Chevrolet had a bang-up year in 1976, moving over 350K copies of its esteemed Monte Carlo personal luxury coupe (and it may seem as if we’ve reviewed every single one of them!). Well, of course, we haven’t, but owing to their outsized volume and the fact that there’s nothing really close to the Monte’s configuration today, they do get a lot of coverage. Today’s discovery, courtesy of Jack M., is about as good as it gets; it looks sharp and claims a low mileage reading of just 66K miles. Harrisville, Rhode Island, is where you’ll find this Firethorn finished coupe, and it’s available here on craigslist for $15,500.
By 1976, the Monte Carlo was in the fourth year of its second generation (’73-’77) and was little changed from its three earlier iterations. Models were two, Standard, such as our subject car, and the more upscale Landau, recognizable by…you guessed it, a Landau vinyl roof covering. I do, from time to time, derisively refer to this generation as the Disco-Duck variety, and it’s that Landau top, in particular, that generates my negative reaction. And for that reason, I’m happy to see that this Monte is not so equipped, as well as being shorn of a hood ornament, another D.D. characteristic. While we’re on the topic, and these are simply my subjective assessments, I could lose the opera windows too. However, with such a massive C-pillar, I suppose they’re necessary for any sense of rear side visibility. Regardless of my ramblings, this car really presents well! And the listing comment of “Has been painted and body work done. New vinyl top and all chrome redone, ” may have something to do with it. As is often the case, Chevrolet’s ubiquitous rally wheels are holding up all four corners, but they look good encircled by the narrow white stripe tires – I wish those were still available today without having to pay an arm and a leg to a specialty supplier.
Things under the Monte’s great plains-sized hood changed for ’76, and Chevy’s new 305 CI V8 engine became standard fare. This Monte, however, is equipped with the optional 145 net HP, 350 CI V8 powerplant, but it’s only five HP more than the standard 305. Engine availability was tough sledding in ’76 as neither of these engines was available for deployment in California due to specific California Air Resources Board (CARB) regulations. That meant Chevrolet had 49 state-equipped cars and a one-state (California) outfitted model. As far as this car is concerned, the seller claims, “Runs and drives well.” There were no more manual transmissions available by ’76, only the three-speed Turbo-Hydramatic automatic, and that’s what makes the rear wheel connection here.
The seller neglects to make any comments regarding the interior, and unfortunately, the images are disjointed and not comprehensive. What can be seen, however, shows well. The red vinyl upholstery appears to be free of rips or noticeable wear, and the dash pad is not cracked, which is amazing for a Monte Carlo (or Malibu) of this generation. The interior is the standard get-up with a bench seat and warning lights – no engine gauges, but it’s all good and seems to have been gently used.
Time certainly changes opinions (absence makes the heart grow fonder?). I wouldn’t have touched one of these with a ten-foot pole back in the day. I remember these Monte Carlos clearly and would have been in a position to acquire one if I were so motivated. But no, my car head was somewhere else, far, far, away. Good luck trying to find a sizeable, V8-powered, rear-wheel drive, two-door coupe today – a configuration that was all over the place a half-century ago, but barely, if even visible, today. While I’m much more appreciative of a ride like this Chevy nowadays (Ya don’t know what you got ’til it’s gone), it’s still not one that overly interests me. But I’m sure many would jump at the chance to acquire this car, especially considering its fine condition. Might that potential acquirer be you?
What a gorgeous, nicely optioned car! I wish I could buy it! Almost looks too good to be true at that price.