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 differences in trim and badging. 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.
If you squint at the paperwork you’ll see it was originally sold via a dealer in Fall River, Mass. Who knows how long it spent in New England before ending up in California.
Nice looking car. Comes with received faults.
What happened in 1977 for many car models to have their best sales year ever?
Many of these cars were considered a safe bet. The colonades were in their fifth year and people were comfortable with them. Maybe the rising tide on the way to the record 1978 sales year, too.
nice M/C in a good color combo but it’s lacking the buckets and the 350. sorry but the 305s in these chevies were junk. great deal at 7k.
No, they were not junk, Hairy. They are a small block Chevy. If a 283 can run, so can these. And don’t go there about the bore size. If you actually know how to build them right they actually run very strong. The key is being smart enough to do it right way and not assume building it as a 350 (like most idiots do), is the correct way. I have this exact same car with a properly built 305. She will probably blow the doors off what you are driving.
The naysayers and trolls here are the same bunch all the time.
Yeah,, my 87 El Camino has the pitiful 305. It has given me nothing but trouble in the last 38 yrs of ownership. I have used it most every day as my commuter car and it has just rolled over to 753k miles. Orig timing chain.. never had the valve covers off.. still get 20 mpg and I drive it 5+ days per week on a 126 miles rd trip commute. So yeah.. the 305’s are trash.
Great car from 1973 to 77. My father owned a 74 he purchased in 1981 and I owned a 77 I purchased in 1986. The leader in the “Personal Luxury Coupe” wars of the 70’s in my opinion. The only setback in my opinion with GM/Chevrolet in comparison to The Buick Century/Regal The Pontiac Grand Prix, and The Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme, specifically the column shift models of those brands listed above, the second best selling 2-door American automobile of the 1970’s only behind the Olds Cutlass Supreme. The Monte Carlo was the Only column shift model with No Front Seat Center Armrest! Why!???
These are great cars and the long body style is superior to the shortened versioning these have become highly collectible. Beautiful body lines and this one is reasonably priced and will be greatly enjoyed by its new owner…