UPDATE – This nice looking, very clean ’77 Chevrolet Monte Carlo is a driver-quality survivor that’s only had one owner and has been driven a scant 55,000 miles the past 49 years. I’ve driven these second generation ’73 – ’77 Monte Carlos and seen many as well (they were a sales smash – selling over 1.6 million units), but I can’t recall seeing this particular pleasing color of Cream Gold with a contrasting “Oh-S0-’70’s” white vinyl top. Fellow Barn Finds writer Aaron Toth did a nice writeup on this ’77 Monte Carlo last month (see below) where it was listed for $13,500 firm. The price has been lowered to $12,000 (“firm”) and it is featured for sale here on craigslist. Thanks to super-spotter Tony Primo for sending this survivor to Barn Finds. Hopefully, the second time around will find a new home for this well preserved, nice-looking Monte Carlo.
FROM 01/07/2026: Bill Mitchell, GM’s Vice President of Design from 1959 through 1977, was famously responsible for some of the best shapes in the American automotive industry, but near the end of his career, some questioned the neoclassical themes he began using on some models. They’re barely visible on the 1973-77 Chevy Monte Carlo, but the separate fender swoops that seem to hark back to the separate fenders of the 1930s and 1940s are elements that are a little controversial even today. I have no problem defending them, however, because I like second-generation Monte Carlos, and if you also like them, this one-owner, 55,000-mile example might be for you.
By 1977, the Monte Carlo was only available with two engines, both small blocks: the 145-horsepower 305 and this 170-horsepower 350 with a Quadrajet. The seller doesn’t say much about this one except that it “runs…like a dream.” It also has air conditioning, and if the comment that “everything works” can be believed, you’ll have a cool ride when the weather warms up again. The Turbo Hydra-Matic was standard equipment in 1977, and HEI had been standard for a couple years at that point.
The Monte Carlo had several different seating packages available, including swivel bucket seats or a “Special Custom Interior,” but this one appears to have the standard split bench in “buckskin.” The dashboard seems to have one crack, and the steering wheel cover may or may not be hiding a cracked steering wheel.
Aside from those minor blemishes, the interior is in great shape, with the plush vinyl seats and door panels looking almost new. The seller has even thrown in a handy cupholder for those longer trips. Of course, whether you leave it in there or not is up to you.
According to the color chips, this Monte Carlo appears to be painted a nice shade of “Cream Gold,” which complements the white vinyl top well. As I sometimes point out, the fact that the front fenders are a shade off the rest of the body implies that the paint is original; Fisher Body would paint everything but the front clip, so original paint tends to fade slightly differently.
The classic Chevy rally wheels were optional, and they look good on almost any 1960s or 1970s Chevrolet, as they do here. The seller mentions that this is a rust-free car that has spent its entire life in Colorado; it’s been garage kept and can be yours a price that doesn’t seem too far out of line. If you’re a fan of Mr. Mitchell’s later work at GM, or if you grew up when these Monte Carlos were flying off showroom floors, it might look like a bargain.
Seems like a decent car at a fair price. I am surprised it did not sell. A new set of carpets would make a world of difference.
My boss had a new one years ago and he often had me take it to wash it, or as I called it “Blowing out the carbon.” LOL. That 454 ran good. :-) Terry J
I have always liked these MCs. They’re too big, usually under powered, terrible MPG, and the mid70s is not the height of US car manufacturing but I like them anyways. The more 1970s the color the better.