Vehicle Description
Heading up the short list of cars from the '80s that are sure to be
future collectables, this 1988 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS coupe makes
a compelling argument. The most sporting version of an all-time
favorite, it has a classic performance look and packs a 400
horsepower small block that more than delivers on its hi-po
look.
Black paint is just about perfect for the most formal of muscle
cars, and since the Monte Carlo was born as a luxury cruiser, it's
certainly appropriate. It appears that this car wears an older
repaint paint and as a result presents quite well, especially with
the addition of a cowl induction hood. There are a few scratches
and swirls here and there, but overall it's very much like you
remember and most of the age could be wiped out with a professional
cut and buff. The sporty urethane chin spoiler and unique nose give
the SS its NASCAR-inspired attitude and a subtle deck lid spoiler
reinforces that this was a grown-up hot rod, not a boy racer.
There's no chrome left on the SS, with its body-colored bumpers and
blacked-out trim, all of which remains in good condition overall.
The special SS decals were reinstalled when the car was repainted,
so it's easy to recognize on the street.
Finding a tan interior in a Monte Carlo SS is rather unusual, but
the bright upholstery transforms the car's personality. There's
minimal wear, even in the high-traffic areas like the driver's out
seat bolster and the carpets are protected by a set of matching
floor mats. A center console and 2-spoke leather-wrapped steering
wheel help with the sporty feel and the round gauges in a
wrap-around panel are joined by a set of auxiliary dials under the
center stack. This is a full-sized car with an aggressive edge, so
this is a lot more car for your money than a garden-variety Camaro
and there's room for five adults inside, which is always nice. The
factory Delco stereo is gone, replaced by a newer Sony AM/FM/CD
stereo head unit and the aftermarket shifter is a bit improvement
over the factory unit. And as a full-sized car, there's a large
carpeted trunk out back that is in great condition and includes a
pair of fire extinguishers.
Chevrolet's L69 small block V8, displacing 305 cubic inches in the
SS, was the lone powerplant, but in this car's case, it was tossed
in favor of a built 355 cubic inch small block built by BJR Racing.
With 416 horsepower and 455 pounds of torque, it's more than twice
as powerful as the original and you'd better believe that changes
the way this Monte moves. Topped by a Holly 4-barrel carburetor,
Pro Comp intake manifold, and a lot of polished aluminum, it's a
very strong runner with plenty of old-school muscle car torque. The
engine bay is dressed for show, and there's plenty of evidence that
someone has always treated this car as something special. Linked to
a stout TH400 3-speed automatic transmission, it's an awesome
point-and-shoot machine on the road. The suspension is fairly stock
and tuned to be entertaining but you can still feel this car's
luxury coupe origins underneath, so it's still comfortable for road
trips. The exhaust system is fed by long-tube headers and features
mellow mufflers that never sound too aggressive. Factory SS wheels
look reminiscent of the IROC-Z alloys and carry 235/60/15
white-letter radials.
Very, fast, very affordable, and very fun, this is one of those
cars that will always be worth about what you've got in it, making
it easy to enjoy a cool piece of '80s muscle without breaking the
bank. Call today!