A first-gen Monte Carlo is my favorite; I really have little interest in the MC after those first three years (’70-’72). And a first-gen isn’t that unusual a find, they are still pretty common. But most cars, especially if they last long enough (kind of like people!) have a story to tell and the story here is that this Chevy is still with its original family, a half a century in. More to follow on that front so let’s take a closer look at this 1970 example. It is located in Pacific, Missouri and is available, here on eBay for a current bid of $12,800, ten bids tendered so far.
The seller states that his father bought this Monte Carlo new in 1970 and then, in 1984, passed it to him. Due to an injury, the son is now parting with the car because he can no longer drive. He adds, “It’s been a great car for the past 50 years”. It has to be tough to part with this Chevy after such a long relationship. Interestingly, according to the VIN, this Monte Carlo was assembled in Flint, Michigan, 1970 being the only year that the MC originated there. In ’71 the Flint production capability for this model was transferred to Kansas City.
This MC looks great! It is not stated as a repaint, but it obviously is, as the seller notes, “In some light the paint color looks blue, in other light it looks purple”. That description points to a more modern paint mix. And the finish appears flawless, lots of depth with a strong shine. There is no visual evidence of scratches, dings or body damage/rust. All of the trim is in place and presents itself well as does the chrome. The rally wheels are typical for this generation MC, they were option number RPO ZJ7 and cost $31.60.
Under the very formidable hood is a 350 CI V8 engine that has been modified. Originally, there were two versions of the 350 motor available, standard at 250 gross HP and an optional L48 which was good for 300 HP. There is no reference as to how this motor started life but it has been rebuilt, bored .030″ over, and is now in possession of an after-market aluminum intake manifold and what appears to be a Holley carburetor. The seller includes, “Runs good. It’s a great cruising car”. A Turbo-Hydramatic 350, three-speed automatic transmission, embellished with a shift kit, is in place.
The interior appears to have withstood the test of time as it looks slightly worn but is really in good nick overall. The bucket seat/center console inclusion is a nice step up from the standard bench seat and the black vinyl upholstery is still holding its own, no sign of rips or tears. The faux wood instrument panel/steering wheel trim, which took faux to a new depth with this generation of the MC, is showing signs of wear but even in brand new form, it’s still a detraction IMHO. This Monte Carlo was originally an A/C equipped car but teenage exuberance, and probably a desire to drop weight and go fast, claimed it years ago according to the seller.
There is a day to go in the bidding and this is a no-reserve auction; the current price point is pretty respectable. While a Monte Carlo is based on the same platform as the Chevelle and the El Camino, they don’t get the same financial respect, yet but I have noticed an improvement in values as Chevelles, SS variants, in particular, have reached ridiculous heights and the Camino isn’t too far behind. After 50 years, parting with a car that has always been there, and through all of the family ordeals that occur, must be like losing a valued relative. I would have a tough time cutting it loose. I hope this very nice Monte Carlo finds a great new home.
I’m with the writer on the first gen Monte Carlo; a good-looking car and better than the variations that followed. I like the non-original color (I get it if some don’t), along with the reasonably well preserved bucket seat/console black interior and the modified 350 will provide decent performance. I would leave it largely as-is and would only want to re-install A/C and maybe trim back the tailpipes a bit. This is a classic car that you can enjoy just the way it is.
The first and second generation MC is my most favorite Chevy ever! My dad had a 1977. I would also add a couple of Monte Carlo or the Knights Crest emblems to the sides or the trunk just because I am a bit OCD on cars without them. lol Gorgeous paint job BTW!
Yeah, agree with you on the wheelbarrow exhaust.
This is a beauty and obviously well cared for too. I cannot imagine how low the percentages are of one owner or one family owned vehicles for ’72 and earlier model years is now. The styling on these models ’70-’72 is classic and timeless. One of my “What was I thinking” car screwups was letting go of my beautiful ’72 Monte in Gulf Green with matching vinyl top and bench seat medium green cloth interior, 350 4V (175 HP) Turbo 400 with factory tachometer and gauges, AM/FM stereo and factory Rallye wheels. The factory dual exhaust had been rerouted to exit with wide chrome rectangular tips a couple of inches past the rear bumper. I probably got more head nods, waves and thumbs up motions in that car than any muscle car I have owned.
I’d love to see pictures of your ‘72 Monte! One of my favorite cars, and certainly favorite GM model.
Two questions:
1) What is a “Shift kit”? (I honestly don’t know)
2) Why is it when tailpipes start to stick out the back past a certain point, they simply start to look foolish?
1. Simple layman’s explanation: “Shift kit” generally refers to a transmission and valve body modification commonly used un the 60s and 70s that increases the firmness of the automatic upshifts and sometimes the timing of such. Typically they accomplish this by increasing line pressure and/or decreasing shift overlap. With the advent of electronic controls there are still products available to this day that accomplish much the same things in more modern automatics.
2. As always, beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
Nice looking Monte Carlo. Such a shame that they effectively annihilated the A/C system.
I agree with Jcs on the A/C and tailpipes. It’s a terrible thing that the current owner was injured but how is that related to parting out this beautiful car?
Really like that paint job.
Great color!
This is a very nice car. In my youth, I owned 1970 and 1973 Monte Carlos. I built a 350 LT1 for the ’70 and had more fun than should be legal. However, my ’73 was much better in looks, comfort and ride quality. 35 years later and I still regret selling those cars.
You can tell right away when an automatic car has a shift kit,”Bang!…screeeech… ” the shifts are like right now,
Not subtle at all but highly enjoyable, for some of us anyways.
Best looking Montes by far are these 1st generation cars, sort of an upscale ride from the Chevelle without the much added bulk of a full sized car. And sporty too, but not kids stuff.
355 will move this along just fine, the removed AC was common practice and the engine compartment looked less cluttered anyways, the purple Or blue paint job is attractive,,,,,, I can’t believe he’s selling it. I’ve said it before once it’s gone it’s gone for good.
Gotta love it, “Rear open differential” Hahaha!!!! Just strikes me funny. Yeah, I wanted the “One wheel peel” option.
I also wanted the teenager, “air delete”……no older, it would be nice to have back. Ahhhh, we were all kids.
The ad did get me chuckling a bit, what you said but also how the gas gauge has been acting sporadic lately…too much work load from a heavy right foot? Of course not but it struck me funny anyways.
I swear that car is purple, looked at it and looked at it some more, but in a “different” light it apparently looks blue,, thats amazing! . It’s a cool driver, either shade of blurple.
SOLD for $13,300.
I’m not sure what these typically go for, but buying a 50 year old car from the original family must have added some value.
To me, it looks like a bargain compared to what the far more common (and not as good looking IMO) Chevelles are getting.
Somebody got a hell of deal it seems