It’s funny how we can go for months or years at Barn Finds without seeing a single example of a particular classic model, only to have a few land on our desks in quick succession. Such is the case with the 1987 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS Aerocoupe. This is the second one I’ve seen in less than a week and it is a hidden treasure. Its presentation is virtually flawless, undoubtedly aided by an odometer reading of 5,300 genuine miles. It needs nothing, and if it is as promising in person as it would seem to be in the photos, it should suit a meticulous Bow-Tie enthusiast. The SS is listed here on Craigslist in Peyton, Colorado. The seller set a price of $29,500, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Pat L. for spotting this stunning survivor.
The seller describes this Monte Carlo’s condition as “showroom new,” and the supplied photos support the claim. The original owner ordered the car in stunning Silver, and the overall condition is as good as you could hope to find. This unrestored survivor shows no evidence of the matte areas and patchiness that often plagues this paint shade. If it is unrestored, it suggests the SS has spent its downtime safely stored away from the elements and sun. The panels are laser straight, and the gaps are as consistent as we would typically expect from a vehicle of this vintage. There is no evidence of rust, and the seller doesn’t mention any hidden problems in their listing. This classic features a spotless glass T-Top, and the lack of interior water damage suggests the seals are in good order. Some readers might consider this overly cautious, but I would be inclined to spend the $400 required to replace the seals anyway. They might be okay, but leaks can occur without warning. Considering their age, I would pursue that path rather than risk interior trim or upholstery damage. The plastic and decals are in good order, and the distinctive alloy wheels show no evidence of stains or other issues.
The theme of spotless presentation continues inside this Monte Carlo, with its Gray cloth upholstery looking almost faultless. Material of this type and color from the 1980s is prone to marks and deterioration, but this car has avoided that fate. The vinyl and plastic look excellent, the pad is crack-free, and the mats protect the immaculate carpet. Vehicles from this era often feature updates to components like the stereo, but this car is free from such changes or modifications. It includes many of the luxury touches we expect on these vehicles, with the new owner receiving air conditioning, power windows, power locks, cruise control, a sports gauge cluster, a leather-wrapped tilt wheel, and an AM/FM radio and cassette player.
Chevrolet pursued a “one size fits all” philosophy with the Aerocoupe’s mechanical components. All buyers received the company’s 305ci, which sent 180hp and 224 ft/lbs of torque to the road via a four-speed 200-4R automatic transmission. Power steering and brakes were standard equipment, as were minor suspension upgrades to improve handling and comfort. Performance was all you might expect from a vehicle of this type that emerged in an era when manufacturers were yet to come to terms with fuel injection and electronic engine management technology. The journey down the ¼-mile took 17 seconds, which looks pretty pedestrian today. The seller says the car has a genuine 5,380 miles on the clock, although they don’t mention supporting evidence. We also receive no information on how the Aerocoupe runs or drives, but the news should be positive if appearance is an accurate indication.
Although I have learned never to say “never,” the chances are we won’t see the likes of this 1987 Monte Carlo SS Aerocoupe again. Several factors have contributed to their demise. As motorsport classes like NASCAR, Australian Supercar, and other sedan-based categories move towards a control chassis philosophy and aerodynamic parity, there is little value in manufacturers spending millions of dollars developing unique models for homologation. The other reality is that the buying public is turning its back on sedans and their derivatives in preference to SUVs and Pickups. There is still a market for these cars, but it is rapidly shrinking. However, the story was not dissimilar for classic muscle cars in the 1970s, but they returned with a vengeance decades later. Therefore, the day may arrive when manufacturers yield to a growing ground-swell and introduce new models of this type. The chances are slim, but I wouldn’t rule it out. Would you?
$29K for 180 hp? No thanks.
$161 per HP.
I bet that rear window is cheap and easy to find.
There’s a reason she only has 5K on the odometer?!
All JK aside… are those the correct tires?
I had a.black ’87 ss. The original tires were Good Year Eagle GT
nice…
“chintzy” design with dismal performance. A thoroughly forgettable offering from Chevrolet.
Like all offerings by all manufacturers in those days. But it doesn’t really matter because 94% of the posters on Barn Finds never have and ever will be anything more than bench racers, and the bench owners.
100% of the posters would like to see your research and the data to support your hypothesis. !00% probably also think you are full of beans.
Ok cool guy lol
29g for an under powered Monte Carlo. The Buick Grand National is the mid-size sedan to have. Not this Chevy.
I have a different take. At this price someone could use it as a daily driver and enjoy.
Only if they are driving to their bank vault.
Why would you do that though? You would be erasing one of the few draws this particular car has, that being the 4-digit miles.
No one would buy this for the performance, obviously. This would be strictly something to take to shows, a snapshot in time of what the market was like back then. What the last vestiges of the ‘Malaise Era’ look like from the Chevy perspective :D
You cannot daily drive these low mileage cars. Because as soon as you do all the seals that set dried up from sitting are going to start puking every fluid everywhere. They’re actually nothing but a money pit
Love these cars, but love the First Gens way more.
Take the 29K and get you a VERY nice ‘70, ‘71 or ‘72 with a 300 hp 350. Or spend a little more and find a 402.
Or spend a little more on top of a little more and get a ‘70 or ‘71 SS or ‘72 Custom with the 454.
Just one dudes opinion here…
As far as know no four speeds with the 454. All automatics.
One of those SS 454s was just on here the other day.
Just like the Hurst Olds, Federal Regulation back in that era. Now look at today. Completely out of control. If you own a 500hp vehicle its a dog. You need 700 hP or more today.
Auto insurance companies jumped in back in the 60’s. I had trouble insuring my Corvette. Today its gimme the money.
Motorcycle are now the same way. Years ago it was Kawasaki and Yamaha going at it with the Horsepower Wars. BMW refused to go over 100hp. for safety reasons, Then those German Executives and Shareholders decided they were losing an audience and money. Look at them now!
Sometimes it’s not all about horsepower this is a low mile piece of automobile history
I had forgotten how much the oem wheels add to the overall look of the car. The side view is quite handsome regardless of what other opinions may be about the rest of the package. Looks do make ownership more appealing. Unless the _UV of all sizes and ugly rocks your boat or a 100K pickup that will never haul anything. The T-Top option and low mileage make this more than average interesting but as a fellow “bench buyer” (who does occasionally BUY) the price would have to be way more reasonable. I am willing to be interested, for a fee of course. That seems to be the way to sell anything I give a second serious thought to.
4501 Safari
Sorry but these cars do not classify as classic. They are obviously far from collectible because the market is flooded with them. They absolutely are not a muscle car by any stretch of the word. They were built as cheap disposable plastic cars that are supposed to last maybe 10 years. These crazy prices that I see are just that absolutely crazy.
These cars would super low miles on them scare the daylights out of me. As soon as you start driving that car even a little bit it will start puking every kind of fluid you could imagine. And the type of transmission and rear end in them you cannot even upgrade the motor without having to do everything else.
Had an 85 fell in love with it at the time
Really bad performer,I’m sure it is still a bad investment for anyone who’s not a 100 percent restoration shop