Cars from the 1980s are gaining traction in the classic market, especially those with a V8 under the hood. There are many reasons for this, including the fact that they represent an affordable entry point for the latest generation of enthusiasts seeking their first classic purchase. This 1987 Monte Carlo SS is a perfect example because it has generated much interest since the owner listed it here on eBay. It is located in Lumberton, North Carolina, and spirited bidding has pushed the price beyond the reserve to $12,100.

The originality of this SS extends to its Code 12 Silver paint. It isn’t perfect, but it has avoided the matte appearance and peeling that can plague older paint of this shade. It carries a respectable shine, and while it might be tempting to treat the car to a repaint, it would still attract attention in its current guise of an original survivor. The best news for potential buyers is that this is a rust-free car. The exterior is clean, and the seller says the floors are equally impressive. The decals surprise for their age, with no shrinkage or other problems. The plastic isn’t cracked or crumbling, and the glass is spotless. The vehicle rolls on its factory alloy wheels that are not only immaculate but help add a sense of purpose to the exterior in keeping with high-performance aspirations.

If exterior plastic from the 1980s could crack and crumble, many interior components made from the same material could take that deterioration to a higher level. It is common to see cars of this vintage with significant issues, but this one has avoided most of those. The console lid is warped, but that and some discoloring of the cloth at the very top of the door trims are the only problems worth mentioning. The rest of the upholstered surfaces, including the Burgundy cloth on the seats, looks excellent. The dash is free from cracks and issues, and there are no aftermarket additions. I am fascinated by the fact the original owner didn’t order the car with power windows. However, it does score power locks, cruise control, a leather-wrapped tilt wheel, an AM/FM radio/cassette player, and ice-cold air conditioning.

The Fourth Generation marked the last where Chevrolet would offer the Monte Carlo in a front-engine/rear-drive configuration. When the Fifth Generation model appeared in 1995, it was a front-drive-only proposition. Therefore, many purists consider the Fourth Generation models the last that could legitimately wear the muscle car tag. This 1987 SS is one such car, and while it may not possess the brute strength of vehicles produced during the muscle car heyday of the late 1960s, it signaled that manufacturers were finding their feet in the brave new world of stringent emission regulations. This car’s “HO” 305ci V8 produces 180hp, although Chevrolet only offered buyers the four-speed 200-R4 automatic transmission. A ¼-mile ET of 16.6 seconds may not sound impressive, but the SS has surprisingly long legs. While many cars from this era struggled to top 115mph, the Monte Carlo ran out of breath at 127mph. Interestingly, the more aerodynamically efficient Aerocoupe that the company produced for NASCAR competition couldn’t match either figure, thanks to it carrying an additional 50lbs. The seller indicates this SS has a genuine 53,000 miles on the clock but doesn’t mention verifying evidence. However, it is in sound mechanical health, and they would happily drive it anywhere.

With thirty-two bids submitted at the time of writing, it is clear that people like what they see with this 1987 Monte Carlo SS. Some of those bidders may be the latest generation of enthusiasts, although it is equally possible that some will be individuals who aspired to own an SS in the 1980s but lacked the finances. The affordability of these classics makes that dream attainable, although climbing values raise the question of how long they will remain affordable. This one is a tidy survivor, but would you retain it untouched or be tempted to treat it to a fresh coat of paint? Either option is viable and would depend on your vision and finances. It will be fascinating to read the feedback on this gem.