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Factory Big Block! 1971 Chevrolet Monte Carlo

The best known of Monaco’s four quarters, Monte Carlo has been called a “playground for the world’s rich.” Chevrolet’s Monte Carlo brings that luxury to General Motors’ most popular and pedestrian brand. This 1971 Chevrolet Monte Carlo in Topeka, Kansas avoided becoming a hot rod and even wears its original hub caps! Rust on the lower panels will need more than a smear of body filler, but the classic looks tidy inside, and apparently runs and drives as the seller says nearly everything “works as it should.” The listing here on eBay has attracted at least nine bidders and a market price above $10,000. If you need it now, simply click Buy It Now for $15,000.

Most American engines achieved peak horsepower in 1970, and the 402 cid (6.6L) big block lost 30 HP for 1971, still coming in at an even 300 HP and 400 lb-ft of torque. This evolution of the storied “396” also responds well to mods if you need more thrust. Thanks to automobile-catalog for some details. Power mongers could still order up the 454 cid (7.4L) monster even though the prior year’s “SS” model dropped off the map for after ’71. (Editor’s note:  correction made after publication.)

The light-colored interior and expanse of wood grain contrasts elegantly with the metallic brown paint, or the original Burnt Orange. At a mere $218 more than a Malibu, according to Wikipedia, the Monte Carlo represented a snappy upgrade. Air conditioning keeps you cool whether you’re cruising the French Rivera or the bayous of Louisiana.

That rear bumper will need some work or replacement. With styling reminiscent of GM’s flagship Cadillac Eldorado, the Monte Carlo looks especially classy with this specimen’s vinyl top and rear wheel skirts. Faded paint on the trunk suggests outdoor storage or overzealous use of automatic car washes. Finish this car and drive it to a black tie soiree, and you’ll garner more stares than a Mercedes-Benz S600 that cost over $100,000. What posh event would you crash in this Mediterranean-inspired luxury coupe?

Comments

  1. Avatar Steve R

    The SS was still available for 1971, checking that option box was the only way you could get a 454 in a Monte Carlo that year.

    Steve R

    Like 14
    • Avatar BW

      Steve, sure glad someone corrected the BF writer on the ’71 SS seeing as I have one sitting in my driveway. Fun car with lots of torque.

      Like 17
    • Avatar ray96disco

      My father had one.

      Like 1
    • Avatar Patrick Curran

      They made exactly 1,919 SS 454’s for the 1971 model year.

      Like 10
    • Avatar Todd Fitch Staff

      Regarding the 1971 Monte Carlo SS, thanks Steve R and others! I have corrected this in the article. While production sometimes deviates from the sales literature, this page of the brochure confirms the SS and SS-only 454. Such a car would definitely be in my Lottery Dream Car Garage. Thanks again to you all for keeping me straight. https://www.lov2xlr8.no/brochures/chevy/71mc/bilder/6.jpg

      Like 4
  2. Avatar Jack Sakaluk

    Too much needs done …not a 15.5K or even a 10k. IMO.

    Like 10
    • Avatar Mike

      Barely a 5k car.

      Like 4
      • Avatar robert semrad

        Hey, Mike….grab a fist full of chips, and take another hit…..things will be ok in a few hours.

        Like 7
    • Avatar robert semrad

      I’m very curious how water stains got on the front of the back seat, as well as on the front seat area……doesn’t have a sunroof……I don’t think water would get in on those locations with the windows down……got me puzzled.
      Anyone have the answer?

      Like 0
  3. Avatar Keith

    I had a 4-sp one and what a fun car. Stolen right out of my carport.I was putting a stereo in it and had the dash pad off when it was stolen. I still have the dash pad waiting to be put back on the car when it is found after 35 years.

    Like 13
    • Avatar John S Dressler

      Keep your fingers crossed Keith, that 400 four speed is even more rare than the 70 Super Sport 454 Montes’ like mine. If they ever find it you’ll be in the chips!

      Like 6
      • Avatar Keith

        Yes . I read somewhere around 150 were made. The guy I bought it from was sick about the car being stolen along with me and he still calls and asks if I have heard anything. It might show up but I seriously doubt it .They stole it for the radio I just put in. I think .I lived in Youngstown,Ohio then so anyone around there keep your eyes open for a triple black 4-sp Monte with no top dash pad. LoL

        Like 4
  4. Avatar Tommy C

    Funny thing about the 1971 Monte Carlo, it is the only year that on the trunk lock bezel the 1971 date is in Roman Numerals.

    Like 2
    • Avatar Eric Gifford

      You didn’t have to get a SS for the 454 option. And the 71 had the year on the front in Roman numerals, not on the trunk lid.

      Like 1
    • Avatar Patrick Curran

      The 1970 grill emblem had roman numerals as well. The roman numerals were eliminated for the 1972 model year.

      Like 3
  5. Avatar angliagt Member

    I always thought that the ’71 was the best looking year for these.
    They’re great driving cars,back before cars got too complicated.

    Like 8
  6. Avatar glenn hilpert

    Had a 70 years ago with the 350-300HP. Very decent car and pretty quick. Should have kept that one but that is what we all say. Still have my 72 Biscayne with the 402, 240HP version and is a fun car to drive. Don’t have any idea how many are left with the B07 option. This 71 should go between $11-12K respectfully.

    Like 1
  7. Avatar Eric Gifford

    You didn’t have to get a SS for the 454 option. And the 71 had the year on the front in Roman numerals, not on the trunk lid.

    Like 0
  8. Avatar Patrick Curran

    I bought a new 1971 Monte Carlo with the 402, THM 400 and 12 bolt rear and I still own it. It has been a great car!

    Like 10
  9. Avatar Raymond

    The car looks good to me drive it enjoy it

    Like 1
  10. Avatar Car Nut Tacoma

    Nice looking car. I’ve always found the 1970-72 Chevy Monte Carlo. I find them more attractive, for the most part, than the Colonnade style Montes of 1973-76.

    Like 3
  11. Avatar angliagt Member

    There was one (1970) sitting at a local auto shop.
    I’d known the original owner years before that.It was in
    really nice shape.The shop wanted someone to haul it off.
    I tried to find someone to take it,but couldn’t find anybody.

    Like 0
  12. Avatar Kevin

    Love this style also,but the colonnade’s were from 73-77,I had a 75,last year of round headlights,my buddy had a 70,sweet car,but he wrecked it,then ended up in a nice 71,good memories cruising around back in the 80s with him.

    Like 0
  13. Avatar EPO3

    I have always been sucker for this car 12 grand would be a good deal for this one

    Like 0
  14. Avatar JoeNYWF64

    I think the fender skirts look good here & on full size ’71-76 chevies.
    Like on the Corvette, steering wheel is always black, i believe, regardless of the dash color, unlike some other GM cars.

    Like 0
  15. Avatar robert semrad

    I’m very curious how water stains got on the front of the back seat, as well as on the front seat area……doesn’t have a sunroof……I don’t think water would get in on those locations with the windows down……got me puzzled.
    Anyone have the answer?

    Like 0

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