Hitting dealer lots for the first time as a 1970 model, Chevrolet’s timing for their new Monte Carlo couldn’t have been much better. As the new decade arrived, the writing was already beginning to appear on the wall for many muscle offerings, but the personal luxury car market was gaining ground, with Chevy’s entry into this segment selling over 159,000 units during its inaugural year. However, the Super Sport was an entirely different story, and by the time 1972 rolled around, this option was no more. The good news is a 454 was still available without the SS package, so if you’ve been looking for a project that came from the factory with the largest engine available, this 1972 Chevrolet Monte Carlo here on eBay might be a worthy contender. This one’s in Vancouver, Washington, with the opening bid of $1,000 yet to be placed.
While it’s clear that this Chevy needs a whole lot of work, I’ve got to give kudos to the seller for what I believe is his completely honest approach in describing exactly what you’re getting here. The listing itself is good, but the nearly 20-minute video is even better, so check out his link for this near the bottom of the eBay page. The seller mentions that the car has been inside for the last 11 years he’s owned it, but unfortunately, that was not the case before his acquisition.
Among the positives is the original buyer’s color choice, a rare shade known as Pewter Silver, but after 50-plus years, most of the paint has now faded and some of the body is also wearing primer. The worst exterior area is said to be the driver’s quarter, which also has a significant amount of filler, so it’ll probably be best to go ahead and replace this panel. Although there’s not much attractive about the rest of the outside, the owner believes most other sheet metal can be salvaged.
In addition to the color, another rarity is the engine, as just 1,268 Monte Carlos came equipped with the big 454 in 1972. At first, I thought it was MIA, as there’s no motor present under the hood. However, the seller mentions he still has the original block, and although that’s about all that remains it can be viewed near the beginning of the video. Unfortunately, the factory Turbo 400 transmission is gone and the original 12-bolt rear end has been replaced with a 10-bolt unit.
Being out in the elements previously for so long has taken its toll on the upholstery, but the floors seem to be reasonably solid overall, as does the trunk pan. A few components have been borrowed from the dash, but the seller says he didn’t find any cracks in the pad, so maybe the top portion can be reused. What are your thoughts on this 1972 Chevrolet Monte Carlo?
Best of luck to the next owner…
They are definitely going to need it!!!
You don’t need luck for this one… you need a lobotomy if you buy it.
Singles Ad: Used ’72 Monte Carlo. Formerly 454 car now a roller. Needs everything. Still looks good from a distance, if you squint. Seeking deep pockets for a rewarding relationship. Serious inquiries only.
Right!!!
The entire driveline is now in someone’s Chevelle SS clone.
Steve R
RoAdKill
Chevrolet harvest season came early this year.
Rear harvested,trans.mia, engine?. Let’s not forget extensive body & paint. Plus lower horse big block smog era. Save up and buy a done 70-71 and be way better off unless it sells for peanuts.
Im a true 1970-72 Monte guy but this is just a no brainier. straight up trash not worth a dime nothing left worth rebuilding ….
Well, what ever your ‘true’ definition is ..
As a true fan myself, and a capable being with restoration experiance, this a a fine example of a solid, straight, affordable base for a straight forward, all parts available restoration.
It doesnt have to be a queen, it can simply be mean.
I could have this up and running in a month; part time.
I think its time for people to realize its 2024 and that a real American made, big block, muscle car, that hasnt been rebuilt with a bunch of chinese parts is getting pretty rare.
If you ‘truely’ appreciate then the atttitude/mentality of :
“straight up trash not worth a dime nothing left worth rebuilding ….”
??
Is the problem and reason too many have been scrapped that should have been made their way to those who TRUELY know what theyre talking about.
Please folks, some of us arent rich, arent retired, dont live on credit and have just enough money to pick up a dream car to build over time.
This car is an excellent base for such a project, a father/son, a rat rod, a drag, a low rider, etc.
I bought a 71 Ford from the side of rail road tracks that was requesed from a junk yard that had already been picked, then picked more by tracks, grafitti, smashed windows and all.
I put mostly used parts in it, lots of cleaning, and fluids.
Drove it to a car show at a Harley Davidson dealer and it was photoed and discussed plenty, and offeres made to purchase.
I use it mostly to store other parts and to junk yard runs. It gets compliments everywhere.
Now has vanity plates and custom dual exhaust.
Total investment out of pocket probably less than 3,000.
I dont plan to sell, im doing custom imterior this year.
If i did sell, probably around 8,000.
Not a single crappy S. Drake part in it.
Has some D. Carpenter and Steele Rubber parts.
Who ever junked it would be ashamed.
Probably had the same attitude as this ‘oldschool’ peanut ; think about it :)
First of all, please stop with the “truely”. It’s “truly”.
Second, I’m not saying this isn’t a diamond in the rough. I suggest that it is too rough for more than $1k. To be driving this in one month, you must have a lot of time on your hands or maybe you own an automotive related business. To get it on the road, you’d have to (already) have running mechanical parts available ($$$). I guess you’re not searching for parts in a junkyard or ordering them and waiting for delivery. You’d have to install them (time – parts don’t just go in and automatically work, most times you have to test and adjust). Don’t forget electrical components, brakes, all fluids, hoses and more than likely the gas tank. In my state, you need to have all the glass installed. And, after all that is done, it would still be a rough diamond, waiting on all the interior work needing to be done, not to mention the rust removal, body work and paint.
So, doing all that, just to get it on the road, is going to take a whole lot more time and a bunch of money. And all you have is that rough diamond.
I am retired. I have the time. I have restoration experience (66 mustang, 67 skylark gs, 68 olds delmont, 70 corvette – not in that order). I don’t have a machine shop in my garage or access to an auto repair shop to work on it. For me, all the work on my cars has been done in my garage. It takes time. And, when I find a car I like and purchase? I spend a week or two planning the restoration. Fewer hiccups that way. Could I get something running in a month? Possibly, but I wouldn’t feel safe in it and I sure wouldn’t brag on it. It takes time. It takes money. This is an expensive hobby whether you buy a car that needs just a little or, one that requires a lot.
.. ‘true’ huh
whats the definition of ‘true’
cause as a true fan i see a diamond in the rough
like a real true fan does.
Rebar
Start the opening bid a 1.00
The car does come with the original 454 Block, for whatever that is worth.
Big block n 5 speed roadkill the crap out of it
Be hard to justify $1k for this.
There is just enough left to know what it was.
..
Im confused
solid floors and trunk, perfect front clip, all trim, door panels
Whats so bad here ?
If this were a mopar from a flood it would get more positive comments.
And my comment of positive and enthusiam gets removed ?!?
Click Bait!!!
Should bring about $100 at the local scrap yard, maybe?
There is one that’s more rare than this one and in way better shape just down the street from me. 454, buckets, floor shift, power windows, power locks, power drivers seat, 12 bolt posi, vinyl top and way less body work. $5k and it’s not sold.
where ?!?
i love these, and power windows is a must
please let me know