Although manufacturers during the 1980s were regaining some ground lost to tighter emission regulations during the early 1970s, many still struggled to justify the muscle car tag for some models. The 1988 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS was a perfect example, although a few enterprising individuals took it upon themselves to wring everything out of their toy that was humanly possible. This SS features an engine upgrade, and while it isn’t radical, it should help the new owner to recapture the glory days. It needs a new home, with the seller listing it here on eBay in Elkton, Maryland. They set a BIN of $16,000 with the option to make an offer.
Chevrolet released its Fourth Generation Monte Carlo in 1981, with this one rolling off the line in 1988. It is 1-of-16,204 produced that year wearing the iconic SS badge, and its presentation is impressive. The seller states it is garage-kept, making the spotless underside no surprise. The car received a repaint in its original Code 12 Silver in 2011, and it shows no signs of deterioration. It shines beautifully, with the stripes and decals looking flawless. The plastic hasn’t succumbed to UV exposure, and the alloy wheels are free from stains and physical damage. The glass is in as-new condition, meaning the first impression is extremely positive.
If this Monte Carlo’s exterior makes a positive impression, the interior ramps it up a notch or two. It is trimmed in Maroon cloth and vinyl that wouldn’t look out of place on a showroom floor. The seller used the 2011 exterior repaint as the motivation for a complete retrim. It seems the car has seen little use since because there is no evidence of wear or abuse. The dash and plastic are free from cracks and other issues, and it is refreshing to find no aftermarket additions. The new owner drives away in a car equipped with air conditioning, power windows, power locks, a remote driver’s mirror, cruise control, and an AM/FM radio and cassette player.
Chevrolet treated the 1988 SS as a “one size fits all” exercise, with buyers receiving a 305ci V8 and a four-speed 200-4R automatic transmission. The V8 produced 180hp, allowing the Monte Carlo to cover the ¼-mile in 16.4 seconds. That was respectable for the era, but many owners remembered earlier times when cars of this caliber could comfortably break the 15-second barrier. This car’s owner may have been one of those people because the 305 is a distant memory. The engine bay now hosts a 350 that inhales deeply through a rebuilt carburetor and exhales through a full dual exhaust. They performed the conversion in 2009, and although the engine specifications are unknown, it would be safe to assume the driver has significantly more than 180hp at their disposal. Who knows, but maybe that sub-15 isn’t such a distant memory. The fourteen years since the conversion means the seller should have eliminated potential bugs. They say it runs and drives perfectly, making it a turnkey proposition for its new owner.
Growing up in Australia gives me a slightly different outlook on many subjects. Our readers from that region will look at the name Monte Carlo, and a car will probably not be the first thing that pops into their heads. It is the name of an iconic jam-and-cream-filled biscuit (or cookie) that has remained popular Down Under for many decades. One thing is certain; While it isn’t a cookie, this Monte Carlo would storm off into the distance, leaving a standard 1988 SS to pick up the crumbs. Although it is no longer original, its condition makes the BIN figure look competitive in the current market. Would you consider adding this to your garage, or do you prefer your classics unmolested?
I had 1986 Monte SS in 1991. It was all black no stripes. I wanted a Grand National and couldnt afford the insurance so this was the next best option. These cars look good and rode nice they were just missing about 200hp
I had an ‘84 Monte Carlo SS and I sold it to buy an ‘87 Turbo Regal. Absolutely no comparison between the two, other than the fact that they shared the same platform. The Buick was so much better in every way
Need to know more about the 350 in 1988 they were not that potent either
I am guessing it is a crate engine dressed up with the 305s valve covers and such to make it look stock. Obviously that was the intent, a stock look. 10 years ago if you had wanted more performance, even then there were plenty of LS engines around for a song. I like this car. These were really beautiful cruisers, a mature driving car for mature drivers. The kind of car you put on a freeway with the cruise set at 80 and traveled long distances in comfort. This was never meant to burn rubber.
‘88 305 valve covers would be the center-bolt type.
Is it a true dual exhaust as stated in the e-bay ad?
I am picky on terms being an old geezer:
This car does not have true duals … looks factory with single cat converter.
Plumbing after that single cat is a y pipe that feeds to duals all the way back.
On my ’91 SHO, which had a horrible excuse for an exhaust, I did 2 low restriction cats then separate pipes all the way back to a surprise big jump in hp.
Nice install underhood but details needed on the mill, that 350.
GLWTS!
Put your ride up on a rack and figure out duals that do NOT touch except for balance tube/ H pipe.
If you use a Gforce cross member with double humps for the exhaust pipes true duals are possible I did that on my 84 Monte SS also had long tube headers, and ran a Jegs header back exhaust although mine was a 327 my son built for it. Really miss that car lost it in a garage fire. Also had a silver 86 SS that looked similar to this one but was mostly stock
Or you could buy a Turbo Buick and be done with it
Great looking MC. Wish it had a 4 speed. This one looks like one that you pile your buddies in and drive to the race track. Not to race this car though. Get on down to the 1/4 mile. Love it but too far away from me. Good price. Hope the buyer takes good car of it. 😉
Neal search the Mexican 🇲🇽 Monte SS 🙌🏁
Stan,
I’m not quite sure I catch your meaning here. Please comment further.
This model had a different version offered in Mexico. 350 w stik shift.
Thanks Stan. I was not aware of this.
Have a great week everyone!
No it didn’t
Sold my Claret 88 Monte SS 30 years ago for $9,300. One of my dumbest decisions. Loaded with t tops.
I had an 86 Monte SS, and it was a dog. After the 200R4 blew up, I had a turbo 350 put in. After the rear axle blew up, I had it rebuilt with 2:56 gears. After I replaced the timing chain with a chain for an older model that wouldn’t retard the timing like the factory one did, it was as fast as all hell. I never timed it in a 1/4 mile, but it seemed twice as powerful as before, a completely different car, a sea change, night and day difference.
Not sure how going from a overdrive with a 2.74 first gear and 3:70 rear end became faster when switched to a 350 with 2.52 first gear and 2:56 rear end. Especially with the 305.
In 1988, I bought a brand new SS Monte Carlo maroon color in Boston. I truly loved the car. When I moved to California in 1994. It had only 50,000 miles. I needed money so I sacrificed it for only$4,000. I should have kept the car by shipping it to Los Angeles.
Good ole repo man got my white 84 ss monte carlo with blue stripes and white ss head rests. Loved it except for the 305 engine. It sucked for sure. Thank you Bank of Americe China 🇨🇳 They sucked even then !