One of the disadvantages of owning a black car is that the interior can become stifling on sunny days. If you’re the type of person who doesn’t like to hit the air conditioning button under such circumstances, removing the T-Top panels from this tidy 1986 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS will provide a wind-in-the-hair motoring experience. It appears to be an unmolested survivor needing little beyond a new home. The seller has listed the SS here on eBay in Kaiser, Missouri, with a BIN price of $19,500.
Chevrolet released its Fourth Generation Monte Carlo for the 1981 model year. It remained on sale until 1988, with the SS badge rejoining the range in 1983. This 1986 example is finished in Code 19 Black with the typical Red and Orange stripes and graphics. Its presentation is very respectable for a survivor of this vintage, with no glaring paint or panel imperfections. The seller doesn’t mention rust problems, and I see nothing in the supplied photos suggesting that this Monte Carlo is anything but rock-solid. The plastic hasn’t waved the white flag in the face of UV exposure, and the distinctive and aggressive 15″ alloy wheels are free from stains and physical damage. The interior image shows no evidence of moisture damage, suggesting that the T-Top seals are in good condition.
Ordering the SS variant brought 1986 Monte Carlo buyers the “HO” version of the 305ci V8, a four-speed 200-4R automatic transmission, and power assistance for the steering and brakes. The “HO” engine was worth the price of admission, because while the factory quoted a power output of 150hp for the standard engine, this SS should place 180hp at the driver’s disposal. The seller states that this Monte Carlo is numbers-matching. What they don’t supply is any information regarding its mechanical health. I am probably not alone in believing that any ’86 Monte Carlo SS within this price range should run and drive perfectly.
The SS might have been the sporting version of the 1986 Monte Carlo range, but Chevrolet added enough creature comforts to make life on the road pretty pleasant. This car features air conditioning, power windows, power locks, cruise control, a tilt wheel, and an AM/FM radio/cassette player. I can’t spot any aftermarket additions beyond the wheel cover, and the interior makes a positive first impression. The distinctive Gray velour cloth looks remarkably good for its age, with no stains or significant wear. The same is true of the carpet, but there appears to be one fault that will cost the buyer a few dollars to address. The interior image isn’t great, but it seems to reveal a pad crack near the dash center. If that proves the case, it may require replacement. That exercise will cost the buyer around $500, although they could simply throw on a cover to hide the shortcoming.
Chevrolet marketed two versions of the Monte Carlo SS in 1986, producing 200 examples of the Aerocoupe for NASCAR homologation. Its styling divided opinion, and even today, the conventional SS remains the more popular pick across the general classic community. Admittedly, the Aerocoupe will typically command a higher sale price than a regular SS, but many enthusiasts never warmed to the appearance enough to justify the additional expense. This SS appears to be a tidy survivor with no pressing needs. The seller’s BIN figure might be slightly optimistic if an in-person inspection confirms the possible dashpad crack. However, the listing statistics suggest that people like what they see. Do you believe that interest will translate into sales success?
While not entirely correct, there’s only one person I think of when seeing a car like this, the car that made him a legend, the greatest race car driver of all time, #3 Dale Earnhardt. In fact, I was in Florida when he got killed, flew right over the track after the race, and didn’t find out until we got home.
These were the best cars GM made to date, Earnhardt was no dummy and knew what would win. It’s hard to believe how about face we came with FWD after these great cars. Sorry, Mr. Earnhardt, I don’t know what happened.
Wow Howard, didn’t know that. I was living there in Port Orange working for RRDonnelley and had to work that night. I watched the race until the end and remember thinking how eerie it looked seeing the ambulance going to Halifax Medical the wrong direction on Int. I then took a nap, as usual, to prepare for my 8PM to 8AM shift. My wife woke me around 6:30 and told me Earnhardt had passed. Was hoping I was dreaming, but what most of us felt when we heard that was hope that it couldn’t be true. Collected 3 newspapers every day through the following Sunday. I still have those plus many more collectibles. Hoping they will be worth something to someone someday. It seemed after 911 later that year everyone sorta moved on except for us hardcore fans. What a year, then Jr. winning the 400 later that summer. I became a true fan when Sr pulled the “pass in the grass” against ole Elliott! I can go on and on about NASCAR. Started watching in the late 70’s. It’s not what it used to be for sure. We all miss the villains!
This one is pretty clean and has survived the times and has not been modified!
Always loved these 80’s SS Monte’s. Last good looking gen. in my opinion. That dash pad actually looks cracked in 2 places, otherwise it looks very clean.
Yes, so tragic about Dale Earnhardt. Was real sad when he passed but through his death NASCAR got safer with the mandating of the HANS devise. But yeah, real sad. That day went and got some diecast cars to remember him.
Any Monte SS with T-tops I love!!!!
At a better price, might make a good DD. New car prices are unreal, plus they are so complicated they can not be fixed except by a crazy expensive dealer, and they break often due to the complexity. This you can fix yourself and parts are cheap.
You are right Chad. I work at a new car jeep dealership and new cars are expensive and complex to work on. A lot of people are buying newer used cars here because they are a little cheaper than a new car and just a little cheaper on insurance and to register.