-specific badges, plastic, spoilers, and fog lights are in good order. A couple of generic Monte Carlo plastic items are damaged, but locating secondhand replacements shouldn’t be challenging. Scrolling through the gallery below this article confirms this car is rust-free. The exterior shows no signs of nasty surprises, and the underside looks nice and solid. Those preferring fresh air over air conditioning will welcome the spotless glass sunroof, with the remaining windows looking equally impressive. The Monte Carlo rolls on 18″ alloy wheels, and although they have some marks, there is no physical damage that would prevent restoration.

Chevrolet offered two engines within its 2002 Monte Carlo model range, but only the SS received the 3.8-liter V6. The Sixth Generation was also the first where the SS sent its power to the front wheels, doing so via a four-speed automatic transmission. Power steering lightens the driver’s load, while the ABS adds a layer of safety not found in earlier SS models. That V6 produced a healthy 200hp and 225 ft/lbs of torque, allowing this gem to scorch the ¼-mile in 16.1 seconds. Aerodynamic efficiency means that if the driver kept the foot to the floor, that sweet V6 would run out of breath with the needle nudging 136mph. The current owner indicates the SS ran well and drove when it arrived at the impound two years ago but has been laid low by a faulty fuel pump. Squirting in starting fluid brings the car to life, but spending around $130 on a replacement pump should help this classic on the path to becoming roadworthy.

Life inside this Monte Carlo would have felt pretty luxurious in 2002, and its equipment levels compare favorably with many modern models. The owner receives a full complement of airbags, leather upholstery, climate-control air conditioning, power windows, power locks, power seats, power mirrors, cruise control, an illuminated passenger vanity mirror, a leather-wrapped tilt wheel, and a premium AM/FM radio/cassette player with wheel-mounted controls. The interior has a few shortcomings, but none appear insurmountable. The driver’s seat received previous repairs that have deteriorated. Handing it to a skilled upholsterer for another dose of the same medicine is an alternative, but the future potential value might make replacing the front covers a better option. This isn’t as expensive as you might think, with new covers in the correct material and pattern readily available for around $380. The dash section surrounding the stereo is broken, which appears to be the work of someone attempting to liberate the stereo from its rightful home. Thankfully, this isn’t an SS-specific item, so a trip to a pick-a-part might secure a replacement for a few dollars. Otherwise, what the interior is begging for is a deep clean. That should make an enormous difference and may confirm that the items I’ve mentioned are all the winning bidder would require to have everything shining like a new penny.

Returning this 2002 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS to its former glory would be straightforward, and its complete lack of rust means the winning bidder could easily do so in a home workshop. As the current owner rightly states, the values of these cars are climbing, with an SS consistently commanding a 30% premium over lesser examples within the Monte Carlo range. This one should be an affordable alternative for someone willing to roll up their sleeves and get their hands dirty, with the finished product offering enough performance to satisfy many owners while providing a comfortable and luxurious motoring experience. If a relatively easy project has been on your mind, bidding on this SS could make it a reality.

• Location: Sarasota, Florida
• Mileage:  151,182 Shown,
• Engine: 3.8-Liter V6
• Transmission: 4-Speed Automatic
• VIN: 2G1WX15K929193949
• Title Status: Clean

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