Next to “pony” cars and other compacts, personal luxury automobiles may have been the most sought-after cars of the 1960s. Pontiac already had the Grand Prix for several years, so Chevy joined the bandwagon in 1970 by introducing the Monte Carlo. The first generation ran from 1970-72 and produced 450,000 copies, so it was a good management decision. This 1971 Monte Carlo has just 57,000 miles and everything about it looks original, including 50 years’ worth of dings and scratches. Located in Buena Park, California, this survivor-quality auto is available here on craigslist for $15,500 OBO. Another cool tip from T.J.!
While the early Monte Carlos used the same “A-Special” platform as the Grand Prix, many of their parts came out of the mid-size Chevelle’s parts bin. They were so closely aligned that Monte Carlo production numbers are often combined with those of the Chevelle and El Camino. Due to a labor strike in the Fall of 1970, production was down slightly in the car’s encore year to 128,600 units, of which 102,000 were equipped with a 350 cubic inch V8 (like the seller’s) and 100,000 copies had the TH-350 automatic transmission (also like the seller’s car).
This Monte Carlo reads like a turn-key car you could drive anywhere and the seller says it needs nothing to be able to pull that off. They describes it as an “old lady grocery getter” so perhaps this was Grandma’s car, given its low mileage. The body looks sound and the Cottonwood Green paint with a contrasting dark green vinyl top could be original to the Chevy. It’s not perfect, however, and one photo shows a spot above the driver’s side taillight that looks touched up in the others.
We’re guessing the base 2-barrel 240 hp 350 V8 is under the expansive hood since it was paired with the smaller of the two available Turbo-Hydramatics. According to the seller, there are no leaks, no smoke, and no rust. The interior, like the rest of the cars, looks like it wears the same materials it left the factory with. An “encyclopedia” of service records from Day 1 will come with the sale. A new set of tires are also onboard to help accommodate a smooth ride home. You could probably buy a lesser car for the same money somewhere else.
These were a sweet ride back in the day. They still look good. Someone is going to end up with a nice one.
Very Nice, and if I were to buy this Monte all the barnfind Deaks would be whimpering in the corner about one thing or another. First they would whine about the missing green pvc from the roof. With the added items I would change from original the Monte might make their “WimperOfTheWeekAward.” I personally don’t think it would be in contention for their “SaabOfTheYearAward”. Not to worry they would cry about my 16inch rally’s and 4 wheel disc’s.
Frankly, I wouldn’t care one way or another lol. In the over all scheme of things, what car you buy & what you do to/with that car has no affect on my life. Nothing personal, just a fact.
Very underrated car just like the 1969-72 Grand Prix over shadowed by the GTO and Chevelle.
Not my favorite green but it’s very nice. I hope it goes to a good home.
What is the item shown on the rear parcel shelf? It looks like a “center high-mounted stop lamp” facing inwards.
That is not a stock item. But yes, that is what it looks like.
Ah the basic offer monte. Just a beautiful car.
Once, I saw a convertible monte version- that was when I learned the Chevelle was a cousin of the monte
While originally a MC convert had been planned, they were never made. A few have been “converted” using Chevelle parts. If you saw one, it was a ‘hack off the roof’ job.
First Car. Same as This. Tellico PlainsTennessee .
Plugs Wires kick the Clay off.
Drove it home 1984..
Dented but Solid.
Should be in Round Lake I’ll.
Memories.
Beautiful car. And then came 1973…
The downsized ’78 Grand Prix brought back that sort of clean lined styling.
Compare to the ridiculous 72 T Bird….
My Dad had one of these in baby blue with a 454 in it. A real sleeper.
I miss that car.
I had a new 68 GTO, had to sell ,when drafted into the Army. 😩
Came home from VietNam, Bought a 1970 Pontiac Grand. It was an outstanding car . Sure wish I could have new one like it !!
Have owned four First Gen Monte’s and currently own 2. This car is spot on with the price point for the condition of the vehicle as it is shown.
I prefer the Pontiac Grand Prix of this vintage because bucket seats and a 400 V8 were found on every example on dealer lots. The Chevy tried to be a price leader and the fully optioned models tended to be special ordered. The green on the car for sale was common color among the earth tone phase of the 1970s. If the Monte Carlo is half as reliable as the seller claims, one could fly to California go to Disneyland for a few days and walk on a Pacific beach then drive the Chevrolet home to the gray and blustery heartland.
They were never as well appointed as the Grand Prixs were, and the 400 was standard by that time in the Pontiac
Grandmother had a 70 Monte with the 400 sbc. One of the best looking cars that Chevy ever made. She was the little old lady from Pasadena.
With new and used cars and trucks poised to sky-rocket even more soon, this is a fair asking price. It’s all original and unmolested except for the speakers mounted in the rear package tray, no big deal. Low miles and everything works, including the A/C. Best looking M.C. they ever made, IMHO.
Very Nice Ride!!! Miss mine and searching for another. I had a silver and black 70 SS with buckets and a horseshoe shift….
I would love to find a plain jane Monte Carlo from this era, with the 3 on the tree. Ya just don’t see them like that!