The Chevrolet division of General Motors introduced the Monte Carlo in September 1969 for the 1970 model year, becoming Chevy’s initial entry into the personal luxury coupe segment of the U.S. auto market.
The Monte Carlo was built on a “special” A-body platform shared by the Pontiac Grand Prix that allowed for a 116- inch wheelbase as opposed to the regular A-body Chevelle’s 112-inch wheelbase with the additional four inches primarily being ahead of the firewall. A vast array of engine options were available, all V8’s, ranging from 350 to 454 cubic inches with either two or four-barrel carbs backed either a two-speed or three-speed automatic transmission or a three or four-speed manual.
Chevrolet general manager Pete Estes sought out GM stylist David Hollis to design the Monte Carlo, one of the first Chevys from that era to have a model designation that did not start with a “C”. Hollis drew design cues from Cadillac’s Eldorado luxury coupe while utilizing a significant part of the internal structure from their current Chevelle line under new sheet metal designed specifically for the Monte Carlo.
The new Monto Carlo was only available in a two-door coupe, but it’s worth noting that the initial tri-fold brochure made available to Chevrolet dealers in advance of the September 1969 introduction showed an artist’s sketch of a Monte Carlo convertible at the bottom of one of the panels. Despite labor issues slowing production of both the 1970 and 1971 models, the car sold well and was well-received by both the buying public and the automotive press.
The 1972 model year proved to be the final year for the first-generation body style, as GM standardized A-body models within their divisions to the Collanade platform for the 1973 model year.
This 1972 Monte Carlo is the car that General Motors should have built, but chose not to offer. A custom coachbuilder from North Carolina purchased a few brand-new cars off a dealer lot and proceeded to convert the coupes into convertibles. That task was made a little easier because the Monte Carlo utilized many Chevelle parts from the firewall back, and the Chevelle was offered in a convertible. The idea was to convince Chevrolet executives to offer the specially-modified cars through their dealer network, but the upcoming body style change (which would not offer a factory convertible in any A-body car) nixed any interest the company might have had. There have been others who have created first-generation Monte Carlo convertibles, and industry experts estimate that number to be perhaps 75 to 100 built.
Powered by a 350 cubic inch engine backed with a console-shifted three speed automatic transmission, this triple black beauty presents in extremely good condition. The car sits on the correct Chevrolet rally wheels. Aside from the convertible conversion the only non-original part of the car appears to be the addition of an aftermarket AM/FM/Cassette player in the dash, which remains uncut allowing a factory replacement to be installed should that be desired. The Monto Carlo has been a part of the present owner’s vehicle portfolio since October 1996 and has housed in a humidity-controlled environment under his ownership.
Evergreen Digital Showroom offers this extremely rare coach-built 1972 Chevy Monto Carlo convertible for $59,900 USD. A pre-purchase inspection is both advised and welcomed. We will gladly arrange transportation at buyer’s expense or will work to accommodate the buyer’s shipping plans to insure delivery. For additional information, contact sales manager Steve Russell at 417-532-8000.
NOTICE
Because of the number of vehicles we represent we cannot drive every vehicle for long distances. These vehicles have been part of static displays for long periods of time, in some cases for decades, and are subject to the flaws and imperfections consistent with that. While we do our best to disclose all issues we known about a vehicle in our advertising, these are old cars and something that has always worked in the past might not function properly today. Please check the requirements of your state regarding the licensing and registration of classic vehicles and make sure the vehicle you are looking at meets those if applicable. Unless otherwise noted, all vehicles represented by Evergreen Digital Showroom possess a clean (non-branded) title which will be provided the new buyer when purchase funds clear our financial institution. Virtually all our vehicles are sold as mileage exempt due to their age. We do not warranty any vehicle, nor any part of the vehicle including air conditioning systems, brake systems, electrical systems and gauges, fuel systems, accessories or powertrain components.
These are old vehicles and it is very common for them to require certain maintenance and upkeep for them to be operational. In many cases issues with leaks may develop when being driven after a long period of not being used. This is common, as classic cars at some point will leak fluids. For this reason, we do not encourage buyers to attempt driving their purchase home as we cannot guarantee functional reliability of these vehicles. We strongly encourage prospective buyers to be sure they are comfortable with these issues before purchasing a classic car.
Descriptions of vehicles represented by Evergreen Digital Showroom are intended to be informational in nature and do not in any way constitute any sort of warranty, expressed or implied. Again, these vehicles are presented “as-is, where-is” without guarantee or warranty. Vehicles manufactured prior to 1981 will likely not be included in the databases of companies such as CarFax and AutoCheck that provide vehicle history information to consumers. If you have specific questions regarding a vehicle we urge you to contact us at 417-532-8000.
