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Garage Find: 1971 Chevrolet Monte Carlo

The first generation Chevrolet Monte Carlo only lasted three years, from 1970 to 1972, therefore there is a more limited supply of the most sought after Monte Carlos. The major difference in the three years is grille, the 1970 having round parking lights as opposed to the 1971 rectangular parking light, while the 1972 model moved them to the grille area and added a brushed chrome panel to the rear. Here is a 1971 Chevrolet Monte Carlo for sale here on eBay in Boston, New York.

This car was stored in a garage for over 30 years. It was purchased from the second owner who bought it in 1972. It runs and drives well but will need some TLC to make it road worthy. The chrome moldings and stainless steel trim are in good condition, but there is some pitting on the mirror and door handles. The vinyl top looks good.

It still wears the original paint which is showing its age. The tires are dry rotted and the brakes will need some repairs. The bottom rears of the front fenders have some rust and right rear around the wheel. The doors, hood, rockers, and trunk lid are very nice. The floor pans are solid with some surface rust but no rust through. The trunk is very solid but does have a couple of spots mainly towards the back.

The interior presents well. The original seats and carpeting are in good condition and there are no cracks in the dash. Unfortunately, a mouse got in the headliner and chewed a few holes about the size of a dime. It has the original AM radio with an eight-track player installed under the dash. The car has a tilt steering wheel.

The engine is the 350 cubic inch V-8. The standard 350 engine was a 245 horsepower TurboFire while there was a 270 horsepower option available. It has an automatic transmission. The oil has been changed, the gas tank drained and refilled, points adjusted, and a new battery added. This Monte Carlo has just 71,049 miles. The seller is serious about selling it and not relisting it for a higher price but expects realistic offers. Are you looking for a Monte Carlo with some work, but not too much work to get it on the road?

Comments

  1. Avatar photo Dave Mika Member

    Nice. My brother had a ’71 like this with buckets and that cool console/staple shifter.

    Like 8
    • Avatar photo Angus Macleod

      Angus M
      I worked in a body repair shop in the 1970s and the owner had a Monty, this was in Glasgow, Scotland. A beautiful and comfortable car and excellent to drive.
      PS. I still live in Scotland.

      Like 6
  2. Avatar photo Bob_S

    My only experience with a Monte Carlo is when I was driving my Datsun 260Z. I stopped for a red light in front of Ford’s WHQ and this Black Monte Carlo shrunk the rear end of my car by about a foot. The accident split the gas tank open, but only a little gas leaked out. It took 2 months to get my car back from the repair shop.

    Like 2
  3. Avatar photo 71FXSuperGlide

    Color “rusty orange” :D

    Always liked these 1st gen versions, especially with the big block.

    Like 5
    • Avatar photo Anthony

      Nice. Needs a little work but you can clean up and drive while working on it.

      Like 0
    • Avatar photo Saul Member

      I believe the shade technically is Blaze Orange.

      Like 1
  4. Avatar photo Gay Car Nut Tacoma

    Lovely looking Monte Carlo. I’ve always found it more attractive than later (1978 and later) models. It’s nice to see some survivors still being driven.

    Like 7
  5. Avatar photo Steve

    Shoot it in dark blue/ purple and call it “Street Beast II” (Doc from “Skreet Inlaws”). Not. Seriously, there is a reason you don’t see many 1st gen MC race cars…

    Like 0
  6. Avatar photo Steve

    With all that room between the front of the engine and the core support, I always thought these cars needed a larger engine. The time has arrived! LOL

    http://racecast.com.au/v12ls/

    Like 7
  7. Avatar photo Mountainwoodie

    Ahh..the glory of anonymous commenting.

    A little harsh…the guys at BF are , I would think, merely trying to raise funds to pay writers because after all who works for free.

    That said I am still waiting for my nurse to give me the okay to add yet another auto debit to my credit card..if I still have one :)

    On the issue of the MC, while its an attractive design, its still a pedestrian vehicle. Slushbox etc.

    Like 4
  8. Avatar photo Jesse Mortensen Staff

    @edh – This is our day job and we actually have quite a few members now. If you are reading more than the weekly limit, then you are spending a lot more time on the site then you are on that magazine subscription you pay for. We are accustomed to getting things for free online, but sometimes we forget that it all costs money to create and host.

    Like 7
  9. Avatar photo Gaspumpchas

    Yea Steve that fan shroud looks like a wind tunnel. These were great cars, just before the big bumpers and de tuned. Friend of mine has a 70 with a big block and a 4 speed…what a beast. left the outside stock. Good luck to the new owner.

    Cheers
    GPC

    Like 3
  10. Avatar photo DRV

    As a 16 year old I waited to be able to drive with my license because my dad wouldn’t let us until we drove 1500 miles with him. Well my aunt thought that was cruel and unusual. Whenever she visited she would throw her car keys to me send me on an errand. I loved that ’71 Monte of hers! She had some stiff suspension and motor package that included progressive ratio power steering. That car hauled ass even more than my dad’s GTO packaged Tempest. I still think the aesthetic design is the best looking for the period.
    Whoever that BF troll is, he can’t be a car guy.

    Like 9
  11. Avatar photo John Oliveri

    You can cancel me out now, Motor trend tried that too, I watch it on cable now, it was nice while it lasted, but I’m not paying, I’ll watch commercials, read ads, but I’m not paying, sorry

    Like 3
    • Avatar photo Jesse Mortensen Staff

      Well, there’s your problem. You’re spending too much on cable. Cancel it and you can get Netflix and a Barn Finds membership for a fraction of the price!

      Like 5
  12. Avatar photo Brian K

    No way I’d pay either. You see commercial ads all over the page. That should pay for things. The rest is just a money grab in my opinion. There are lots of sites for free to find cars. I like this site. If I have to pay for it though, no thanks.

    Like 7
  13. Avatar photo Bob Wagner

    I currently have a 72 Monte Carlo. I love it! It’s a great car and it gets a lot of attention when we drive it.

    Like 13
  14. Avatar photo 1972 Monte Carlo

    Bob Wagner, nice car. Here is my 72.

    Like 1

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