Preserve or Restore? 1973 Chevrolet Monte Carlo Landau

Chevrolet released its Second Generation Monte Carlo in 1973, and one of the new offerings in the range was the Landau. Among the features that helped it to stand out was its distinctive vinyl top. Today, it is one of the classics from the 1970s that is experiencing a growth in popularity and value after remaining largely ignored for decades. Our feature Landau is a solid car that presents well for its age. Its new owner could elect to treat it to a light cosmetic refresh, although there would be no shame in preserving it as an original survivor. It is listed here on eBay in Cattaraugus, New York. Bidding has reached $5,100, but that figure is short of the reserve. The seller also offers a BIN option of $9,000 for those wishing to bypass the auction process. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Larry D for spotting this tidy survivor.

The seller is sparing with information on this Monte Carlo’s history, but their excellent selection of photos tells a positive story. The underside shots show the occasional dusting of surface corrosion, but there is no evidence of penetrating rust. The same is true when we examine the exterior, with no significant dings, dents, or other problems. The Dark Red paint is said to be largely original, and it manages to show a respectable shine. The seller describes it as slightly faded, but it isn’t at the point where a repaint is essential. If the buyer elected to perform a refresh, that is understandable. However, there would be no shame in retaining the car as a survivor. This car’s most distinctive feature is its White Landau-style vinyl top. It is what gives the vehicle its model designation, and the seller indicates it is new. One noticeable change is the addition of Rally wheels replacing the turbine-style original items. They add a sense of purpose, although the new owner may choose to source the correct items to return the car to its factory appearance.

Chevrolet offered several engine choices for buyers ordering a ’73 Monte Carlo, and the original owner of this classic walked the middle ground by selecting the 4-barrel-equipped 350ci V8. This small-block pumps out 175hp, which finds its way to the rear wheels via a three-speed Hydramatic transmission. Considering the era in which this car rolled off the line, its ¼-mile ET of 17.9 seconds was considered respectable. The seller indicates that the vehicle runs and drives but has a few needs. They don’t elaborate upon what these may be, but that would be a question worth asking. They claim it has a genuine 84,000 miles on the clock, but there’s no mention of verifying evidence. If this classic requires any mechanical work, it may not be the end of the world. Parts remain readily available and affordable, while the straightforward nature of these old Chevs means that the new owner could potentially tackle many of the required tasks in a home workshop.

When a car has nearly five decades under its belt and features cloth upholstery, any form of abuse or neglect usually shows. That isn’t the case with this Monte Carlo. The Red cloth and vinyl look excellent. There is a small mark on the front seat base, but I believe it would respond positively to a deep clean. The carpet exhibits some fading, but its lack of significant wear or damage means that the buyer may choose to leave it untouched. Beyond that, there’s not much to fault. The dash and pad haven’t succumbed to UV damage, the faux woodgrain trim looks nice, and there are no aftermarket additions. The original owner ordered the car with air conditioning, and although the system is complete, it doesn’t blow cold. Otherwise, it isn’t dripping with luxury options. I can spot an AM radio and a remote driver’s mirror, but that appears to be the lot.

As the auto industry began emerging from The Malaise Era, cars like this 1973 Monte Carlo Landau fell out of favor with enthusiasts. Companies began utilizing the technological marvels of fuel injection and electronic engine management to regain the horsepower lost to tightening emission regulations. That made turning their backs on cars of this type an easy choice. However, many models from that era have gained new legs, although there appears to be no single factor in play that explains the change. It could be that those who aspired to own a 1973 Monte Carlo Landau when new couldn’t afford one but are now in a financial position to fulfill that dream. There is also a group of younger enthusiasts who crave a retro motoring experience, and cars from the 1970s tend to be some of the most affordable in the current market. The result of this renewed interest is that values are climbing, but not to the point where vehicles like our feature car have moved beyond the reach of mere mortals. Predicting future trends is impossible because today’s “must-have” could become tomorrow’s embarrassment. That makes purchasing any classic a leap of faith, but are you prepared to make that leap with this Landau?