Popular in the 1970s, “personal luxury cars” combined luxury with a hint of sportiness and were offered in a wide variety of makes and models. Cars like the Chevy Monte Carlo were hot and bucked industry sales trends at a time when people were moving from gas guzzlers to economy cars. This ’76 Monte is a one-owner auto that’s been hibernating in a garage for more than 20 years. It looks as though the space was cleared out and they found a car in the process! From Burbank, California, this classic is available here on craigslist where $4,995 will get you the non-running Chevy and a salvage title.
General Motors redesigned its mid-size cars in 1973 and they took on “Colonnade” styling which eliminated true hardtops, although the doors were still pillarless. This included the Chevy Monte Carlo which was part Chevelle and part Pontiac Grand Prix. The second generation ran from 1973-77 and handily outsold the first gen (1970-72) even though gas prices spiked early on. The 1976 model year would be its second-best at more than 353,000 copies, and they busted through the 400,000 barrier 12 months later.
Not a lot is known about the seller’s Chevrolet other than it’s been sitting for more than two decades. In that time, the Butternut Yellow paint has been covered by layers and layers of dust. And the windows may have been left cracked open as the interior is equally dirty and may even have some mold on the front seats. The headliner is starting to fall down in typical 1970s fashion. We’re told the vehicle comes with a salvage title, which suggests the original owner’s copy of the title couldn’t be found when they were cleaning out the property.
This is a non-running car, and no photos are provided from under the hood. Therefore, we don’t know which engine is present. It could be the anemic and new-for-1976 305 cubic inch V8 that was rated at just 140 hp. Since the car is in California, maybe the machine has the CA-only 350 V8 with a 4-barrel and 165 hp. The ’76 Monte Carlo was easily distinguished from the 1973-75 editions because it gained stacked rectangular headlights. If you like a good challenge, this Chevy might be it. Getting it going again might be easier than you think – or it could be the project of the year!
What a shame that the seller couldn’t be bothered to give a bath to this car, and then offer a ‘before and after’ image or six. Lazy. Esp for such a great classic color.
I’d have to agree. A Saturday washing it would add value. Still,I’m glad it’s not closer too me. Price is kinda tempting. Lol
After a thorough cleaning, this could make a nice weekend cruiser or even a daily driver. I had a ’77 model and it is still one of the best cars I ever owned.
Had a 76. Loved that car. Sold it 9 years and 140K later. Pretty sure it had 350. Would cruise at 70 all day. Very comfortable and dependable. I would love to have it back.
Did a firewall forward restoration on a 77. After market parts not readily available on 2nd gen Monte’s and NOS expensive. This should be an easy car to clean and hopefully get running.
Sorry,
I’m a Monte Guy this is a SHt box
What a shame about this Monte. And the owner left the windows open?! Why? What was she thinking. It ruin the interior. And God knows what was living inside. And this seller couldn’t wash it. People are just very lazy thinking they can post a car for sale and that’s it! I had two 76 White Monte’s both 350 one red interior and other white. Love them both and the ride was great. This one on Craigslist you would have to pay me to take it away! 😂🐻🇺🇸
He has watched too many episodes of Chasing Classic Cars. Push it back in the corner and revisit in 2045 or give it to a Detailer now.
My dad owned a 74 and I owned a 77 back in the 80’s and and absolutely no complaints (except one for me) The Monte Carlo ‘s of the 73-77 were excellent running cars with the 350 engine. This Monte could me reformed into a special vehicle if placed in the right hands. And yes a decent bath would’ve made this car more appealing but some people don’t know how to sell/advertise a car. And unfortunately this ad is a classic example of such incompetence. Oh! and my only minor complaint is that the Monte Carlo’s did not come with the front seat armrest feature. Chevrolet only added that feature on the Caprice model back in those days. I was a “leaner” driver back then Ha!
What exactly is a “Clear Salvage Title”?😀
I loved those mid 70’s cars – along with the Monte Carlo, the Thunderbird with a 429 and Grand Prix ect. They had their own unique style inside and out, very comfy and incredible ride. BUT at the time those big motors were all choked up with under engineered emissions and 8 Track stereos.
Just seeing them brings back lots of memories !