When an owner chooses to part with a classic with over five decades under its belt and includes the original tires in the deal, you can be fairly sure you are looking at something pretty special. Such is the case with this 1972 Chevrolet Monte Carlo. Faulting its presentation is almost impossible, and although it isn’t loaded with factory options, that is offset by the fact it is a survivor with a genuine 33,000 miles showing on its odometer. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder T.J. for this extraordinary find.
Chevrolet produced the Monte Carlo across six generations, with the first gracing showrooms from 1970 until 1972. Our feature car rolled off the line during the final year and is claimed to be a two-owner survivor. It looks stunning in Oasis Green with a matching vinyl top. Its positive impact is further accentuated by the spotless Rally wheels. The paint is extraordinary, with an amazing depth of color and shine, and no evidence of significant imperfections. The vinyl is in as-new condition, and the panels are laser-straight. The Monte Carlo is a dry climate survivor that has been garage-kept since Day One. Therefore, the seller’s claim that it is rust-free is unsurprising. The trim looks as impressive as the paint, and the tinted glass is crystal clear.
What intrigues me about this Monte Carlo, especially considering its location, is the first owner’s decision not to order it with air conditioning. I acknowledge that this doesn’t make it unique, but it is an omission that I find interesting. In fact, it isn’t loaded with creature comforts beyond an AM radio and a remote driver’s mirror. However, the lack of options is offset by the presentation. The first owner ordered it trimmed in Green cloth and vinyl that is free from wear and physical damage. The garage-kept history has protected the pad and plastic from UV damage, and there is no visible carpet wear. Describing it as showroom fresh might stretch credibility, but this Monte Carlo would receive favorable comments from people at a show or a Cars & Coffee when they discover it is original and unrestored.
The seller supplies no engine photos in their listing, but there is enough information to satisfy most potential buyers. Chevrolet offered 1972 Monte Carlo buyers a choice of several V8s to power their new purchase, with this car’s first owner selecting the entry-level 350ci small-block. It delivers 165hp and 280 ft/lbs of torque to the road via a three-speed automatic transmission, while power-assisted steering and front disc brakes help this classic to provide an effortless driving experience. It won’t be a jet in a straight line, but the performance will be acceptable to most potential buyers. The seller claims the Chevy has 33,000 genuine miles on its odometer, although they don’t mention verifying evidence. I know that the car’s condition doesn’t constitute rock-solid proof, but it makes the claim plausible. They recently fitted a new fuel tank and tires and will include the original tires if the buyer wants them. It runs and drives perfectly, making flying in and driving home a viable option.
This 1972 Chevrolet Monte Carlo would be ideal for someone seeking a classic that has been treated respectfully and is unmolested. It is an extraordinary find if the claims can be substantiated, and while the seller’s price isn’t pocket change, it is justified in the current market if it is the real deal. The seller listed the Monte Carlo here on Craigslist in San Diego, California. It could be yours simply by handing them $25,500. It is worth noting that even though the price places it at the upper end of the market, values are climbing steadily. Have you seen enough to tempt you to pursue this classic further?
This might be a deal. I remember traveling to Iowa in 2020 to bid on a classic Chevrolet – many went over estimate, and a 3,000 mile original ’72 Monte Carlo – granted, with better options and colors – sold for $110, 250 after fees.
https://www.vanderbrinkauctions.com/lot-item/9d-3/
Beautiful car, but he has to explain that Camaro steering wheel.
That’s the optional “sport steering wheel. Seems a little odd to see it on such a sparsely equipped Monte Carlo, but there it is.
& it’s probably blocking some of the gages or warning lights – like it does in all other models they were put in.
Of course this Monte is green on green with a green vinyl roof. Try finding a blue on blue one in this original condition. I can picture the next owner removing those wheels & tires immediately – for good – replaced with you know what – ruining the ride.
The Camaro esque steering wheel was an option. Even Vega GT’s had it. I couldn’t care less about the fact that this car is quite basic. It’s still a beautiful car in fantastic condition. I think that it’s worth the price.
That steering wheel is 100 percent correct, it was a factory option in 72 on the Monte. Hope that explains it.
I think that steering wheel first appeared on the Vega.
I had a 73’ Vega GT I bought for $75 from a coworker. Needed a car cause I just totaled a 1970 Olds 88 with only 52,000 and had the 455’. It was my mother’s aunts but vega used more oil than gas I used to buy recycled oil pumped out of a gas pump 10 cents a quart I’d fill gallons of oil smoked like crazy if someone asked how much gas it uses to get to big city I would say 1gallon gas and 2 gallon oil. But that Vega had that steering wheel.
45 years ago
It’s not easy being green.
I had the twin to it,but at least it had air cond. the green grows on you after awhile.
The seller would be wise to just get rid of the original tires. 52-year-old tires aren’t good for anything but static display, meaning the car would need to be trailered or the tires would need to be put on once the car got to the show field. Driven on the street, the chances of a blowout, not merely a flat, are high.
Careful with those old donuts – remove them !
Beautiful Monte – how nice to see another clean classic that is unmolested as well.
The price looks good -even without AC.
This one would be worth a call to Tire Rack. Let them bring the tires and make it right. In your driveway.
The original tires aren’t on the car, they saved them and are included in the sale.
Steve R
Take me BACK to Monte Carlo! 🏰. What fabulous Personal Luxury Cars. One friend bought a 70. Never even changed oil, only occasionally adding as needed. At 85,000 he wrecked it. Another had a 72, kept it 3 years trading for a 75 Grand Prix. In 77, I bought one of the last two 77 Monte Carlos at local Chevrolet Cadillac dealer. Though not loaded, it had most basic features including AC. Kept it for five trouble-free years and over 100,000 miles. Following generations of Monte Carlos were a joke. My 77 listed for about $6400. SO The price on this seems extremely reasonable!
Mileage validated or not, we could see our way to $25k on this one far sooner than the asking price of $35k on a recently listed ’77. We’d probably source some NOS or gently used components to add A/C, and perhaps a few other factory options. Otherwise, very nice!
Very nice car a friend of mine had one it was a great car we had a lot of fun in it .
Nice looking car but why no engine pics?
The seller may not be used to selling cars and writing ads. He could have included a lot more pictures and relevant information in the text, he didn’t even include a picture of the speedometer to “prove” his mileage claim, on the other hand he did wash it. Its easy to contact him and ask for more pictures.
Steve R
Yep….odd that there are none and the ones in the ad are sorta odd.
It’d be nice to see more pics of it, but from what I can see, it does look very clean. If mileage claim can be proven, the asking price would seem well within reason. The only things that may “hurt” this Monte, lack of air, as some can’t live without it, and the triple green color combo. Personally, the colors were very popular in that time, so I like it, and having no A/C just means a cleaner and easier engine compartment to work on and detail, so I would not let either stop me from enjoying this unmolested Monte.
One of the nicest unmolested Monte Carlos I have see in years even if it has less options. I like the ralley wheels and the triple green. Maybe add dual exhuast and just cruise it even without A/C I agree with the last comments by Mike76 Easy to work on the engine when needed.
Surprised to see all the AC comments, maybe I’m getting old, but most cars did NOT have AC in 1972. Nice car, and love the original tires on it for shows.
Have we seen this one before ?
I’ve lived in S or SE Florida all of my life. When I was a kid I lived without AC, even justified it by saying it meant more horsepower.
Those days are long over. I’d have to add AC whether that hurt originality or not.
Very nice car and I agree that the price seems good.