This 1986 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS has been transformed into a Darrell Waltrip 1989 Daytona 500 tribute car, combining NASCAR-inspired looks with a healthy V8 under the hood. Equipped with a 383 Stroker, 700R4 transmission, and a B&M Quicksilver shifter, it’s a street-legal throwback to the days when stock cars still closely resembled showroom models. Listed here on craigslist and located in Longview, Texas, it’s a fun, running classic that’s ready to enjoy. Thanks for the tip, Curvette!
The Monte Carlo SS was Chevrolet’s answer to the 1980s NASCAR wars, with the Aero Coupe and sloped rear glass helping cars slice through the air at Daytona and Talladega. This tribute car takes things further, replicating the livery of Darrell Waltrip’s 1989 Daytona 500 winner. While not a factory Aero Coupe, it still wears its NASCAR inspiration proudly and promises plenty of fun for fans of ’80s racing nostalgia.
Under the hood, the original 305 has been swapped for a 383-cubic-inch stroker V8, a popular choice for street/strip builds thanks to its strong torque and horsepower potential. The seller doesn’t list specific performance numbers, but paired with the 700R4 overdrive transmission and B&M Quicksilver shifter, it should be a lively and engaging driver. The seller describes it as “runs great” and “fun,” suggesting it’s been sorted enough for street use rather than being just a static showpiece.
The paint and graphics appear to mimic Waltrip’s 1989 Daytona-winning No. 17 Tide car, a nice nod to one of NASCAR’s most memorable eras. While not an exact race replica, it captures the spirit of GM’s ’80s stock cars, which were the foundation for the Monte Carlo SS’s popularity with fans and collectors.
The interior and underbody details aren’t described in the listing, so prospective buyers may want to ask for more photos, especially if planning to use it for car shows or vintage racing events. However, for someone who simply wants a Monte Carlo SS that stands out from the crowd, this tribute seems like an entertaining weekend toy that doubles as a conversation starter at any cruise night.
Would you keep the NASCAR livery as-is for maximum ’80s racing vibes, or would you strip it back to a clean, street-focused SS look?
Sweet motor upgrade. 383 👍 A four on the floor would’ve really completed the Nascar dream to run that stroker thru the gears. 🏁
The ultimate getaway car, should you decide to undertake robbing banks as a new career move.
In the last two hours i got 3 emails from Barn Finds, Todays Finds.
Me too. I don’t know what’s going on with them. I hardly have enough time to check out just the one, none less 3.
They sent out a message that there was basically a glitch in the system, and that they had fixed it.
Not feeling it at all especially with it not being an aero car
Got an ’87 aero if your interested!
I like your picks for cars, every one you have listed are very interesting!
A real sleeper.
Jesse wrote on a Barnfinds email this morning that multiple emails are happening and he is aware of the problem and is hoping to have it fixed soon and sends apologies. I read that this morning. Barnfinds and coffee is how I start every morning. Thanks to all the staff at Barnfinds. I am greatful for all that y’all do.
Truly ugly exterior. I can’t get past that.
And that a wrap . . .
I’m in the northeast and not into NASCAR so much (especially since after they were no longer “stock car racing”) but when I was in Arkansas visiting I saw a mid 80s Thunderbird in NASCAR livery and I thought it looked pretty cool!
So if I was into NASCAR more and lived where it was more popular, this would be a cool car to have to tool around town!
Anybody notice the Starsky & Hutch Granada above?!