The last of the big ones. 1977 was the last year of the mid-sized Monte Carlo, before major shrinkage occurred in 1978. In fact, the ’77 Monte Carlo was larger than the downsized “full-sized” Chevy Caprice. With the redesigned ’78 models right around the corner, the ’77 Monte Carlo was in limbo. That’s why it was basically a ’76 model with minor trim and badging differences. The popular Monte Carlo went out with a bang, though, as it set a sales record of 411,038 units for the 1977 model year. With that many sold, pampered, highly-original time capsules show up from time-to-time here on Barn Finds. Such is the case here. This silver survivor is in San Pedro, California, and is for sale here on craigslist for $11,500. Super-Spotter Rocco B. comes through again. Thanks, Rocco!
The seller shares that he bought the Monte Carlo two years ago with plans to restore and daily drive it, but circumstances are unfortunately forcing a sale. The original owner kept the car in great shape and probably had it for many years since the second owner only had it for a “short time.” The exterior photos were taken under a tree during the day, so it’s a combination of sunlight and shade which makes it difficult to judge the condition of the Code 13 Silver Metallic paint, the silver-colored Landau vinyl roof, or the bumper fillers. Based on the photos, the exterior looks to be in good original condition with some “minor imperfections” according to the seller and also has a very clean trunk. The Monte Carlo is riding on new tires and has a new exhaust system.
If you like red, or are a fan of the Cincinnati Reds, you’ll love this Monte Carlo’s impressive interior. Buyers had a number of front seat options in ’77 including swivel bucket seats and a passenger reclining seat. This one has the full bench seat in firethorn vinyl and it appears to be in great shape. The factory order form and window sticker are included and shows that this Monte Carlo left the factory with Four-Seasons Air Conditioning, power door locks, rear defogger, Comfortilt steering wheel, Soft-Ray tinted glass, and color-keyed seatbelts and floor mats. The seller says “the car’s air conditioning and heater needs looking at – the fan works fine.” And although the seller advertises the car as “all original and untouched,” it does have a working 90’s-era car alarm with remote control connected to the central locking system.
Under the hood is the standard engine for the ’77 Monte Carlo: a 305-cubic-inch V8 with a two-barrel carb and 80,000 original miles on the clock. It was rated at 145 horsepower when new and is mated to a Turbo Hydramatic automatic transmission. The seller shares that the car has a rebuilt carburetor, new Pertonix ignition and distributor, new wires and plugs, and a new catalytic converter. Also listed as part of the sale (but not fitted on the car) is a new 3-core Summit racing aluminum radiator and new edge seal trim for both doors and windows. Chevrolet’s personal luxury car was a home run, especially the second generation ’73-’77 models that saw more than 1.5 million units sold. There are still nice, highly-original survivors out there, folks. This is a fine example.
At that price, I’m surprised the ad is still up. Rust-free California car in beautiful condition, nicely optioned, even the 305 over the 350 is ok, things could be done to wake it up a little without losing much originality. I wish I could buy it, and I hope it finds a good home. I can see myself waxing this car on a lazy August afternoon.