Performance and comfort. There are times in the classic world where these two characteristics seem mutually exclusive. However, this 1971 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS 454 brings them together perfectly, wrapped in a package that is guaranteed to turn more heads today than when this car rolled off the lot. The seller admits that it isn’t perfect, but its tidy presentation and rust-free status are just two of its many positive attributes. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder, Mitchell G. for spotting this rare classic listed here on Craigslist in Maple Shade, New Jersey. The seller set their price at $38,500 for what is a rare muscle car.
Chevrolet introduced the Monte Carlo to its range in 1970 as its entry into the Personal Luxury Car market segment. The First Generation remained on sale until 1972, with our feature car rolling off the line in 1971. It must have drawn potential buyers into the showroom, making a bold visual statement in Tuxedo Black. The seller admits that this SS isn’t perfect, and scrutinizing the photos reveals a selection of minor chips and marks. However, with the paint exhibiting a healthy shine, preserving this Monte Carlo as a survivor is a viable option. Alternatively, its rust-free status and the fact that it retains its original steel would make it equally worthy of a light cosmetic restoration to recapture its youthful good looks. The sparkling bright trim provides a welcome contrast to the dark paint shade, and the tinted glass is clear. Rounding out the exterior is a set of Rally wheels fitted with perfect trim rings and center caps.
Air conditioning, power windows, a power front seat, a tilt wheel, a factory tach, and an AM/FM radio allow this Monte Carlo to tick the box beside “comfort” for potential buyers. Combined with cloth trim and lashings of faux timber, this classic carries the hallmarks of a true Personal Luxury Car from this era. However, there is no point in having all of those creature comforts if the interior is tired and worn. This SS has avoided that fate. Its cloth and vinyl upholstered surfaces are in excellent condition and should be considered above-average for a car of this vintage. The dash and pad haven’t succumbed to age or UV exposure, and the woodgrain trim is excellent. Somebody has mounted gauges below the dash to monitor the car’s health, but removal of what appears to be the only aftermarket addition would be easy if the buyer prefers a stock appearance.
Okay, we’ve covered luxury and comfort. It is now time to focus on the performance aspects of this classic. Hiding under the hood is a 454ci V8, which the first owner teamed with a three-speed Turbo 400 automatic transmission, a 12-bolt 3.73 Posi rear end, F41 suspension, and power assistance for the steering and front disc brakes. Chevrolet’s Sales Brochure for the 1971 Monte Carlo range quoted power and torque figures of 365hp and 285 ft/lbs, and although the company focused more on the luxury aspects of the 3,800 lb SS 454, its performance would have been considered pretty impressive by the standards of the day. It is also worth noting that this car marked the end of an era, with the SS 454 badge disappearing at the end of 1971. The seller confirms that this classic is numbers-matching but supplies no information regarding its mechanical health. However, their use of the word “excellent” when describing the car’s condition suggests it should be a turnkey proposition.
The 1971 model year was an important one for the Monte Carlo SS 454 because it would be the last when Chevrolet would offer this package. The big-block would soldier on for a few more years within the Monte Carlo line-up, but tightening emission regulations would reduce the 454 to a shadow of its former self. The company sold 128,600 Monte Carlos during that year, but only 1,919 of those were the SS 454 variant. That makes this a rare classic worthy of preservation or restoration. Which path would you choose if you became its new owner?
Clarkey, were there 2 versions of the 454 this year ? Was a 425 horse model available too.. also surprised to see such a steep gear offered from the factory on this model.
What a nice Chevrolet, looks great in the black paint too.
The 425 hp LS6 was Corvette only. 188 were built.
Yep, no LS6 in anything but a ‘vette.
I believe a few LS6 came in the El Camino’s that year as well. Not priced too bad if everything checks out & that’s a big “if”
Oh man, a friend in high school had this exact same spec car, right down to power windows. I remember thinking: how the ##$ (heck) does this guy, my age, have a car this nice when I didn’t even have a car yet?! The answer was, he had a part-time job during school and I didn’t. That car was so smooth, quiet, and powerful with that 454, what a memory. Thanks, Adam!
Maybe it was only in ’70 but didn’t SSs have a special piece of equipment under the hood near the master cylinder that non-SS cars didn’t have? Was it for load leveling rear suspension or something?
Yes, load leveling suspension. Both the 1970 and ’71 MCSS came with it and had a rather large air compressor assy that sat atop the fender well in front of the MC. Obviously, this Monte is missing that unit. Though, I hear that they were known to be a bit problematic, so perhaps it was removed.
Did SS’s come with bench seats?
Should have googled first, if it’s a factory 454 in a 71 Monte Carlo, it’s an SS
That’s what I was wondering. Someone on here may know for sure. My ’72 big block MC came with bucket seats and console. Maybe you could order them with or without?
My friend has owned this same car for over 35 years. He owns a body shop and took it apart about 10 years ago to restore. Not sure why because it was beautiful then. Added fuel injection, painted it blue, added custom touches that I don’t care for and still isn’t done. But its his and he’s keeping it, so long as he’s happy. Didn’t realize they were as rare as they are though.
Excellent write Adam!
On that torque, a correction … if I may:
* Brochure for the 1971 Monte Carlo range quoted power and torque figures of 365hp and 285 ft/lbs*
Chevy listed both the gross HP (365) and the net HP (285) in 1971.
I believe that torque for that engine was far more, roughly a big fat 465 ft lbs.
Less than 2,000 made as we know- love this one. As a Ford man, this is a beast.
Very nice Monty. Little steep on the jingle but should get close. B4 I left for the USAF enrollment I looked at this model but decided on the sister Chevelle SS. I remembered really liking all that front porch acreage.
Sure……. Now I find one for sale. After we’ve downsized houses and garage. Oh well. I loved these when they came out and still do. The 454 kinda made it a sleeper. GLWTS!
Better have documentation proving its an SS… me thinks its not.
Very nice rare Monte Carlo with all the right options!!
Pretty sure all SS 454 cars came with HD suspension and load leveling as standard equipment. On SS350 cars it was an option. I don’t see the mounting brackets for the compressor on the inner fender well.
Never heard of a MC SS350.
Neither have I. Something out of whack with this car.
Mark sorry I meant non-SS 350 cars. I owned a ’71 years ago that had a 350 and the load leveling system that never worked. Pretty sure it was stock, but I guess I can’t say for sure.
Awesome looking car! If only more pictures were posted.
Wow, thanks to the internet and a bunch of smart muther forkers, this really makes for interesting reading.
I love the no vinyl roof
Never had one, friend had one single wheel peel for miles,well not miles but you know what I mean
It either sold or the owner got tired of dealing with real life questions.
I do remember one thing that stands out now. There’s no SS front fender badges on this car. Huummm.
Kinda makes me go hhummm…
The SS454 badges are on the front fenders at the very bottom behind the front tire on the trim. They are hard to see in the pictures. No badges were ever on the grill.