For starters, how about a tip of the old lense cap to the seller for photographing this attractive green ’72 Monte Carlo on beautiful green grass with a bright blue, puffy-clouded sky as a backdrop. Well done! This is a one-owner 1972 Monte Carlo with 97,829 original miles. It’s described as “in excellent condition, always sheltered and drives like a dream.” Located here in my home town of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, this Monte Carlo is part of an estate sale of the deceased original owner and the online-only auction ends August 23rd at 6:00 pm EST. I spotted it here on craigslist where there are 24 photos posted and details about the bidding process.
This was the third and final year of the first generation Monte Carlo and changes from 1971 were minimal. Upfront, there was a new “egg-crate” grille and the horizontal turn signals moved from the bumper and were now vertical and on the outer edges of the grille. The rear received some additional trim molding as well. I found a paint chart online and believe this particular shade of green is called Oasis Green. It looks very presentable and shiny. In fact, I thought there were discolored places on the hood but they appear to be cloud reflections. I like the fact that it doesn’t have a vinyl roof and is sporting the Rally wheels. All the chrome, shiny stuff, glass and lenses look good as well. The only thing noted is the missing “MC” emblem on the hood ornament.
The green theme continues inside and it looks like the original interior with the standard cloth and vinyl that was available in five colors. The dash and instrument panel with plenty of woodgrain pattern that Chevy described as “Carpathian burled elm, specifically chosen to compliment Monte Carlo’s interior color choices” look good as does the green headliner and attractive door panels. There’s an aftermarket radio under the dash, four small holes under the glove compartment lid where maybe a trim piece went, and the steering wheel is wrapped in black leather. There are rubber mats on the floorboard, so it’s difficult to assess the condition of the green carpet. On the options list, this Monte Carlo has factory A/C (but no mention if it’s still blowing cold) and a 3-speed automatic transmission. Power steering, power front disc brakes, and an electric clock were standard equipment.
In addition to this Monte Carlo having 97,829 miles, the only other thing we know is that it has a Turbo-Fire 350-cubic-inch V8 under the hood. The seller says, “350 engine purrs like a kitten and runs like a tiger.” Overall, this looks like a straight, solid, well-cared-for Monte Carlo looking for a second owner. 1972 was the last year of the first-generation Monte Carlo and also its most popular with 180,819 units finding new homes. From an image standpoint, it was still balancing luxury and sportiness, but the scales started tipping more towards luxury in 1972. The Monte Carlo sales brochure said it best: “It’s a luxury car. A luxury car built for handling. For those who truly like to drive.”
You are seeing an FM converter under the dash to compliment the strange factory AM/8 Track Stereo
Notice that long fan shroud? A guy who had a
Monte Carlo told me that cats liked to climb up in there
after the car was turned off,as it was nice & warm.
He told me it was a rude awakening when you
started it up,& heard the morbid sounds of the “Cat hitting the fan”.
never any fun cutting the belts to get the cat out
especially while the cat is screeching
Never heard that before. Ya learn something’ every day here on Barn Finds.
That happened to a friend if my sister, when she first got her license. Her dad’s 1971 Impala.
Wouldn’t that have been the kit hitting the fan?
When I was a kid happened on my Mom’s 57 Chevy,cat lost it’s tail but survived.
No vinyl top is a bonus for me
We used to have a cat in the neighborhood named “Fanbelt”, he lost his tail sleeping under the hood after the owner started it up one morning. Love this car, great lines!
My youngest son had one of these as his second car. The poor design of the under-carb exhaust crossover had cooked the cam to a point where the lobes for cylinders3, 4, 5, and 6 were almost totally round. I changed the cam, removing only the fan shroud, water pump and timing cover. Radiator, AC condenser and all stayed put. Somewhere I have a photo of me standing in the engine bay to do this, and my son’s cat is sitting on the floor in front of the car looking quizzically up at me, wondering what was going on.
She never used the shroud for a resting place, thankfully, as back in 1971, I had the cat-in-fan thing with our 69 Chevelle SW as I was going to work one morning. Made me late and ruined my whole day.
I agree with the no vinyl roof thing. My son’s car had one and eventually the majority of the metal roof under the vinyl rusted away because the knucklehead who put the replacement top on scuffed off almost all of the paint so the adhesive would stick better! He was an old-time painter, obviously badly affected by lacquer thinner fumes, Winstons and way too much Budweiser.
They have to have the longest radiator shroud! It seems weird because it doesn’t have that much overhang and the motor is centered above the front axle.
I have stories of my aunt throwing me the keys to drive hers around because my dad wouldn’t give me his. (’66 Tempest with GTO options). That Monte was a tire burner and stiffened up nicely with progressive steering.
Those of us who own first gen Montes can tell you that if you remove that fan shroud in advance of working on the engine, you can literally stand between the radiator and the engine block. A lot more comfortable than stretching across the fender to reach what you want to work on.
Have owned 6 of the 70-72 Monte Carlo’s including the 70 and 72 currently owned. This is a clean looking car. The gauge package, while not rare, had to be ordered. The 8 track is a nice option also. Interior looks ok. Lines are straight and the chrome is in great shape. A nice cruiser for someone.
The Cat shreds and all the Pieces Shoot Right Out… Happens all the time my Neighbor Has like 10 Cats well I have 2 Pit Bulls so On my way! Used to cleaning up Cat Crumbs all the time …
I bought my 1971 new and still have it. It is lime green with the same color interior except mine is a factory big block with buckets and a console. Always liked the first generation Monte’s.
This car looks straight and unmolested.
Ever notice back in the 70’s when a manufacturer wanted to freshen last years model they just changed the grille to egg crate? Nothing wrong with a nice clean horizontal grille…BUT gotta change it up. Ford and Chrysler did the same thing.
No one has mentioned any flaws on this car yet, I’m waiting for the critics to go over the car, I’m sure it’s not perfect. Something more than cat fur in the engine bay!