This 1986 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS creates an optical illusion because, at first glance, it appears to be a typical example finished in Black. However, closer inspection reveals it wears Gunmetal Gray, adding a classy air to a muscle car that is a tidy driver. It appears to need very little and is ready to hit the road with a new owner behind the wheel. Why not take a look and see if you feel tempted by this SS?

Chevrolet produced two variants of its Monte Carlo SS in 1986. Most were the standard edition, although it released 200 examples of its Aerocoupe for NASCAR homologation. If I am brutally honest, I find the standard SS more attractive than its racing sibling. The Aerocoupe may have been a more effective race weapon, but its styling is quite cumbersome. The seller indicates this SS received a repaint in Gunmetal Gray but not when this occurred. It presents extremely well, with the supplied images revealing only a small number of minor imperfections. The panels are straight, the gaps are tight, and there is no evidence of rust issues. The stripes and decals are crisp, with no sign of checking or fading. I’m impressed by the exterior plastic, which has avoided the deterioration often associated with cars from this era. The glass is spotless, and there are no visible wheel issues.

We’ve recently seen a few classics at Barn Finds with covers over the dash to hide the pad’s condition. This Monte Carlo continues that trend, although it is worth noting that the rest of the interior presents well above average. The Gray cloth trim is free from marks, the dash looks good, and there are no signs of the typical sagging headliner. There is slight carpet staining under the driver’s feet, and the window control is hanging loose from the passenger door, but those appear to be the worst of the visible problems. Someone swapped the factory stereo for a modern unit, but that is the only modification. The winning bidder receives air conditioning, power windows, power locks, cruise control, and a leather-wrapped tilt wheel.

Powering this SS is the “HO” version of the 305ci V8. It sends 180hp and 225 ft/lbs of torque to the rear wheels via a four-speed automatic transmission. Power assistance for the steering and front disc brakes were standard features in 1986, providing an effortless driving experience. The “HO” designation for the V8 is slightly deceptive. While Chevrolet marketed the SS as a muscle car, its ability to cover the ¼-mile in 16.3 seconds doesn’t look particularly impressive in a modern context. However, those were the performance figures buyers expected during that period, meaning the Monte Carlo compared favorably with the opposition. The seller supplies a vast amount of information regarding the car’s specifications and the history of the SS badge. However, they lack specific information regarding how this classic runs and drives. The visual indications are positive, and the seller appears willing to answer questions.

The seller listed this 1986 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS here on eBay in Brooksville, Florida. It presents exceptionally well, making the fifteen submitted bids unsurprising. That action pushed the price to $10,500, with that figure below the reserve. Values have recently fluctuated, but I believe the bidding will probably need to hit around $14,000 before threatening the reserve. The action so far makes that goal achievable, and even if you aren’t a genuine contender, this auction could be fascinating to watch.