American vehicle manufacturers had begun to turn their backs on large-capacity V8s as the 1970s progressed, but buyers could still find them on the options list of certain models. Chevrolet continued offering its 400ci powerplant in the Monte Carlo, although our 1976 Landau feature car rolled off the line in its final available year. It is a two-owner survivor that runs and drives well. The winning bidder could treat it to a light cosmetic restoration, although touching up its few flaws without compromising its survivor status is an achievable goal. The seller has listed this Monte Carlo here on eBay in Pitman, New Jersey. Bidding has raced past the reserve to sit at $10,500.

The original owners purchased this Monte Carlo from Lehman Chevrolet in Moorestown, New Jersey. It took up residence in their garage mere miles from the dealership and served faithfully as their daily driver. The elderly wife continued driving the car regularly following her husband’s passing, doing so into her 90s. She eventually hung up the keys and parked the car for a couple of years before the seller purchased it from her son. The photos show that the lady’s driving skills and space perception had deteriorated with the passing years, with the supplied images revealing a few dings and marks inflicted while driving in and out of the garage. These are confined to the Landau’s passenger side, and the seller has tried to address the worst dent on the front fender and replace a missing section of chrome trim. The original Firethorn Metallic paint looks respectable but doesn’t shine as deeply as it would have in 1976. An in-person inspection should confirm whether it would benefit from a wet sand, polish, and ceramic coat. That could produce positive results, although the deterioration might be too significant for that approach. The matching Firethorn vinyl top looks pretty good, and the photos suggest this classic is rust-free. The Soft Ray tinted glass and chrome are excellent, while the Landau rolls on its original, spotless factory 15″ wheels wrapped in new narrow whitewalls.

One aspect of this Monte Carlo with no urgent needs is its interior. If I marked it harshly, I would suggest the new owner could spend $220 to replace the faded original carpet. However, with no significant wear or holes, that wouldn’t be an essential move. The Mahogany knit cloth and vinyl upholstered surfaces are remarkable for a vehicle of this vintage. Damage is limited to a small but repairable split in the vinyl on the outer driver’s side, suggesting this car was a valued family member treated with respect. Spending its downtime in a garage has protected the plastic, dash, and pad from UV damage, and the faux woodgrain trim looks flawless. It is refreshing to discover that this interior is unmolested and retains every option and item ordered by its original owner. The seller includes the original Owner’s Manual and Bill of Sale, with the Original Window Sticker confirming that the first owner equipped this Landau with air conditioning, power windows, a rear defogger, an AM/FM stereo radio, the “Econominder” gauge cluster, and color-keyed floormats.

In most states, the entry-level engine supplied to Monte Carlo buyers was a 305ci V8, although Californian buyers received the 350ci small-block. This car’s original owner went straight to the top, spending $148.00 to slot the 400ci V8 under the hood. Its power and torque figures of 175hp and 305 ft/lbs represented an increase of 30hp and 45 ft/lbs over the 350-equipped version, and those gains were felt under the right foot. While a 350-equipped Monte Carlo returned a ¼-mile ET of 19.2 seconds and a top speed of 111mph, this car should romp through the ¼ in 18 seconds on its way to 119mph. It goes without saying that with its luxury leanings, this Monte Carlo features a three-speed Hydramatic transmission and power assistance for the steering and brakes. The car had been meticulously maintained by its previous owner, and after sitting for a couple of years, it took little effort by the seller to return it to a roadworthy state. The new tires were the starting point, while they replaced the seeping valve cover gaskets to eliminate the only apparent fluid leak. The engine received new plugs and wires, while a complete service and inspection completed the process. That isn’t an extensive list, but it was all this classic needed. It runs and drives perfectly and could be driven away today with a new owner behind the wheel.

The 1976 model year was a banner one for the Monte Carlo, with Chevrolet selling a record 353,272 cars. Of those, 161,902 buyers selected the Landau derivative. This one is a tidy survivor offering the winning bidder the choice between preservation and restoration. Returning it to a factory-fresh state would not be complicated or expensive, and I understand that many would immediately choose that path. However, there is something attractive about preserving this car as a survivor. A third option is worth considering because the vehicle has no urgent needs. The new owner could enjoy the car immediately, building a relationship with a striking classic. That would allow them to consider the pros and cons of preservation and restoration and to make that choice without the pressure of knowing there are underlying urgent issues requiring attention. That would be the approach I would take, but would you?