Vehicle Description
1983 Chevrolet Monte Carlo Convertible
In 1976 there was a mass exodus of auto manufacturers to rid
themselves of the convertible as an offering in their lineups. Due
to life moving at a faster pace, speed limits up, most cars coming
through with an A/C option, and the litigious nature of the
American Public it was essentially a forgotten option for a time
period between 1976, and 1983. Enter creative teams like Chapel
Hill Conversions, ASC, Car Craft, Classic Group Of Companies, Hess
& Eisenhardt Matrix3, and Steas Industries who actually are
responsible for Monte Carlo Convertibles from the 1983 to 1985
model lineup, and the resurgence became a grassroots movement that
eventually led to convertible being a viable option in other models
from the General.
For consignment, a custom convertible conversion performed by one
of the accredited builders of the day. Unfortunately, the
manufacturer's door sticker that denoted their name has been
partially removed, leaving us wondering which of the customizers
handled this car back when it was new. With its droppable top as
the only changed exterior aesthetic, we have the standard Monte
Carlo Model from 1983, and ready to turn the key and enjoy the
airflow!
Exterior
From 1983 square and rectangle design from GM for this Monte. The
panels are straight, the paint is good with a few scrapes and chips
in the Carmine Red finish. No rust is noted on the body and a
neoprene integrated body matching front bumper adds a touch of
class along with the chrome eggcrate grille and dual outboard
headlights. A red flourish hood ornament leads the way for the long
slightly bumped up hood which stretches back to the stainless
trimmed raked back windshield. Gold pinstriping graces the sides of
this skate and highlights the bumped out bodylines that have been a
part of the Monte Carlo lineup since the beginning. Wide mirror
finish trimming follows the entire bottom of the car and
accentuated the midbody rub strip perfectly. Up top is where the
magic occurs, a manually actuated tan canvas convertible top gives
you the option of letting the sun shine in. Out back is another
neoprene body matching bumper and just above is a 2-bedroom
apartment sized trunk flanked by wide cathedral style taillights.
14-inch chrome wire wheel covers grace the black steel wheels and
are wrapped by thin whitewall tires on all 4 corners.
Interior
A swing of the doors and we see molded vinyl panels, some tuck and
roll and lower Carmine, (burgundy for the common man), carpeting
peppered with shiny toggles for windows, power locks and a mirror
joystick, as well as the lock golf tee on the sill. Inside more
Carmine for the wide tuck and roll front buckets, (more like a
bench really), and smooth vinyl is on the bolsters and an
adjustable headrest is atop each seatback. A rear bench is present
and accounted for and also looking good. These chairs are all
floating in a sea of faded Carmine carpeting in good condition. A
burgundy molded plastic dash with a wood burl applique instrument
cluster surround which houses the rally style gauge package gauges
is fronted by a tilt steering column and factory installed 2 spoke
steering wheel. The heat and A/C slides are within the confines of
a center panel in square format, as well as an AM/FM/Cassette
radio. More faux wood races across the front of the dash and gives
the passenger a lovely view. A sagging black liner is above on the
underside of the top.
Drivetrain
Under the hood within the confines of an unrestored and lightly
patinaed engine bay sits a 305ci V8 topped with a single 4-barrel
carburetor and backed by a TH350 3-speed automatic transmission.
The rear axle gladly accepts this mill and transmissions combo of
power and is a 10-bolt axle.
Undercarriage
Some surface rust on the frame can be seen as well as patina and
some road dirt throughout but the flooring remains strong and
solid. We note the addition of extra stiffeners to the center of
the frame to make up for the lack of a steel roof. Power disc
brakes for the front and power drums for the back and from this
engine single exhaust snake rearward through a newer exhaust
system. Giving us the plush comfy ride is an independent coil
spring front suspension and a 4 link and coil spring rear
suspension. All looking good in the neighborhood.
Drive-Ability
A quick starter, and good acceleration with the 4bbl topper this
car handled the test track and all its paces with ease. Snappy
braking and smooth cornering with little roll even with the
structural mods that took place from the conversion. It was nice to
have the wind in my hair and the sun on my bald spot! I did notice
the A/C was not working but all else functioned swimmingly.
From 1983, the Chevrolet Monte Carlo convertible ...and that's a
term not often heard or seen. Looks are good on the paint front,
and the interior is clean and original from 1983. Why fit into the
confines of mediocrity when you can stand out from the crowd and be
the envy of your neighborhood with a custom conversion done on a
future collectible.
VIN DECODE
1G1AZ37H5DB125733
1-USA
G-General Motors
1-Chevrolet
A-Manual Belts
Z-Monte Carlo
37-2 Door Coupe
H-305ci V8 4bbl 160hp
5-Check Digit
D-1983
B-Baltimore, MD Assy Plant
125733-Sequential Unit Number
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.
