Major changes to the Chevrolet Monte Carlo were just around the corner in 1973, as that’s when the new Colonnade styling would begin dazzling General Motors buyers for the next several years, with the MC being one of the better-looking recipients of this fresh design. While I’m a fan of those second-generation cars as well, it’s just hard to beat the body lines of the earlier examples for my tastes, such as this 1972 Monte Carlo here on eBay. Although it could stand some cosmetic attention, this one appears to be mostly solid all the way around, and the car seems like good material for a project. This Chevy hardtop is in Fort Payne, Alabama, with the current bid of $3,500 still short of the reserve. T.J., thanks for yet another great tip here!
There’s no evidence that this car has been tampered with very much, and the owner believes that the silver paint is probably original. The finish has gotten dull and chalky over the years, plus the exterior has developed a few scars and bruises during its lifetime. However, the panels seem to remain fairly solid for the most part, with the only obvious rust being the areas around the rear wheel wells. Even this appears fairly minor, so I’m thinking there will be some strong bones here to get started with.
The 402 was the next-to-largest engine that could be had in the Monte Carlo for ’72, with the “U” in the VIN indicating that’s how this one came equipped from the factory. Also sometimes referred to as the Turbo-Jet 400, the 402 was essentially a 396 bored .030, and pretty much the same mechanically. The seller says the motor is numbers-matching and will start right up, and that the Turbo 400 automatic transmission has recently been rebuilt. The car is stated to have a new gas tank, fuel pump, and alternator, along with a new set of tires. Some brake work will be needed soon, as they are claimed to be hard.
Nothing is specifically mentioned about the inside area, but the photos show an interior that seems about average for an unrestored auto from this era. The bench seat has a few cracks in the vinyl, but the dash appears good, at least from what I can tell. A few items in here could use some attention, but for a driver, it may also be acceptable as-is for a while. How would you envision moving forward with this 1972 Chevrolet Monte Carlo?
It’s worn out, but most likely an honest car. If the reserve isn’t too high this will make for a good restoration project. I’d rather take my chances with this than something like the Buick GS, at $29,500, featured on this site earlier today that supposedly has “no rust” yet shows a thick application of Bondo on the leading edge of its passenger fender where there is body damage.
These are good looking cars, the suspension and many interior parts for a 68-72 A-body can be used.
Steve R
I hope whoever buys this likes sanding. It’s going to need a lot of it to get it prepped for paint. If you just drive it as is, well there’s a name for folks like that.
What is that name? I’d fix what’s needed, preserve and enjoy it for what it is.
So engine and trans removed..
No longer an original high dollar car…
“On Nov-20-25 at 15:35:58 PST, seller added the following information:
The engine and transmission has been removed, selling only the rolling body…
Separation of drive and body is a good way to lower bidders and remove a potential higher dollar sale..
Good luck with the basic now Monte Carlo sale.
Thanks for the update. Like you suggest, it’s not the brightest move. Figure a well used running 396/402 might be worth $1,000, plus $500-700 for a short tail shaft TH400 with a known history. The drop in value will be significantly higher than that. I hope he dropped his reserve.
Steve R
Nice looking car. I’ve always loved this generation Monte Carlo, probably more so than the Colonnade look Monte. It all depends on the year and styling changes made to the car.
as they say you can’t fix stupid. car was worth more together than pulling it apart. would have been easier to put some time into cleaning up better to make a better presentation. its people like this that take a low production car and ruin it that make me upset. now there no bringing it back basically a parts car
In the 70s I mowed lawns in the area mobile home community. One of my clients was an older couple who owned one of these, blue over blue. Back then these were what people drove. There were a lot of interesting big block cars in our small town.
“This listing was ended by the seller on Fri, Nov 21 at 6:25 AM because there was an error in the listing.”
The seller came to the realization that showing it with an engine in it when it doesn’t come with it was a huge mistake.
This Monte Carlo I think can be saved. A big block with a rebuilt 400 trans, 12 bolt rear and A/C.