Rare Color: 1970 Chevrolet Monte Carlo

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Chevrolet unveiled the Monte Carlo to the world in 1970, and this spotless example hails from that year of production. Considering that Chevrolet managed to sell just shy of 470,000 First-Generation Monte Carlos during its 3-year production run, these aren’t a car that we see that often here at Barn Finds. However, it seems that the ones that do surface tend to be nicely preserved vehicles. This 1970 model is no exception because everywhere that you look, you find a beautifully presented classic that wants for nothing. The Monte Carlo is located in Clover, South Carolina, and has been listed for sale here on eBay. Bidding has managed to make it to $14,300, but the reserve hasn’t been met.

The owner claims that the Misty Turquoise paint that the Monte Carlo wears is rare. I’ve followed up on this claim, and it appears that this color only accounts for around 3% of the production total for 1970. There were a couple of other shades with lower numbers, but the owner’s claim on this seems to be a valid one. The Misty Turquoise is nicely contrasted by a Black vinyl top. The paint wears a beautiful shine, while there appear to be no issues with the vinyl. The panels are laser straight, and there is no evidence of any rust problems. The owner supplies some very clear photos of the Chevy’s underside, and it is as spotless as the rest of the car. The vehicle rolls on Rally wheels, which were a popular choice in 1970. Figures show that 30,071 buyers chose this option. I can’t spot any problems with the trim and chrome, while the glass appears to be perfect.

Potential buyers in 1970 faced a few engine choices for their Monte Carlo, but by far, the most popular was the 350ci V8, equipped with a 2-barrel carburetor. That’s what we find hiding under the hood, and this one is backed by a 3-speed Hydramatic transmission. Also, the Monte Carlo comes equipped with power steering and power brakes. With 250hp on tap, this Chevrolet should be capable of romping through the ¼ mile in 16.6 seconds. Mechanically, it seems to be all good news with this classic. The car has a claimed 92,000 original miles showing on its odometer. The owner makes no mention of evidence to verify this, but the vehicle’s overall condition makes this claim plausible. More importantly, the Chevy has only managed to accumulate 6,000 miles since the engine was treated to a rebuild to its original specifications. The transmission hasn’t escaped attention because this has been fitted with a quick shift upgrade. Completing the list is the fact that all five tires are new, and are the finest that BF Goodrich has to offer. For all of that, the one thing that the owner doesn’t tell us is how well the Monte Carlo runs and drives. I always find that to be a curious omission in these sorts of listings. Also included in the sale is a significant collection of NOS and secondhand parts. However, the owner doesn’t elaborate on what these are.

For those of you who were hoping to open the doors of the Monte Carlo to find an interior that presents as nicely as the exterior, I can assure you that you won’t be disappointed. I think that it is even better, and there is not much to fault here. The dash and pad are spotless and don’t show any signs of deterioration in this 50-year-old classic. The door trims are just as nice, while the seats wear new custom covers that mimic the exterior color combination. Adding to the luxurious feel, the car comes equipped with ice-cold air conditioning, a remote exterior mirror, an AM radio, and a rear window defroster.

There’s a lot to like about this 1970 Monte Carlo. Its presentation is first-rate, and it appears to be a classic that is ready to be driven and enjoyed. The owner indicates that he has reduced the original reserve on the car by a significant $2,000. Even allowing for that, I would expect a Monte Carlo in this sort of condition to sell for a figure over $20,000. If it eventually sells for less than that, then it would appear to be something of a bargain. I think that it is a car that is worth some serious consideration for any person who is searching for a turn-key classic Chevrolet.

Comments

  1. Weasel

    What’s even more rare than the body color is the engine color or wait the seating surfaces color, but I digress.

    The vinyl roof at the upper windshield portion is actually rare. Later, within the 1970 model year, Chevrolet nixed the front trim pieces of the vinyl roof and went straight to the upper edge of the windshield.

    It is a nice looking car.

    Like 12
  2. Rich C

    Chevrolet engines were not blue until the later 1970’s (like 1977). The bench seat appears to be two different shades which is also incorrect.

    Like 7
    • Superdessucke

      Yes, 1977 is indeed correct for the start of the GM Corporate Blue era, which ran through 1982. So I don’t know what’s up with this. The engine should be orange.

      Like 3
  3. Rhett

    Cool color, one of my favorites. Buick also had this color in 70 and called it Aqua Mist Poly. Yep, I see the seats and engine, made me wonder if this thing got a “Target 350” at some point, but still a pretty and well maintained car. The top question is always an interesting one, but I believe both the halo top and full vinyl were available throughout the 70-72 model years (72 MAY have dropped the full vinyl.)

    Like 1
    • Poppy

      I’m pretty sure Olds kept the halo top through the 1971 model year on their Supreme hardtops, but I have no idea if Chevy followed suit with the Monte. The 1972 Supremes, including the H/O, had the full vinyl roof.

      Like 0
  4. Little_Cars

    Chevelles/Malibu got a similar color for 1968-69, maybe a tad darker. The paint code on a stripper, base Chevelle Nomad wagon I’ve been looking at for a month. Mostly faded away to dust over time. Mom loved her 72 Monte, with the vinyl roof to the edges, no skirts and deluxe bucket seat interior. This one needs to lose those wide white sidewalls.

    Like 0
  5. Mark P

    Back in the day it was known to put a 70 Monty front bumper on your 70 Chevelle. Something different with the round turn signals instead of rectangles.

    Like 3
  6. Car Nut Tacoma

    Awesome looking car. I’ve always loved the 1970-72 Chevrolet Monte Carlo. I actually find them more attractive than much of the Colonnade look Monte Carlos.

    Like 1
    • Poppy

      Face, just about all ’70-’72 GM models look better than their Colonnade counterparts.

      Like 1
  7. jerry z

    Too bad it’s not a bucket seat car. I had a ’72 with a bench and it was not fun going into a turn! But it was a great cheap car till I t-bone a car that ran a red light. Bent the frame on that one.

    Like 0
  8. bone

    Odd that it was a rare color on Montes ; there sure were a lot of Chevelles and Impalas around that were this color !

    Like 0
    • Dan Janes

      I agree. It’s really not a rare color. The writer needs to tell us where he’s getting his information. I don’t believe the records of how many of each color exists.

      Like 0
  9. Rustytech RustytechMember

    There have been some tasteful modifications done here. This is I great looking car and so far a fair price. I’d convert it to either a 4 bbl. or a modern throttle body, otherwise I’d leave it alone and enjoy the ride.

    Like 0
  10. Ike Onick

    “Misty Turquoise” sounds like someone from a long line of entertainers known to the current resident of a large white house.

    Like 3
  11. TimM

    Two gentlemens hot rods in one listing!! This one looks pretty good too! Decisions???

    Like 0
  12. Joe

    Back in 1970 my wife and went on a used car lot ..they had a 1970 Monte Carlo we test drove it and I fell in love with it …so we put the credit application to buy but bad thing we didn’t qualify for it..to this day I always love that car..the one I looked at was a lite green every time I see one brings back memories..we ended buying a 68 impala 327 motor that car lasted 15 years with us it was a great car we paid 1500 at the time …

    Like 0

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