Vehicle Description
1986 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS Hardtop
"Buick's turbocharged V6 powered Regal Grand National was the
quickest muscle car of the 1980's and still grabs all the
attention, but Chevy's V8 powered Monte Carlo SS owned the Grand
National when it came to sales. During the mid 1980s, well over
100,000 gearheads walked into Chevrolet dealers and rolled out in a
new Monte SS. That's more than double the number of turbo Buicks
sold. Along with the Regal, Oldsmobile Cutlass, and Pontiac Grand
Prix, the Monte Carlo was on GM's rear wheel drive G-body platform,
which launched in 1978 and was restyled in 1981." Motor Trend, June
2019
For consignment, a 1986 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS with a title
verified 40,104 actual miles. Per our consignor, this was
originally a Florida car and kept all original. If you're in the
market for a low mileage G-body SS, that's enough info to make this
one worthy, and given how consistently the SS's sell around here,
we encourage you to speed read the following, then make the
call.
Exterior
This one is White and the accent stripes that ride over the wheel
openings are red, maroon, and black on a base of metallic silver.
Big decals were still in vogue for Chevrolet and it clearly spelled
out Monte Carlo SS on the doors and decklid. The eggcrate grille is
framed by pinstripes and the dual headlights sit recessed in a
black bezel giving off a slightly aggressive scowl that's
punctuated by the aerodynamic lower valance that houses the marker
lights and chin spoiler. A slightly curved shoulder line under the
B-pillar and slanted bottom edge to the quarter window help
differentiate this car from the Regals and a thinner, more steeply
raked, one piece wing is also pure SS. The rear fascia leans
forward, and distinct Monte tail lights ride the outside edges of
the tail and consistent with reporting, a Florida dealership decal
resides on the decklid. 15-inch wheels are also exclusive to the
Monte SS and help enhance the muscular profile of the car, wrapped
in 215/65R15's with an early 2020 date code. Imperfections on this
car include scratches and scuffs on a corner to include the accent
stripe decal, flex cracking on the polyurethane front bumper,
damage to the stripes over a wheel opening, and some typical slight
discoloration of polyurethane end pieces.
Interior
Burgundy velour has a starring role on the door panels including
the stitched insert behind the door pull strap. The middle band is
dark red plastic and a padded vinyl armrest, all over the carpeted
lower panel, and both doors present in excellent condition. Same
with the bucket seats which look fantastic matched by the rear
bench which looks nearly pristine. If we're being picky, we note
some compression on the driver's side support. The red trim on the
black dash pops visually and picks up on the bright red needles on
the six gauges ahead, all picked up visually by the red center cap
on the two spoke black steering wheel. The Delco AM/FM/Cassette
player is aboard with a revolutionary auto reverse, below the
standard A/C panel. The T-handle shifter is in the center console
in a black base with red trim and the low pile plush maroon carpet
is protected by OEM style rubber mats. Above us, the smoked glass
of the T-tops. The trunk is covered with a fitted black flannel mat
and is spotless, holding a space saver spare in a depression on the
right side, typical of G-bodies.
Drivetrain
Under the hood we find a very clean 305ci V8 rated at 180
horsepower and fueled by a 4-barrel carburetor. A 200R4 4-speed
automatic transmission is behind it and sends power, muscle car
style, to the 10 bolt rear axle 3.73 gears and includes
Positraction, lovingly known as the G80 option in the G-body world.
Power brakes are supplied with the typical disc/drum front/rear set
up.
Undercarriage
About as clean as could be for a 39 year old car, there's the
typical rust on the usual components and some oil on the pan and
flywheel cover. Suspension consists of coil springs up front and a
4 link with coil springs out back. The exhaust off the engine meets
at the cat, then Y-split into two and heads to factory mufflers,
exiting via straight black pipes just under the back of the
car.
Drive-Ability
While ergonomics have come a long way since 1986, there's something
comforting about the boxy interiors of G-bodies and this clean
example brings us right back to that period. The car is sure footed
and tracks straight and for a good sized car, handles well. Whether
short cruises or long rides, we'd feel right at home on this well
running Monte! That is, unless it's hot out because we note the A/C
is not working, so T-tops off for air flow! We also note the wiper
motor runs, but the wipers are not rotating. All other functions on
this well preserved survivor operate as they should. While Classic
Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at the time
of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be
working at the time of your purchase.
G-bodies are hot in the market, and they don't have to have a
turbocharger to attract a crowd. The further we get from the 80's,
the hotter they get. Here's a nicely kept original SS, free of the
Pep Boys mods that were common in the day. No smoked headlight
covers, no mud flaps, no Cragar SST's. Run, don't walk, to the mall
to expreSS your interest today!
1G1GZ37G1GR212171
1-USA
G-General Motors
1-Chevrolet
GZ-Monte Carlo
37-2 Door Notchback Coupe
G-305ci V8 HO 4bbl 180hp
1-Check Digit
G-1986
R-Arlington, TX Assy Plant
212171-Sequential Unit Number