There was a time when you saw this generation of Chevy’s Monte Carlo practically everywhere. Used by grandmas, dads, workers, and brand loyalists, the Monte Carlo seemingly appealed to consumers on a few different levels, even if just on the basis of nostalgia alone. This example looks good enough to consider pressing it into regular use as an in-town car, with just 50,951 original miles and still-cold air conditioning. The seller notes there are no major mechanical issues and the cosmetics speak to a Monte that’s been cherished by its owners. Find it here on eBay listed with no reserve and bidding to just over $3K at the moment.
Now, selfishly, I think the best looking Monte Carlo was the third generation model, but you see far more of the later cars like this still on the road than of the downsized earlier cars. Chevy was responding to the perils of the oil crisis when it built the third-gens, and performance and size were greatly reduced. The fourth generation Monte Carlo helped open the door for a performance variant to return to the lineup in the form of the later SS cars, but examples like this were still clearly built for comfort cruising rather than backroad hustling. The paint is said to be in good shape, along with the wire-style hubcaps and tires with good tread.
The interior remains as nice as you’d expect for a low mileage example, and while not particularly memorable or eye-catching, it sure looks comfortable. The fact that the carpets remain clean and the door panels undamaged (and the bench seat untorn!) are all hallmarks of a caring owner. On that note, the listing does confirm this pretty Monte Carlo has had just one owner from new. Now, the amount of blue in this car is a bit overwhelming, but I suppose it’s a nice alternative if you’re sick of seeing bordello red inside your everyday G-body. The Monte Carlo featured a three-speed, column shift automatic in 1984.
This example is fitted with the bread-and-butter 3.8L V6, making well under 200 b.h.p. To me, the hot ticket is the rare turbocharged version, but those pop up quite infrequently. All looks well under the hood, with the exception of the hood pad beginning to distentegrate. The seller doesn’t provide an exceptionally detailed overview of the Monte Carlo’s mechanical health, but does note a mechanic looked the car over and saw no evidence of major leaks or running-related issues. No mention is made of any recent mechanical repairs, but it’s also not overheating or producing any major leaks. A cheap option for a low-mileage summer cruiser.
A nice cruiser, and you won’t see yourself coming and going OR at Coffee & Chrome! GLWTA
The only turbo Monte Carlos were in 1980-1981, the option was dropped after that.
These were popular because they weren’t the pimpmobiles of the mid 70s and weren’t the shortened versions that looked like their butts were dragging. They got the scale and shape right on these.
The 229 was a solid engine based on the small block. Backed by a TH350 and a 10 bolt you weren’t going to hurt them. We got one for my son’s first car and it went many trouble free miles. It served him well while he was in the Navy. He started to restore it but the usual things stopped that so he sold it and got another.
The turbo engine was the Buick 231 v6. Later they used the 4.3 v6 which was also a great combo.
This is a fine example. Reminds me of a former coworker’s 77 model. Same color in and out. Whoever got that car got a babied cream puff. The guy was afraid to even turn on the a.c. full blast.
Emblem on the trunk lid is mounted too high. Possible re-paint?
Also missing Monte Carlo Emblems on front fenders. I’d have to agree on being a repaint.
I see them at Wal Mart all the time.
BS.
Not turbo charged
Wow, a negative comment from you – I’m surprised !
This one isn’t turbo charged – read the ad.
Chevrolet redeemed themselves with this generation IMO. I was never a fan of the 1978 to 80 models. The early colonnade models are still my favorite.
I worked with a guy – who was not married and had no kids -as his gift to himself each year he’d purchase a brand new fully loaded Monty and trade in his old one. Once they went to the downsized version – he lamented it just wasn’t the same luxury ride as the bigger ones. The build quality wasn’t the same – interior trim was cheap – small V8’s – the idea of a gentleman’s luxury ride was gone by this era….
Nice car.
I had the exact car / year / color wire hubcaps, except no vinyl roof, but add the CL trim package (velour split-front seats, full gauges, and clock in the instrument panel). I bought it in October, 1988 for $6000 from a used car lot.
The front fenders are missing the Monte Carlo badges and the trunk badge is not in the correct location (too high).
This body would have made a perfect GTO for Pontiac instead of the Australian whatever they used.
Pontiac could have been saved.
I had an ’85 with a 4.3. Drove it over 200k miles and never had any issues with it. Quite possibly one of the best cars I have ever owned.
Gauges? We don’t got to show you no stinking gauges!
I have had my 85 Monte Carlo since June of 1985. I bought it the day I got my commission in the Navy. I couldn’t afford the SS, so I bought a buff colored with a 4.3, AM/FM/Cassette, manual windows and the burgundy interior.
Over the years, I keep threatening to rip the drivetrain out and put in a 383 and 9 inch Ford rear… but they are only original once – and I can’t see myself actually doing it. As someone above said, when I go to C&C, I am the sole non-SS Monte. People seem to like the fact that it hasn’t been messed with (aside from a new stereo).
So now that I have decided to keep it original, I’m eyeing my 92 Ranger for a 302/Tremec swap. Hmmm…
Its all about the Mass air sensor.
But Ford guys would not understand.
Too much tech for them. 😁😂🤣
I had a 1981 Monte the same colour as this with the split front seat and center console. It had the 283 v8 engine and was a real pleasure to drive and was economical. Unfortunately, living in the Montreal area, it succumbed to the dreaded winters and became dangerous with so much rust, but i loved that car.
I drove a 1981 Monte Carlo as a rental car while on vacation visiting my paternal grandparents near Miami Beach one winter. The car looked nice, handled and drove well but the 6 cylinder engine was anemic. In 1982, I purchased my first new car and it was a light blue Monte Carlo with a dark blue half vinyl roof and blue interior. Bought the biggest engine available which was a weak 4.4 liter V-8. I did order the F41 sport suspension and the gage package. Car looked great and was much easier to drive and park than the long hooded 1970-1977 models. Verdict: great rental car but no reserve power for freeway merging and passing as a daily driver. This nice listing strongly resembles my first new vehicle.
My aunt and uncle had a Monte Carlo that was 2 or 3 years newer I can’t remember exact year it was. but it had the 305 v8 under the hood and black interior if I remember correctly. it was also painted metallic blue. I also had a chance to get the car for free and if I could of got it I would of changed the engine and I would of also turned it into a manual transmission car instead of keeping it an automatic.
This car has absolutely had a repaint based on no front fender name badges and trunk nameplate a few inches too high. Why are body shops lazy about this kind of thing? The idea of good bodywork is so you can’t tell.
SOLD for $3,750.
Whether in Chevy, Buick, Pontiac, or Olds guise, the ubiquitous car of the 80’s.