Vehicle Description
1974 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
Over the past 107 years, Chevrolet has built such a vast empire of
lovable offerings that some of them just seem to get overlooked.
Possibly the most substantial victim of that unfortunate phenomenon
is the storied Monte Carlo. Introduced in 1970, and proudly parked
in over half a million driveways during its first three years of
production, the brand's personal luxury coupe was decidedly cool.
And, not as ostentatious as a Corvette or as boorish as a Camaro,
the car spent most of its life as the poster child for evolving
automotive tastes.
This consignor stated one owner classy Monte is a solid cruiser
that's benefitted from careful use only on an as needed basis, and
as a result a mere 24,257 miles have been accrued on the odometer,
but an exempt status on the title keeps us from stating the miles
are original. A laundry list of maintenance has recently been
performed including fluid changes, a rebuilt fuel system, and some
brake work. An unrestored original car that presents very nicely,
you simply won't find more luxury and style for the money.
Exterior
Silver Taupe Metallic paint, done right from the factory, plenty of
brite work, and a black vinyl Landau top drape this '74 "Luxo-Mod"
(Look! Up in the sky, it's a muscle car!...no its a luxury car!..).
The only paint work performed was due to scratches incurred during
shipping causing the hood and trunk lid to be repainted. We note
clearcoat has been applied over the faded area of the
aforementioned panels. True to form 1974 second gen Monte Carlo
through and through, it sports a long, long hood, and almost as
long trunk deck. All badging trim work and chromed bumpers are very
clean and dimple and rust free. A slight frown for the landau top
which shows some areas of the wear and splitting of the vinyl,
though the top remains rust free underneath. Rally wheels and tires
are noted on all 4 corners, but we do note a 205/75R15 tire on the
driver's front while the other tires are 225/75R15's
Interior
Black is the color for the interior, and this is exactly the
material this Monte was born with. Black vinyl covers the optional
swivel bucket seats with virtually no marks or stains and certainly
no rips or tears and the rear bench follows suit and appears to
never have been sat in. Running between the buckets is a black
plastic console with a small glovebox at the rear, the automatic
shifter, and 2 storage cubbies at the front just under the dash.
The door panels are very clean vinyl covered with all working
cranks, a black leather pull, and even the ashtray for the rear
passenger. A black vinyl padded dash covers the passenger side, and
faux burl veneer fronts the dash from centerline to driver's door.
All gauges, which are the standard layout, reside within the burl
and outboard on each side are twin warning light pods and a clock.
Standard GM Monte Carlo steering wheel with more faux burl fronts
the dash. Heat and A/C controls reside in the center of the dash
and just below is factory AM/FM radio. Original black carpet,
showing very well, is beneath all the seating. A nice tight black
cloth headliner is above all this luxury and originality.
Drivetrain
Taking a gaze into the cavernous engine bay one sees the original
orangish-red block, 350ci V8 engine, with a rebuilt factory
2-barrel carburetor on top. A 350 Turbo Hydramatic automatic
transmission is on back and sends power to the 10-bolt 2.73 geared
rear axle. The engine is well preserved and just a slight bit of
dust and some minor corrosion can be seen throughout, and we note a
new radiator and master cylinder.
Undercarriage
Up on the lift we can see the meat of the operation from underside,
and note power steering, power front disc brakes and power rear
drums, a new single exhaust system and the usual suspects having
some surface rust. The frame is sturdy as are rockers and floor
pans. Independent with coil springs in front, and a 4 link with
coil springs has the rear covered. Nothing but black and patina
under here along with a new fuel tank, sending unit and fuel
hoses.
Drive-Ability
I love test driving these low mileage large Detroit iron cars, and
this one left me with a smile on my face. It fired right up, idled
without a trace of being on, and took off in a flash. It is a very
smooth ride, with nice acceleration and decent handling. All
functions were indeed...functioning and as a larger framed
individual I took full advantage of the swivel bucket seats for
entry and exit.
The 74 Monte Carlo is easily the nicest A-Body car that General
Motors ever produced with its flowing lines and body bulges. This
example, with its great stance and glorious lines, almost all
original paint, original interior and the original drivetrain and
you could not ask for anything else....well...you could and it
delivers with purported super low mileage. An almost new 48 year
old car, now that's something to be said.
VIN DECODE
1H57H4B627205
1-Chevrolet
H-Monte Carlo
57-2 Door Hardtop Sport Coupe
H-350ci V8 2bbl
4-1974
B-Baltimore, MD Assy Plant
627205-Sequential Unit Number
TRIM TAG
ST 74 1AH57-1974 Monte Carlo 2 Door Hardtop Sport Coupe
BDY B403429-Baltimore Body #
TR 709 AM7-Black Vinyl Buckets
PNT 64B-Silver Taupe Metallic, Black Vinyl Top
07D-4th Week July Build
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 650 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia
on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is
www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914.
Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the
vehicle in person.
