Rare 454-Equipped 1973 Chevrolet Monte Carlo S

A failed father-son project has led to this 1973 Monte Carlo S with the rare factory 454-cubic-inch V-8 option being put up for sale. The car is advertised here on Craigslist, and we have Barn Finds reader Tony P. to thank for sending in this great find. The car is located about 30 miles from me in Raleigh, North Carolina, and is priced to sell at $7,000.

1973 was the first year for the very successful “Colonnade” body platform for GM, with the Monte Carlo being Chevrolet’s version (along with the Chevelle, Malibu, El Camino, and Laguna). John DeLorean (yes, that guy) specified the “S” model to have a European flavor, with sporty suspension featuring front and rear anti-sway bars, radial tires, and good brakes. The S model typically didn’t even have a vinyl roof (although the brochure page above depicts a car with one). 290,693 1973 Monte Carlos were sold, an increase of more than 52,000 over 1972.

The seller (the dad) tells us that after two years of no interest from his son, the car is up for sale.  We’re told the car “yard drives” although the battery is weak, but the seller has never driven it on the road. The body appears pretty darn solid from these pictures, but one would really need to look closely, as these cars certainly do rust. Apparently, there is a transmission leak from the Turbo 400 automatic as well that needs to be addressed.

As best as I can tell from the 1973 brochure, this may well be the original interior. I have no delusions that the indicated 23,217 miles aren’t after a rollover, but it does indicate that the personal luxury car may have been taken care of, at least at some point in its life. Unfortunately, the swivel seat buckets were not ordered on this “S” model.

And here we have the heart of the car! The 454 was equipped with a four-barrel carburetor from the factory, but after emissions equipment and the change from SAE net to gross horsepower ratings, it *only* made 245 net horsepower and 375 lb-ft of torque. Only about 4% of 1973 Monte Carlos were equipped with the 454, and since more Landau Coupes (the luxury-focused model) were made, this combination is pretty rare. As you can see, this car was also equipped with air conditioning. Sadly, a failed project led to this opportunity, but if you like these second-generation Monte Carlos, this might be the find you’ve been waiting for! Be sure to let us know if you buy it!