General Motors downsized its full-size cars in 1977 to be lighter, more fuel-efficient automobiles. Rather than recreate their equivalent cars, Dodge opted to move the Monaco downstream from the C to B-body platform, thus making their full-size car smaller with a limited investment. It didn’t help much, as Chevy still outsold Dodge by a wide margin. This survivor is a 9-passenger wagon that looks weather-worn but runs and drives as it should. Located in Glendale, Arizona, this vintage Dodge is seeking a new home here on craigslist for $5,000 (recently lowered from $8,900). Thanks for the heads-up, Rocco B.!
In 1965, the Monaco was Dodge’s snappiest product, but by 1977 it had become a rather sparse police cruiser to many, it was an intermediate in 1977-78 during the previously mentioned shrinkage, then rebranded as the St. Regis in 1979. The name was originally chosen as a nod to the Principality of Monaco (lots of car companies were doing things like that with the names of their automobiles).
After the big changes for the nameplate in 1977, the Monaco was little changed for 1978, the year the seller’s vehicle was built. The station wagon was the least popular of the Monaco entries and fewer than 6,500 of them were built in ’78. Given the typical attrition of these disposable cars from the 1970s, it’s not likely that more than a few hundred still exist anywhere. With its Cragar “mag” wheels, this Dodge looks cool, though it wears rather faded blue paint. There is no mention of rust, so maybe you could drive it as-is as the interior appears to be at least passable.
There’s a 360 cubic inch V8 under the hood, paired with a rebuilt automatic transmission that cos almost half the asking price (which we’re told is firm) to get right. It has all the usual power accessories, along with factory air conditioning that will require at least a recharge. The seller has gone with another station wagon, hence the reason for putting this one up for sale and –apparently – wanting it to be gone as quickly as possible. Do you dig these large 9-passenger family machines?
National Lampoon’s Presents: T.J. Hooker’s Vacation
People mover? You never see more than one or two people in a car anymore. I’m fifty three years old and have never seen nine people driving down the road in a car.
You should see my Suburban. 9 seats and all filled. Some of us need a large car.
Cool car… but with gasoline at almost $5?
If fuel costs are a primary concern, may I consider golf as a hobby…
I love it! With 4 kids plus friends my Dad always had a big station wagon. He had the Town & Country with a 440, loved it at the drive-in! Throw a hitch on this and it’ll tow better than most 1/2 ton pick-ups! Cool find!
I remember going to camp Sebago up in Maine with the salvation army they had a station wagon just like i remember riding in the back seat. Bring back old memories the Strong family from concord New Hampshire.
Of all the vehicles in today’s feature, this one has a lot of appeal and it’s the most reasonably priced.
Just right for me and my tribe. Sure
could’ve used something like this when we moved to Melbourne in March. It more than likely could’ve
pulled a double axle trailer and saved
us a pile of cash renting a truck to haul our stuff to our new place. You’re right Russ, you just don’t see
these much at all.
Pretty cool wagon! Definitely a collector car! Yeah , they didn’t build very many of them and probably less than 20% still survive. I really like it for its size and rarity even though it has the 360 V-8,(which is an awesome engine). De- smog it (legally) and the power will jump up 10-20 hp and probably a good 3 mpg or so. This one is a keeper! Definitely. WHO ELSE has a 1978 Dodge Monaco station wagon? I sure don’t see any – anymore. ESPECIALLY at a Cars and Coffee. Nice price. Great article too!
By the way – Yes it is worth restoring. Hope it goes to a good home! Too bad it’s not my home!
Lol agreed 👍 Robert. Love it. Towing was fine w these old dinos. Full frame, I’d add a trans cooler to the 3sp autobox, oil cooler for the engine, de-smog it, some sway bars, shocks, and head for the woods 🏕
No full frame. All Chrysler cars were unibody after 1966.
Of course a set of headers & a holley sniper fuel Injection conversion would help that 360 even more with gas mileage & lets not forget aerodynamics that beat trucks & SUV’S. Remember why we all drive trucks & SUV’S? That’s right we wanted rear wheel drive & V8 power which we lost in the 1990’s something about EPA standards had to be met & the big 3 foolishly agreed & decided who cares what consumers want ! We all know on average what we want yet somehow nobody listens
My folks had a suburban yellow 76 Fury which was the same car. I learned to drive in it! Butter smooth steering you had to go round and round to clock left or right. Good heat and the AC was decent. (Tho on vent it was always a little warm) Went through starters and master brake cylinders. Great engine and tranny – never had issues. Want to say we had to replace the voltage regulator a couple times. I’d have it for a driver. Solid car.
Darn you Russ for featuring this. It caught my eye immediately and the more I read, the more I want it. Makes matters worse that it’s only a little over a hundred miles away and I do have the money. Problem is I’ve got 7 running and driving cars as it is and I’m darn lucky that my ex-wife let’s me park 3 by her. If I hadn’t just bought a Charger (which I really didn’t need) I’d be on this like a fly on horse manure.
solution is easy peasy sd. just sell off the charger you don’t need ;)-
if fact i know a guy… hint hint
cool wagon & i love the color & i grew up with a 1971 plymouth wagon
cool wagon & i love the color & i grew up with a 1971 plymouth wagon & my dad hated leaving the 71 in germany in 86