Finding a classic where an enthusiast can enjoy it immediately and restore it at their leisure is tempting. That is the opportunity awaiting the new owner of this 1987 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS Aerocoupe. It presents acceptably as a driver-grade vehicle, but lifting its appearance to a higher level would be easy due to its lack of rust and panel damage. With 1980s classics gaining traction in the market, this SS deserves a close look.
It is said that racing improves the breed, and there are many examples of race car technology finding its way onto road cars. However, there are fewer examples of the opposite being true. An exception was NASCAR competition when the rules required that bodies had to be production items. Everyone sought an “unfair advantage,” and with the mechanical specifications being carefully controlled, companies focused on aerodynamic efficiency to gain an edge. It produced the winged wonders of the late 1960s, which pushed the concept to the extreme. The governing body quickly outlawed those cars, but General Motors followed a more conservative path in the 1980s to counter the Ford Thunderbird. The result was the Pontiac 2+2 and the Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS Aerocoupe. The sloping back window fed air onto the rear spoiler, increasing downforce on superspeedways like Daytona and Talladega. Chevrolet introduced the Aerocoupe in 1986, producing 200 cars to meet homologation requirements. The Aerocoupe proved more popular than the somewhat cumbersome 2+2, motivating Chevrolet to release a further 6,052 examples in 1987. The seller confirms this SS received a repaint in its original Code 11 White around twenty years ago, and that time has taken its toll. The paint looks slightly tired, and there are visible flaws and defects. However, with no significant panel imperfections and a lack of rust in this dry-climate classic, a cosmetic refresh would be straightforward. The process will entail replacing the weatherstrips, which have deteriorated beyond the point of no return. The plastic and glass are in good order, and the wheels should respond to attention with a high-quality polish. This car’s crowning glory is the glass T-Top, which some may prefer over the factory air conditioning.
This Monte Carlo’s interior is sunbaked, but it is far from the worst I have seen. The dashpad and upper door trims are discolored but haven’t split or ripped. The buyer may need to brace for replacement if they can’t bring them back with cleaning and conditioning. The fading extends to the carpet. However, the Burgundy cloth seats look pretty good. The factory stereo is AWOL, although it appears that might be the only missing item. The seller confirms the air conditioning is inoperative but hasn’t identified other functional issues. The new owner receives power windows, power locks, cruise control, and a leather-wrapped tilt wheel.
Manufacturers struggled to extract decent performance from their V8 powerplants in the 1980s, making some question whether cars like this Monte Carlo SS deserved the muscle car tag. Its 305ci V8 sends 180hp and 225 ft/lbs of torque to the rear wheels via a four-speed automatic transmission. The ¼-mile journey will take 17 seconds, and that 305 will run out of breath at 119mph. That brings us to a fascinating point to ponder. Since the Aerocoupe was a homologation special, common sense suggests it should be the ultimate version of the Monte Carlo. However, a regular SS could complete the ¼-mile journey in 16.6 seconds, while the needle will eventually hit 126mph. The Aerocoupe is marginally heavier, but the few pounds difference shouldn’t have such a significant impact. I can’t explain the difference, and gauging your opinion on the subject will be interesting. Potential buyers can consider this Monte Carlo a driver-grade classic. The seller states the engine runs well, the transmission shifts smoothly, and it rolls on relatively new tires. Therefore, enjoying it immediately is a realistic expectation.
Classics from the 1980s remained largely ignored as enthusiasts focused on earlier and later cars offering improved performance. However, a new generation has embraced these vehicles as an affordable entry point into ownership. The seller listed this 1987 Monte Carlo SS Aerocoupe here on eBay in Las Vegas, Nevada. Bidding sits below the reserve at $5,800, and recent sales results suggest it will probably hit $12,000 before the situation changes. Its restoration looks straightforward, but is that enough to tempt you to pursue it further?
Wasn’t this same coupe listed here only a few weeks back?
Nope, it’s a different one. This one is in better shape.
Reminds me of how the 94-96 Caprice Police Cars were slightly faster than the Impala SS, weighed a little less with the smaller wheels, no console, rubber instead of carpet.
Column shift and bench seat kills it for me. Had an ‘86 Monte Carlo SS and unfortunately sold it in ‘88. Considering a replacement for it now if I could find a similar one.