Vehicle Description
1977 Chevrolet Monza Coupe
Seen by many as either a pint-sized Camaro or a grown-up Vega, the
Monza was a product of GM's response to the 1973 OPEC Oil Embargo.
When the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries decided to
deprive Uncle Sam of oil for mainly political reasons, Americans
panicked as the price of gasoline, (and all other petroleum-based
products from home-heating oil to plastic spoons), jumped
dramatically. All over America, lightly used SS396 Chevelles, Z28
Camaros, and virtually every other type of high-performance V-8
machine was rendered nearly worthless. By 1975, tens of thousands
of people traded in SS454 Monte Carlos, 409 Impalas, 327 Novas, and
the like as partial payment on Honda Civics, Volkswagen Rabbits,
Chevy Chevettes, and other compact and subcompact offerings. In
most cases, trade-in allowances were well below 20 percent of the
new car's sticker price. The Monza nameplate was used on bucket
seat Corvairs in the '60s but the name is the only link with the
'75-80 model. But when new, the bulky bumpers were a recent
phenomenon mandated on all cars to serve in lame bumper laws aimed
at minimizing low-speed body damage. In theory, bumpers had to
sustain no visible damage from a 5-mph impact. -Thx to Steve
Magnante
For consignment, a definite "we never know what's going to come
through the door next" consignment in the form of an unmolested and
honest presenting 1977 Chevrolet Monza coupe wearing a title
verified 79,972 title verified actualmiles. We have a real toy here
in this ordinary Monza that was optioned from the factory with a
small block V8, automatic transmission, and all the comforts you'll
need to run down to the WaWa and get a few snacks, or milk or
whatever, all the while WOWING the crowds of onlookers who haven't
seen a bone stock Monza since Hector was a pup. Take my hand and
let's delve into this stunning brown metallic example together.
Note: Due to modifications of the emissions control devices
installed by the manufacturer, please check your local, state, and
federal laws to determine if this vehicle is applicable for use on
public highways in your area.
Exterior
This stock Monza from Chevrolet is following in the footsteps of
the pony cars that came before it with a long nose and short deck.
It was then resprayed with the factory correct Brown Metallic then
topped off with a trim tag matching tan vinyl top. Save for the
added 13-inch gold nugget wheels and outlined white letter Radial
GT 195/70R13 radials the car remains exactly like the Monza you
could get from the dealer for the exterior. The gaps are good and
no rust is noted anywhere. A large, (for the size of the car),
chrome bumper leads the way up front and we are still in the chrome
egg crate grille era with chrome bezels round headlights sunken
into the front of the fiberglass header panel. Moving rearward we
come to the slightly bulgedhood and then the sharply raked
windshield that presents with a nice polished surround. More
stainless wraps the sides are rear glass and on the body sides we
note a small rub strip along with chrome badging and some sexy
integrated flares built into the lips that give the car a look of
motion even when standing still. Out back was can breathe in the
short trunk lid and just below are flush mount chrome trimmed 3
segment tail lights in white, orange and red. Just below is another
large chrome bumper and single exhaust pipe peeks out from under
the passenger's side.
Interior
Opening the doors we are greeted with fresh tan vinyl door panels
with some thin wood applique trim panels and clean chrome cranks
and actuators. This is all in amazingly good condition looking like
new. To the passenger compartment where we see front buckets and a
rear 2 plus 2 bench, with all these surfaces covered in a broad
stitched tuck and roll tan vinyl pattern with smooth body hugging
bolsters for the front buckets. These seats are all excellent in
their condition. Twin consolettes ride the center hump with the
rearmost unit having a small storage bin and parking brake level
and up front another consolette holds the shifter within a nice
applique field. The dash is all original and pristine presenting in
more tan padded vinyl sporting a clean applique, gauges, and
warning light cluster in front of the original steering wheel. All
original in these panels, and all very clean. An aftermarket
AM/FM/Cassette stereo and separate equalizer grace the center of
the dash along with black bezel for the heater slides. A fairly
tight fuzzy tan headliner stretches above, and tan carpet, also
very clean, floods the floors.
Drivetrain
Gas crunch my ass...opening the long hood we are greeted by the
factory installed 145hp 305ci V8 engine in clean condition. A
2-barrel carburetor lurks under the black painted single snout air
cleaner that accentuates the Chevrolet Blue painted block and valve
covers nicely. A TH200 3-speed automatic transmission is strapped
to the back and way back is a 10 bolt axle and it has 2.29
conventional gas saving gears.
Undercarriage
Upfront an independent coil spring suspension is on and in back 3
link with coil springs and a panhard bar keeps things stuck to the
road. Power disc brakes are for the front, and power drums for the
rear. All is rust free on the bottom side of this mini boulevard
bruiser with only light surface rust gracing the patinaed finish of
the undercoated floors, unibody, and largely untreated suspension.
We see the stock style single exhaust running rearward from the
engine, but is now sans catalytic converter.
Drive-Ability
It isn't often we get a Monza in our vast inventory, and it's even
rarer that we get one that is so well preserved and stock, so when
this one arrived both my test driver and I ran to drive this
example. It fired right up and ran beautifully at idle but was
plagued with a stalling issue that was difficult to overcome. Once
moving the car cornered like it was on rails, and had great
acceleration. It did not drive like a 46 year old car. Also a good
cruiser, with a smooth ride with all functions operational save for
the AC not blowing cold as the belt was removed due to a
seizingclutch.
We can categorize this car as a survivor simply because they are
rarely seen anymore. All clean and ready to be enjoyed by the next
proud owner. An original drivetrain and clean interior and it looks
the part, and the snappy brown on tan combination will have you
ready to race off into the sunset, or to the next car show.
1M27U72125158
1-Chevrolet
M-Monza Coupe
27-2 Door Notchback Pillared Coupe
U-305ci 2bbl V8
7-1977
2-St. Therese, Quebec, Canada Assy Plant
125158-Sequential Unit Number
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 850 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.
