Sudden ill health or a disability can feel a cruel blow that leaves many victims struggling. Being a classic car enthusiast forced to part with a beloved project under such circumstances can be hard to accept. That is the difficult choice facing the owner of this 1970 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, with the sale coming just as they’d returned the car to a mechanically sound state. It needs a new owner willing to add the finishing touches by applying fresh paint. If you feel ready to tackle a straightforward winter project, the Monte Carlo is listed here on Craigslist in Thornhurst, Pennsylvania. With an asking price of $7,500, it undoubtedly falls into the affordable category. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Chuck F for spotting this beauty.

The exterior photos of this Monte Carlo are limited to a pair taken from the front and this solitary side shot. They don’t tell us much beyond the car appearing complete and that its Red paint is pretty baked. The shade puzzled me because Chevrolet only offered Black Cherry and Cranberry Red in the 1970 Monte Carlo color palette. It looks too light to be one and too dark to be the other. It may be a special order, which wouldn’t be unusual in 1970. The buyer will probably perform a repaint unless they prefer the survivor or “shabby chic” look. They could start the process from a sound foundation because there’s no evidence of panel damage or rust. The chrome is above average for a survivor, and there are no issues with the glass. This Chevy rolls on a set of color-coded wider steelies with dog dish hubcaps. They add a subtle sense of purpose to the car’s appearance, which many enthusiasts find attractive.

The single interior shot tells us little beyond the fact that the Monte Carlo’s interior is presentable and serviceable. Aftermarket additions include a sports wheel, additional gauges mounted under the dash, and a radio/cassette player. Nobody has cut anything to install these items, so reversing the changes would be easy. The front seat looks like it may soon need a new cover, although installing a high-quality slipcover would lift the presentation for those on a budget. Otherwise, there are no glaring problems. It may not be dripping with options, but the factory air conditioning will be welcome once summer hits.

While Chevrolet offered 1970 Monte Carlo buyers an entry-level 350ci V8 producing 250hp, many buyers followed the lead of this classic’s original owner by selecting the 300hp version. That small-block teams with a Turbo 350 transmission, with power assistance for the steering and brakes removing the physical effort from the driving experience. Although not considered a muscle car, the Monte Carlo’s ability to cover the ¼ mile in 15.9 seconds would have satisfied most owners. The seller went through this classic with a fine-toothed comb to ensure its excellent mechanical health. The original carburetor made way for a 650cfm 4-barrel unit, with an HEI ignition system providing the spark. They added new springs and shocks, which should help keep the Chevy firmly planted on Planet Earth. For those who love documentation, this Monte Carlo comes with its original dealership sales invoice and Protect-O-Plate. The seller indicates it runs and drives well, meaning that the new owner can slip behind the wheel, hit the key, and hit the road.

The listing suggests the seller cherishes this 1970 Monte Carlo and choosing to sell must have been a bitter pill to swallow. The reality is that it is unlikely to become a mega-bucks classic, but stranger things have happened. If the new owner whips the panels and paint into shape and achieves excellent interior presentation, it could command a value of $20,000. The figure wouldn’t creep much higher, but it does leave room to move on the build before the financial viability becomes questionable. I hope someone completes what this owner started because the car and the passionate enthusiast deserve it. Could you be that person?