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Rare Driver: 1987 Chevrolet Monte Carlo Aerocoupe

It’s rare to see a genuine Chevrolet Monte Carlo Aerocoupe wearing anything but its stock wheels and not residing inside a NASCAR-themed garage display, but this example located in Maine is clearly someone’s everyday driver. In a way, that makes this limited production Monte Carlo even more appealing as it’s a classic car you can feel comfortable driving every day, as opposed to those time-warp specimens that never leave the house. Find it here on craigslist with an asking price of $5,000 or a straight trade if you happen to have a “nice boat” up for grabs.

The Aerocoupe’s claim to fame is well-documented, with its iconic rear window the biggest giveaway that we’re dealing with one of the more desirable versions of the Monte Carlo ever built. That’s why so many have ended up as fair-weather only drivers. The Aerocoupe seen here doesn’t retain its original wheels, and its ride height looks a fair amount lower than stock – has it been dropped down a few inches? The bodywork looks clean despite residing in Maine, but given these cars left the factory with red pinstriping and special graphics – and this one has neither – I have to wonder if it’s been painted.

The interior is a bit tired as well, and I find the disparity in color schemes to not be in accordance with the factory configuration. The maroon cloth buckets was absolutely prevalent in these cars, but typically, the carpeting would match. It seems likely, then, that someone swapped in an aftermarket replacement at some point, which is by no means the end of the world, but it also puts the Monte Carlo a bit further away from stock condition. Again, it may not matter on a car like this, which clearly hasn’t been treated like a museum exhibit any time recently.

Now, the good news is the seller claims the Aerocoupe is ready to roll, regardless of its not-quite-stock condition. The listing describes “…new tires, shocks, exhaust and new inspection sticker,” which is always a good sign in the northeast where cars of this vintage are typically branded not roadworthy if rust is a big issue. The engine bay isn’t very clean and the aftermarket air cleaner is in keeping with the rest of the Aerocoupe. If you bought this, would you use it as-is, or try to bring it back to its original condition – and potentially increase its value in the process?

Comments

  1. Avatar jerry z

    Too bad it’s a t-top car. Also strange is the manual windows and most likely manual door locks. For a car from Maine, photos of the under carriage is a must to check for rust since it’s a common problem on these cars. I’ve own a few Aerocoupes and on everyone the back window leaked.

    Like 3
  2. Avatar Jimbo

    You could get monte Carlo SS without the factory stripes and graphics.

    Like 2
  3. Avatar Dave

    I would hazard a guess that the cats are history too. Car is over 25 years old, but unless you get a classic or antique plate in Pennsylvania they need to work if your county requires emissions.

    Like 0
  4. Avatar 19sixty5 Member

    While the price is initially attractive, when I see a car that doesn’t even have the garbage taken out of the car or washed for photo’s, it gives you a heads up on overall condition and care in my mind. While I love the Chevy Rally wheels, this is one Chevrolet where they don’t look so hot. The A/C compressor and brackets are missing, and take a look at the gaping hole in the evaporator box!

    Like 9
  5. Avatar brianashe

    People kill me. TEN MINUTES with a vacuum cleaner and you could add $1,000 to the asking price. An hour of underhood detailing, $2,000. Just wipe away the sheen of neglect.

    Like 7
  6. Avatar Javin Matthews

    How can I get in touch with you I’m interested want to buy it

    Like 2
    • Avatar PRA4SNW

      Too late, posting has been deleted from Craigslist.

      Like 0
  7. Avatar Lynn Member

    Came from the factory with the special high performance 350. Only one made that yr.

    Like 1
    • Avatar 19sixty5 Member

      Lynn, no Monte Carlo SS left the factory with a 350, zero, sorry. All were 305 engines, the L69 HO. Many Monte Carlo’s had their engines swapped over the years, and it is possible that a dealer COULD have installed a 350 at delivery, but again, not from the factory.

      Like 2
      • Avatar Todd Zuercher

        I think Lynn was being sarcastic….

        Like 1
  8. Avatar Javin Matthews

    How can I get in contact with the owner

    Like 0
    • Avatar AMXBrian

      The original ad was listed in the first paragraph above via a link to craigslist. If you’re still looking try auto tempest, it’s a site that pools craigslist, ebay, etc. and can show you all available aerocoupe at any distance from you.

      Like 0

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