If you’ve spent any time on the internet, you may already know that 1970s Monte Carlos are more controversial than you might expect (especially the downsized 1978 models). Perhaps some feel that the late Mitchell-era styling is a little too baroque, or maybe some just can’t get on board with any car from the 1970s. Regardless, Chevy sold 312,217 Monte Carlos for 1974, so they must have been doing something right.
In the idiom of the ’70s, you must have looked as if you yourself were doing something right in life if you pulled up in one of these. It doesn’t make much sense from the viewpoint of 2024, but an elongated coupe with limited passenger space and “coach” windows was all the rage back then, and Chevy might have done it better than anybody.
This particular Monte Carlo survived the heady 1970s and then some. According to the seller, this odometer has not rolled, meaning that this car has been driven less than 1000 miles a year on average. This shot gives us a good opportunity to discuss the dashboard trim. That faux woodgrain can’t be called tasteful, but I wouldn’t mind if we slipped back into the mindset where things like that were OK.
The advertisement doesn’t say what’s under the hood, but the 350 was the Monte Carlo’s standard engine, and the 400 was an option. The sixteen-foot fan shroud is present and accounted for, and the car clearly has air conditioning (no comment on whether it works). There is a not-quite-alarming amount of surface rust on some of the components under the hood, but considering that the tie rod ends I replaced on my wife’s car three years ago are covered in surface rust, those parts might be new.
The exterior of the Monte Carlo looks straight, and all the lower moldings appear to be in place. The fenders and quarter panels appear to have had some paintwork done, and I know from experience how hard paint matching anything in the red family can be. It may be worth getting more details from the seller if you’re interested.
I think the most controversial styling detail of the ’73-’80 Monte Carlo is the pronounced fender and door line. It is reminiscent of a ’30s or ’40s car, but it adds some drama to the sides of what would otherwise be fairly plain body panels.
The interior seems to be in perfect condition. Front and rear seats look almost new, as do the carpets and door panels.
The seller says that this Monte Carlo “runs and drives perfectly.” It has new tires and a new battery, and it’s currently on Craigslist for an advertised price of $16,500. I haven’t priced too many of these myself, so I don’t know if that’s in the ballpark or not, but there can’t be too many low-mileage Monte Carlos of this vintage for sale. If you’re a person who likes the styling (as I do), it might be worth a look. Thanks (as always) to Tony Primo for finding the ad.
Good looking car from 5 feet away plus,,but I’d look closer for rust as I’d almost bet the farm it’s got plenty on the lower body and underneath. Also, someone correct me if I’m wrong, but I believe you could also order a Monte with the 402 big-block.
No 402 big block was offered on the Monte Carlo in 1974, the only big block was the 454.
Probably the first years, ’71 or ’72 then.
Primo the round headlites never looked at home on this year Monte.
Always liked these, had a navy blue ‘76. The color combo here does it no favors and the condition of the engine compartment is concerning, would take a good amount of work to clean up. Add the paint touch ups and I’d say spend a bit more for a nicer example in better colors that is ready to go.
I’d be proud to own it, and I wish I could buy it. Of course, look it over carefully, especially underneath. When these cars saw a lot of use, the door pulls would break, the doors would sag from worn hinges, the age just shows, so this seems to be a carefully preserved original. I hope it finds a good home.
It also has the full gage package with tach. Hardly any came with that. Nice ride would be proud to own and cruise.
Nice riding smooth car. 😊
About the styling being “Baroque”. If it ain’t Baroque, don’t fix it (ok I know where the door is)
You may know where the door is, but can you find the Handel? (just giving you some pay-Bach)
Uncle Marv, the Pontiac uncle, had a car just like this, same color. After the Pontiacs, he had a ’68 Buick Electra, all 2 doors, Marv never married or had kids, then my old man found this car at the auction. I forget where it was hit, but he had it repaired cheaply, and that car never went down the road straight. I think it dog tracked and doors hard to close, he didn’t have it long. Even in its poor state, it was still a nice car.
Bronze and aquamarine were probably the lowest take rate of the ’74 big car colors. Ever present black vinyl interior to keep you warm in the summer and cool in the winter. Loved these cars. I hope someone finds this a good one.
I would make sure it has no serious rust issues, but other than that a fair asking price for this car in the current market. Nice driver class 2nd generation Montes are in the 12-16 range at the moment. With 41k on the odometer, this should easily get the top of that range.
Wish it had the swivel bucket seats
Is that a tach I see? I’m pretty certain that was rare on these.
It came with the gauge package in ’73 & 74. Became a vacuum/economy gauge in ’75.