The mid-sized Monte Carlo was introduced in 1970 as Chevrolet’s entry into the personal luxury niche. Its swanky name derived from a city in Monaco on the Mediterranean, well known for racing and rallying since 1911, when the region first offered an organized rally. Situated on the A-platform, the Monte Carlo was produced in four generations until the nameplate took a hiatus in 1989. Here on craigslist is one of the most attractive iterations of the Monte Carlo, this 1973 Landau example with survivor credentials and an asking price of $23,500. In ’73, the cars were restyled with a “colonnade” roof (the Landau treatment was optional on a Monte Carlo S), opera windows, and an egg-crate grille. T.J. found this tip for us – thanks, as always!
This car was residing in Okoboji, Iowa when the selling dealer bought it some months ago from the original owner. It had been parked since the early 1990s. The car received a new fuel pump, gas tank, and other repairs to bring it to safe running condition. The motor is Chevy’s 350 CID V8, offered at the time with a two-barrel (145 hp) or four-barrel carburetor (175 hp). This car has a three-speed automatic; only 51,108 miles show on the odometer – said to be actual mileage. The beige cloth seat upholstery still wears its plastic covers. The split bench was standard, but swiveling “Strato” buckets were an option. Faux wood accents lent an upscale feel to the interior. The carpets, headliner, instruments – everything is in tip-top shape except for a few stains on the rear seat covers.
For 1973, the Monte Carlo gained anti-roll bars both forward and aft, as well as tuned steering. Front disc brakes were always a feature of this model. The early 1970s saw the imposition of the 5 mph bumper standard, with ’73 cars afflicted with an ungainly front bumper. By ’74, these showed up in the rear as well. A host of options were available, potentially bringing the price of a new Monte Carlo to $5000.
The seller found the build sheet under the gas tank; that, along with the original title, accompanies the sale. Paint scratches and nicks are scattered here and there, but the seller promises us no rust. The car is located in Omaha, Nebraska, and it can be driven to its new home. In terms of values, the asking price is a bit high. While this low-mileage ’73 sold for $25,500 about two years ago, we found other nice examples for around $21k. Too, for whatever reason, it seems that well-kept, underused Monte Carlos are not hard to find – a good reason to shop around.
Love the 73-75 Monte, and we had a 74 with this exact color combo. Also starting to prefer the finned wheel covers to rallye wheels just on the fact that every Monte i see nowadays has rallys, which just wasnt the case in the 70s. That being said, this car sure isnt perfect. Its REALLY nice. But calling chipped pain and worn surfaces “patina’d” doesnt get you that extra $10K you are hoping for. 3 yrs ago a 454, swiveling bucket Monte in this shape wouldnt have brought this price.
If you were to acquire this car, what would you do with the seats? Keep the period-correct plastic covers, in the interest of the “look, remember when Aunt Fannie had those in her Impala” comments at shows, or would you take them off and enjoy the new-condition upholstery?
Those are perfect DAY 2 add ons. Good question. I also really like those wide whitewalls that Uniroyal did so well and we so popular on GM models thru the 1990 Custom Cruiser days
Fingerhut seat covers.
Absolutely the best year ever for the Monte Carlo. Only thing to improve this one would be a 454!
1970 to 72 and the G body Monty Carlo’s in the early to late 80’s were always the ones for me. My best friend’s dad, when I was young, had a 1970 SS 454 Monty, dark gray with a black vinal top. Wow it was a beautiful car, and fast.
It’s really nice, but only about 17k nice.
He probably will only get about 12k for this car it need a paint job. The only way he could get more is for someone wasn’t going to resale the car and was going to drive just it just like it is.
Looks like a very nice car. But I can’t get past the blah colors. Tan and beige just isn’t my favorite color combination. The one question I have for everyone is what made them and how did the scratches get on the top rear of both front finders? It’s just a little odd, the same scratches on both sides same place.
The color was called “Chamois”.
If you can’t understand the rust is in the top of the fender gully …. where water cat sit if it’s not clean will eventually do the inevitable!!
The rear seats are stained? Hmmm.
It warms my heart to see these finally getting their recognition for the good looking car they are. The cream beige with neutral interior is just fine with me. Nice low maintenance color that was the silver/charcoal of the day. I swear the color was invisible to leo like you could rob banks if this was the get away car.
Looks like a solid front bench seat (not split), and with some paint needing touching up (or perhaps a complete repaint depending on the amount of chipping). $23K perhaps a little steep.
I started working on the assembly line at the Leeds Plant in Kansas City, Mo. in 1973. I helped build many of these that year, and in later years.
Waaaay over priced. Rust along the rockers. Paint is shot. Separation and rust bubbles under the vinyl roof. No pictures of the trunk, engine compartment, or the undercarriage. My hunch is that they are “not pretty”. Mileage is not backed up by documentation. Mentioning that the swivle bucket seats WERE available but that this car does not have them is pointless. Cut the price in half.
I have a ‘73 Monte Carlo in my garage. The last liscense sticker I bought was 1992. It’s sky blue with dark blue interior. 350 , 2 bbl smog motor. What I have found is the ‘73 seems to be a one of year. Slight changes in moldings,bumper material. Then ‘76 or ‘77 square headlights. Wish there was more built , I need some moldings. Seems 70-72 you can get NOS but not these models. Mine was purchased new by mother in law, she replaced it with an ‘86 Monte Carlo
I had a set of those rims on my 1977 caprice back in the early 1990’s. You don’t see those rims around to often. very nice car
23K lmao, that scores you a mint fully restored 1974 Corvette, not a chipped up ’74 Monte with rust bubbles under the vinyl top. Even 13k is heady.
I remember my uncle’s 64’ Impala had those plastic seat covers used to like to press on the round thing’s whatever they are called. It was 3 on the tree I think 327’
In 72’ my other uncle got his drivers license and got the Impala for free. I remember he come over and asked my brother and me(12 and 10) if we want to go riding around but needed gas. We looked in the couch, on top of the dryer for change and wind up with like $1.80. In 72 that was equivalent to $30 today. We went visiting people and drove around it was fun memory.
Ok Gomer, thanks for the Mayberry memories.
I had a black version with all the bells & whistles even cruise control & unbelievable condition factory 400 sb that was 1 1/2 years ago I got 12 grand that’s all u get for these cars