There are certain vehicles that only require a very modest tweak to go from ordinary to stunning. I often think of the staid Mercedes-Benz W124 sedan, which is transformed by a set of 17-inch AMG “monoblock” wheels. Many classic 4x4s, like the Jeep XJ Cherokee or the Suzuki Sidekick, look like completely different rigs with a set of 35-inch tires. The Chevrolet Monte Carlo is another vehicle that looks completely staid in stock form but with a set of larger aftermarket wheels (such as a set of polished Cragars), it’s a night and day effect. Find this beautiful Monte Carlo here on craigslist for $13,850 with 45K miles.
The car that is easily “tweaked” is appealing on multiple levels. First of all, a Monte Carlo in driver-quality condition isn’t an expensive car to buy. It’s dirt cheap to maintain, and parts are still readily available. But with clean paint and the right set of wheels, this Monte becomes a fairly stunning driver. It also helps serve as a reminder that the profile of the Monte Carlo is actually quite attractive but it is somewhat muted when the car rides on a set of wire-look hubcaps. The jet-black paint also helps in this case, along with what looks like a T-top panel (but I’m prepared to be told I’m wrong in that regard.)
You don’t have to do a thing to the interior. This is a comfort cruiser, a vehicle designed for casual driving events and not ever pressed into a position where it has to “hustle.” So you don’t need to worry about thick bolsters in the seats or having actual buckets. The bench seat and armrest are both in very good condition along with the carpets and door panels. This isn’t a restored example you’ll be afraid to drive but it is clean enough that you won’t mind spending time behind the wheel. The mileage is listed as being just over 45,000 and the condition on display here certainly seems to validate those claims.
The Monte Carlo is loaded up with desirable equipment, including power windows, power locks, and a 5.0L V8. This picture captures the original wheels mounted on factory-correct white-line radials still sitting neatly in the trunk. Seeing this, I find this restomod-style Monte Carlo extremely appealing for anyone, but especially a first-time hobby car buyer. With great looks and the stock parts included, it should check all the boxes for an enthusiast looking for a turnkey car that will look just as good parked as it will cruising.
I Don’t see any T-tops, just a reflection on very nice paint. This one has the CL interior – pillow like seats and upgraded door panels. Think Regal Limited, or Grand Prix/Cutlass Supreme Brougham. This is confirmed by the CL badges on the landau top – which I’m surprised not to see in black.
I think CL stood for CLassy….I might be wrong, though.
Close, but not quite. CL was shorthand for Classic, as in Caprice Classic or Malibu Classic.
The LS is underrated- particularly once they got the euro clip front. This is a gorgeous car.
This car brings me back to my knucklehead days. I need to buy this (or something similar) and grow that ridiculous mustache and mullet back
My brothers first car. His interior was a maroon color and the vinyl top was black.
Nice car. One of the few I like with the stock wheels vs. aftermarket ones.
Never saw too many of these in black back in the day.Nice cars. If it’s from a salt free dry climate you’re good to go as these are noted for frame rot.glwts.
Very nice I a 84 that I saved from the wrecking yard someday it will live again not a mark on it needs a motor and transmission lenar
The G Bodies were some of the last with style and class….then we were stuck with the “jelly- bean” design ethos of the 1990’s and naughts….next up are electric jelly bean cars….ugh
Maybe that’s why any car from the pre 1990’s hammers at big money at the auctions……🤔
Had one a year or two older. Comfortable boulevard and highway cruiser. Not sure if they fixed the “spinning drum brake wheel cylinders” by this year or not. Nothing like slamming on the brakes and having half the brake fluid and capability disappear because the wheel cylinders didn’t have any sort of retaining pin to physically prevent them from spinning out under sudden hydraulic pressure. Ask me how I know. But I digress.
This looks like a pretty sweet ride. Great color combo. Cloth seats are better than the vinyl, you don’t slide halfway across the car during hard cornering. Again, ask me how I know… LOL!