The Chevrolet Monte Carlo Aero Coupe is a 1980s classic, taking one of the more iconic muscle cars of the day and making it even more sought after owing to a glass hatch enclosure. Of course, we know the story as to why Chevrolet even made this model available to the public in the first place, and the Aero Coupe became an instant collector’s item as a result. With just 6,252 Aero Coupes made, it’s a rare find in any condition. This example listed here on eBay is currently bid to $13,433 with the reserve unmet.
As a true homologation car, the Aero Coupe gained instant credibility as a collectible. The production of the Aero Coupe was in response to the Thunderbird’s growing dominance in the NASCAR Winston Cup series; with the aerodynamic rear end, Chevrolet effectively reduced the drag coefficient to increase the competitiveness of the Monte Carlo. While it may seem like a very simple tweak, motorsports engineers look for every edge they can find, no matter how granular the change may seem to be to the outside world.
The listing shows an odometer reading of just 22,000 miles, which certainly seems plausible given the clean cosmetics. The listing mentions that the Monte Carlo is “exempt”, which seems to be a thinly veiled way of indicating the mileage can’t be proven with 100 percent certainty. Regardless, the paint and upholstery condition, along with the tan carpets and door panels, all look like they’ve been spared from the sort of daily use that leads to stained surfaces and high miles.
The 5.0L V8 was hardly powerful as the Monte Carlo was a victim of the muscle car neutering that happened to many different makes and models. The only real exception was seemingly the Buick Grand National, which still turned in scorching performance despite being born at the same time as cars like the Monte Carlo. But even with performance seemingly an afterthought, the Monte Carlo was an immensely popular model, and limited production offerings like the Aero Coupe will be sought after for some time to come. Thanks to Barn Finds reader Larry D. for the find.
I wonder how many of these were ordered with the tan interior? This is only the third one I’ve seen. The other two were black with buckets and console. Most 60/40 split bench seats were ordered with driver’s side power – this one is missing that, and power locks. This is a unique one, for sure…
The rear glass bubble isn’t a hatch, just a fixed rear window. This does make trunk access a bit tight due to the shortened trunklid, albeit not quite as bad as the Pontiac Grand Prix 2+2, which had an even bigger bubble that, along with the GP’s larger taillights, reduced trunk access to little more than a mail slot.
The Chev looked way better than the Pontiac offering.
Perhaps so and a matter of taste, but these Aerocoupes and the GP2+2 weren’t made or designed for looks, just for homologating the aero improvements for NASCAR
I’m in Ft Lauderdale and this is one of two aero coupes for sale locally. They both have the 60/40 with t-tops and column shifter. I love these cars but I don’t want one without the console and floor shifter.
Exempt
In several states once a vehicle becomes a certain age the odometer reading is listed as “exempt” tonprotect the seller. Parts deteriorate over time and may not be reliable even if the car has no miles at all.
It is a lemon law thing.
I’ve had two Monte’s, a 74 and a 77. I’m not in favor of a pretend muscle car with a column shift. That’s like a Coupe DeVille WITH a console shift.
I have a barn find an Olds Cutlass 442 with 46K verified miles, first two owners put 23K miles each, has not been driven since 2014
If you have $42,500. to spend on a car this would be a good example to buy. Compared to the Corvette this would be a better buy.
Needs a engine and transmission swap
Ash trays built into the back seats….seems like yesterday these came out but this feature says otherwise. There were quite a few of these in Orlando when they came out.
I had a regular 1988 Monte SS from 1991 to 1993. Much better looking than these and that trunk space was a joke. I know I should have kept my every option 88 as it would be worth money down the road, but I could not wait 30 years with a growing family. It had to go in 93, sold it for $9,300 and the guy who bought it still has it.