Performance car enthusiasts found the pickings pretty slim as the 1970s progressed. Emission regulations weren’t just taking the edge off horsepower…they were utterly stifling it. The 1974 Chevrolet Monte Carlo was no exception, but this Chevy’s current owner has worked to recapture the glory days by endowing it with the power it deserves. It isn’t perfect, but it leaves the new owner with many choices as to what they would do with this classic moving forward. The Monte Carlo is listed here on Craigslist in Brooklyn, New York. The seller set their price at $21,000 OBO, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Mitchell G. for spotting this beauty.

Triple-Black cars are guaranteed to attract attention, and this Monte Carlo is no exception. Its combination of Tuxedo Black paint and a matching Landau-style vinyl top would have been stunning in its prime, but age is beginning to catch up with this classic. It retains an impressive depth of shine, but the paint has visible flaws and defects, which may prompt the new owner to perform a refresh. The vinyl is starting to deteriorate and crack in a couple of spots, and addressing that before it becomes a moisture and rust trap should be a priority. However, this Chevy appears to be rust-free. Nothing is visible in the supplied shots, and the seller doesn’t mention issues in their listing. The panels are straight, the gaps are consistent, and the tinted glass looks excellent. The trim is acceptable for a driver or survivor-grade vehicle, and the Rally wheels add a sense of purpose.

The Monte Carlo’s interior is tidy and continues the “basic Black” theme. There are no signs of significant wear or abuse on the upholstered surfaces, although there may be some wrinkles on the door trims. The carpet and dash look tidy, the pad is crack-free, and the faux woodgrain is excellent. A more modern stereo occupies the factory radio’s original spot but appears to be the only addition. Factory options selected by the original owner include air conditioning, swivel front seats, a console, a tilt wheel, and a remote driver’s mirror.

When is a numbers-matching classic not numbers-matching? When it is this Monte Carlo. The seller supplies no engine photos, but they furnish plenty of information on its mechanical specifications. The original owner ordered this Chevrolet with the range-topping 454ci V8, backed by a three-speed automatic transmission. That big-block would have produced 235hp in its prime, which was respectable for the period. However, that wasn’t enough for this seller, so they pulled that engine, placed it on a stand, and include it in the sale. Its spot under the hood is occupied by another 454, but this one churns out 425hp. Its origins are unclear, but you can be sure it would blow this car’s original ¼-mile ET of 16.3 seconds into the weeds! The Chevy features a new dual exhaust and tires, with the seller using the term “new undercarriage” in the listing. That suggests there may be a range of new suspension and brake components to complement the engine upgrade. They supply no information on how this classic runs and drives, but the impressions are positive.

The new owner of this 1974 Chevrolet Monte Carlo has some choices to consider. They could treat it to a light cosmetic restoration to ensure it retains its rust-free status and presents well, and continue to enjoy its potent drivetrain configuration. Alternatively, swapping the numbers-matching motor back under the hood and selling the existing big-block would preserve the car’s originality while recouping some of its purchase price. I suspect that most would choose the first option, although some will undoubtedly opt for the second. Which path would you select?