Chevy introduced the Monte Carlo Aerocoupe in 1986 to help give the brand an advantage on NASCAR superspeedways. They would be available to the public, as well, but only for two years. It was created by modifying the Super Sport body with a more deeply sloped rear window and a shorter trunk lid that had a spoiler which was flatter than those on the SS. This 1987 looks extremely well-cared for and can be found in Silvis, Illinois. It’s also available here on craigslist for $17,000 OBO. Thanks, again, Pat L. for finding this beauty for us!
In line with NASCAR’s requirements of producing at least 200 street versions of a track car, that’s exactly the number Chevy built for 1986. But they proved somewhat popular, so the ante was raised to more than 6,000 copies for 1987 out of 73,000 total Monte Carlo’s. The Aerocoupe was also an SS, which comprised more than half of Monte production in ’87. There was no Aerocoupe for 1988 as Chevy was winding down MC production in favor of the new, sleeker Lumina (which would also be run in NASCAR).
The seller’s bright white ’87 Monte Carlo with a burgundy interior looks sharp even though more than 68,000 miles have accumulated over the years. It looks like a machine that has seen its fair share of indoor downtime, too. This one has a set of T-Tops (said to be rare) and we’re told the interior is very nice, but the windows are tinted dark, so the inside photos don’t really show too much. The seller says everything works as it should, including the factory air.
Under the hood is the SS version of the 305 cubic inch V8, the biggest you could get that year. But this one was good for 180 hp so it was a brisk performer though not a barn burner. Shifting is provided courtesy of a Turbo-Hydramatic transmission and the car is said to be an excellent runner, so you could probably drive it most anywhere right now. It comes with two sets of wheels, the aftermarket ones currently on the ground as well as the factory rims and tires (I’d opt to go back to them).
The asking price for this Aerocoupe seems to be in line with the online resale guides, who tag those in Excellent condition at just under what the seller is looking to get. If you’re shopping for a nice semi-muscle car for weekend outings, the Aerocoupe is likely to draw far more interest than a “regular” Monte Carlo from that vintage.
Just to be clear, these used the overdrive 200-4R transmission and a 3.73 rear end.
This one won’t last long.
The tint spoils it, otherwise a nice car. Can that be taken off?
Most aftermarket tint is more easily removed than you might think. Starting at a corner peel slowly and most will come off in reasonably sized chunks. Once the tint is gone the remaining adhesive is usually water soluble. Mist with a sprayer and when soft scrape gently with a blade. On rear glass with a defogger element be sure to use a plastic scraper so as not to damage the defroster wires.
Buy a steamer, tint comes off cleanly and easily, often in one piece if you take your time. Steamers are inexpensive, and they come in handy for headliner installation, upholstery work, etc.
When I take it off I usually also have a hair drier on hand just to heat that area up that might stick a bit more with the under cover clear adhesive. Do it on a hot day out in the sun makes it easier as well.
I hate to be the nerd at the party, but what do you do if you shatter the rear glass? Is it possible to obtain spares, or does one need to hire a custom glass smith of some sort?
Plainly stated, you’re screwed! I had a factory printout of how to installed a new rear window and its a nightmare. Years ago a we tried a group purchase on MonteCarloSS forum to have somone make the window seal. No luck. Couldn’t find anyone, even a major manufacturer of rubber seals to produce it.
Shut up, nerd.
Just kidding… you can find anything for these cars, including this glass, on the Internet. It might not be cheap, but you can still get it.
Nice cool Monte but an absolute gutless wonder. You’re not going to win any stop light drags against any modern sub compact. It needs an engine transplant from a 1970-71 LT1 with an up to date FI system which would keep it looking relatively stock under the hood. Good up to date suspension can be bolted under also.
Why try that? Last time I did, I was the one who got pulled over by a cop, mind you, that was 1967. A beautiful cruiser that has the look and ample power to get up a hill. As the Beach Boys said, a No Go Show Boat.
Right. Cruisers, not bruisers. My late departed friend said of the Areocoupes, “a cooler won’t fit in the trunk!” We always took cooler to shows and cruises. Mostly water, Gatorade, soda. There might be a couple, three Coors at the bottom. Not Coors Light, mind you…
(Always drink responsibility).
Very odd that it lacks power windows or locks. Likely it’s one of the few.
Build the thm200. Check for/fix the cracked frame at the rear axle hump. Vortec headed 383. Bolt-on rear suspension bits. Collect stoplight cred.