The Monaco began in 1965 as Dodge’s upscale version of the full-size Polara. With the redesign of the Chrysler C-body cars in 1974, the Monaco replaced the Polara – just as the OPEC oil embargo arrived and drove buyers away from big cars. The seller has a 1974 Monaco 2-door hardtop that looks to have been in the woods awhile, yet we’re told it runs great. Located in Southampton, New York, this larger-than-life Mopar is available here on Facebook Marketplace for $4,000. Thanks to “Zen” for this Malaise Era tip.
Chrysler spent most of the 1970s behind the curve because the smallest and most fuel-efficient cars they built in the USA were cars like the Dart (and later the Aspen). The redesigned 1974 cars were bigger than ever, with a new unit-construction platform and sheet metal. Three trim levels were offered: the Monaco, Monaco Custom, and Monaco Brougham. The seller appears to have the entry-level model, with a 360 cubic inch V8 as standard and 400s and 440s as thirsty upgrades.
Not a lot is shared about this ’74 coupe. It looks like a project, yet we’re told the 400 V8 and TorqueFlite automatic transmission function properly. The indicated mileage is 50,000, which would not be a lot for a 52-year-old automobile. The only noted repair needed involves the windshield wipers. Why is it that Marketplace and craigslist seem to have the worst photos?
But what about the body and maroon paint, as well as the black interior, which has a little patch on the driver’s side of the front seat? The car is priced in cheap-wheels territory, but does that mean it would be a great first car for someone wanting to have something vintage in their garage? You don’t see many of these big mid-1970s Dodges anymore, mainly because no one tried to preserve them.
While this *IS* a 1974 Monaco (VIN confirmed in picture four of ad), the front end with the hidden headlights and tail lights are from a later model.
A big thanks to the Blues Brothers movie and the opening of the TV show, “Hill Street Blues” for my ’70’s Monaco knowledge!
…I should add the stainless panel between the newer tail light lenses appears to read, ‘Royal Monaco’. The fenders are even newer, as 1974 would have marker lights. I’m thinking an entire front clip and a rear bumper installed. Tail lights and quarter end caps, also.
On the positive side, I like the four gauges + smaller tach on the left of the speedometer. Custom fit for sure…
Sounds like it might have been in a bad accident, if the front end has a newer Monacos parts. I’d be doing a lot of investigating.
Sounds like it’s possibly been in a bad accident if those are newer Monaco parts on the front end.