With some classic cars, beauty is more than skin deep. Such is the case with this 1971 Chevrolet Monte Carlo. It presents superbly externally, and things are equally impressive when you delve below the surface. It is an original survivor with 37,000 genuine miles on the clock and appears to need nothing beyond a new owner who will appreciate all that it has to offer. Located in Macomb, Michigan, you will find the Monte Carlo listed for sale here on craigslist. The owner has set the sale price at $29,900, and I have to say a big thank you to Barn Finder Pat L for spotting this gem for us.
Automotive paint colors seem to fall into three broad categories. Some are subtle, others are in-your-face dazzling, and some are strikingly attractive. The Cottonwood Green that graces this Chevrolet’s panels falls into that last category and perfectly complements a Black vinyl top. Nothing in the listing or supplied photos suggest any previous restoration work, which indicates that we are looking at the factory paint from when it rolled off the production line. If that is the case, its preservation is pretty impressive. It shines beautifully, with no defects worth noting. The panels are laser stripe, while the vinyl top is as-new. There is no evidence of rust, and none is mentioned in the listing. The chrome and trim are as stunning as the paint, while the Rally wheels add a nice finishing touch to the exterior. With tinted glass that appears flawless, this Monte Carlo can’t help but make a positive first impression.
When we reach the point of considering this Chevrolet’s interior condition, the news remains positive. One of the few flaws worth mentioning is the faded carpet. This is not uncommon in vehicles of this age, and the buyer should have no trouble locating replacement sets for under $200. However, its lack of wear or stains may see them decide to retain the car in its original state. The green vinyl upholstery is excellent, with no physical damage, stretching, or wear. The dash and pad also present exceptionally well, as does the console. There are splashes of faux woodgrain trim around the interior, which has avoided the lifting and fading that can plague trim of this type. I think that an aftermarket stereo may occupy the factory radio’s slot, but it doesn’t appear that the dash has been cut to accommodate this. The original owner’s decision to include factory air conditioning and cruise control will be welcome ones on those longer journeys.
With the 270hp from its 350ci small-block finding its way to the rear wheels via a three-speed Hydramatic transmission, this Monte Carlo may not be a muscle car, but it was still a spritely performer. Its ¼ mile ET of 17.6 seconds is hardly dazzling, but it is still rated as respectable for a vehicle of this type and size that rolled off the line in 1971. Chevrolet offered an SS version with a firebreathing big-block under the hood, but the company targeted a different demographic with that version. This Monte Carlo would have been aimed squarely at a more mature buyer or one with a family that wasn’t interested in the concept of owning a highly-strung muscle classic but still sought respectable performance and an appearance that stood out in a crowd. This perception is further reinforced by the original owner’s decision to tick the boxes beside power steering and power brakes on the Order Form to provide an effortless driving experience. The engine bay of this Chevy presents extremely nicely for a vehicle of this vintage. The owner claims that it has a genuine 37,000 miles showing on its odometer but doesn’t mention whether he holds supporting evidence. He describes the Monte Carlo as “cruise ready,” suggesting that it is in excellent mechanical health and is a turnkey proposition for its next owner.
I have always admitted holding a soft spot for any classic wearing a Ford badge, but that doesn’t prevent me from appreciating an incredible survivor like this 1971 Chevrolet Monte Carlo. Its overall presentation is extremely impressive, while its spotless interior and small-block V8 increase its desirability. The owner’s sale price is right at the top end of what you might expect to pay for a Monte Carlo in the current classic market, but its low odometer reading and overall condition would seem to justify this. I won’t be surprised if somebody stakes their claim on this car pretty quickly, and you would have to think that the new owner will enjoy many years of classic motoring pleasure. Do you envy them as much as I do?
Title says 1973,craigslist says 1971.
Looks like a ’71 to me.
Definitely not a 73, that was the first year for the Colonnade style.
Not on this..but it would have a bigger front bumper.
The hood medallion and rectangular parking lights in the front bumper and the steering wheel say it’s a 71.
Green, with envy.
The paint looks a shade off to me, but maybe that’s because I am used to seeing them faded by now lol.
Either way, VERY nice car.
I was just getting used to them being in the $10,000-$15,000 range. Twice that now? I dunno.
Montes were my favorite Chevy. Something about them, the long hood, the cousin to the GP/Riv. Guess I should have bought one when they were the last 3 numbers of this price. It’s okay, I don’t want to go anywhere anyway, especially in this here weather, but if I did, I’d want a Monte more than any other car,,wait, let me think about that a sec,,,,GP’s are nice,Riv’s are nice too,,nope, Monte Carlo would be the one. It’s the car the person with the souped up ’56 Chevy, who grew up, got a good job, they would buy a Monte Carlo. This is a nice one, color and all. Reminds me of the 70’s when everything was green.
Another ’70s design that will never look dated.
Seems like a very nice example. I’m not a fan of the oh-so-70s color, but it does highlight the sculpted body quite nicely.
I always wanted a 19711973 Monte Carlo. Very rare.
This car’s description needs more cowbell and less exclamation points.
Correct me if I’m wrong but I believe that power brakes and power steering were included in the base price of a Monte Carlo.
Really like this color combination until the interior shot…
PaulG, My thoughts exactly on the interior. Otherwise an outstanding car !
What a beauty. Be a great cruiser on the hwy w the hydra-matic auto, 2.73 gear.
I just read the curb weight on these is 3600lbs and change. Not too bad. 👍
Growing up, a friend of mine came home with a new 1972 Monte and I fell in love. I always loved the 70-72 Monte Carlo with the bucket seats and the automatic shifter between the seats and those beautiful body lines. What’s not to love?
It might be unpopular in the Chevy performance cars of that era circles, but I’d take a period Monte Carlo over a Chevelle any day.
Healeydays, and if you had a SuperSport like my black 70 SS 454, you could stand toe to toe with any Chevelle of the same period unless maybe it had an LS6 under the hood.
I had a ’71 Monte I drag raced for a bit. Had a 6.0 turbo ls with a 400 auto, solid mid 10 second car. It would pull the front wheels at the line and would twist the body so much that it popped the rear window every 3rd run till I put plexi in with straps. Super fun car. I miss it.
That said, I would love to have a low mileage stocker like this one,, Id prefer a big block under the hood, and full gauges would be nice. I can’t be the only one thinking this should be big block money he’s asking. Pricing as of late is insane.
Not a 73, 73 one year fit
Correct, this is not a 73. It is a 70, 71 or 72. I had a 72.
73 was the first year for the longer 73-77 Monte Carlo. I have a 74. 73-75 had the big round single headlights. 76-77 had the stacked cube headlights. 78 was the beginning of the end for the Monte.
I don’t see this as having cruise. No button on end of directional stalk, no transducer bolt to left inner fender well. I had a 71 with factory cruise and this doesn’t have it.
Personal luxury cars were my favorite genre. I would buy one today if Chevrolet made a 2 door Malibu throwback with more standard equipment. The visual appearance of the 1971 model and its condition is impressive. One wonders if there is some hidden rust being a Michigan car of that vintage. A 454 would be more collectible but the 350 engine provides more than adequate power. Overall, a very desirable Monte Carlo but the price is out of my budget.
I have the very same car in the same color combination except mine has cloth interior and a 402 big block. I bought it new.
Bought a new Monte in 1973 at the ripe young age of 22, , white Landau top, dark metallic blue (midnight blue?), and bench seat. Traded for a new trans am in 76, need a little more zip
Def not a 3. My first gf had a 3. Good thing cars can’t talk.
If anyone who received the Barnfinds email, saw the photo and read that the Monte is a 73 really shouldn’t be on Barnfinds…I mean seriously.
Not really sure what you are trying to say?
BF got the year wrong. The ad says it is a 71. 73 is the 73-77 body. People make mistakes!
I’m well aware BF got the year wrong. And I’m also well aware of the 73-77 models I once owned a 74 and a 77. I’m saying anyone who actually thought the year was correct clearly doesn’t know old school Monte Carlos of the 70’s. And yes, I’m also well aware people make mistakes.
Please guys, look at the front of the car, it’s a 1972.
Jimmy, the 1972 didn’t have turn signals in the front bumper, they flanked the grill like book ends.
1970 had round signals in the bumper. This is a 1971.
It’s a 15000 dollar car. Plain and nothing extraordinary. Not a big block or even an ss. I hate barret jackson.
I agree with James, I hate Barret Jackson
I smell a scam
After looking again on my computer I see that this car is indeed a 71.
Jimmy Jones: The 72 Monte had an egg-grate style grille.
Nice looking ride, reminds me of my black & silver 70SS. Buckets and horseshoe shift was awesome! This 71 still available?? Where to go to place a bid?