"Buick's turbocharged V6 powered Regal Grand National was the
quickest muscle car of the 1980's and still grabs all the
attention, but Chevrolet'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 hardtop with a
title verified 21,799 actual miles. If you're in the market for a
low mileage G-body SS, that's enough info to make this one worthy.
Add the fantastic repaint done in 2024 and you've got yourself a
winning candidate.
Exterior
The two stage repaint freshens the Dark Red Metallic paint and
crisp accent stripes that ride over the wheel openings in two
shades of red and orange. Big decals were still in vogue for
Chevrolet and it clearly spelled out Monte Carlo SS on the doors
and decklid and our triple stripe also runs the length of the
spoiler. The eggcrate grille is framed by pinstripes and the dual
headlights sit recessed in a black bezel giving off a slightly
aggressive scowl punctuated by the aerodynamic lower valance
housing the marker lights and chin spoiler. A slightly curved
shoulder line under the B-pillar and slanted quarter window help
differentiate this car from its Buick cousin and the rear fascia
leans forward with distinct Monte tail lights that ride the outside
edges. 15-inch wheels are also exclusive to the Monte SS and help
enhance the muscular profile of the car, wrapped in 215/65R15's.
Here's a paint job that was done right and shows very few flaws; a
few inclusions, light scuffs, and a spider flex crack are the only
imperfections we find.
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 70/30 split bench which looks fantastic, matched by the
rear bench which looks nearly pristine. The red trim on the black
dash pops visually and picks up on the bright red needles on the
six gauges ahead, all complemented 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. With the bench seat option, you get a column shift so the
floor is open and covered by low pile plush maroon carpet. This is
a solid roof car and the foam backed headliner above is in
excellent shape with no thumb depressions and the trunk is
immaculate with a fitted black flannel mat and holding a space
saver spare with coveted cardboard cover in the dedicated cove
typical of G-bodies.
Drivetrain
Under the hood we find a very clean 305ci HO V8 rated at 180
horsepower and fueled by a 4-barrel carburetor. The numbers
matching 200R4 4-speed automatic transmission is behind it and
sends power, muscle car style, to the 10 bolt rear axle 3.73
gears.
Undercarriage
About as clean and stock as could be for a 40 year old car where
there's some typical surface rust on the usual components.
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. Power brakes
are supplied with the typical disc/drum front/rear set up.
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. All
other functions on this low mileage example 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, one that
represents the "breed" very well; so well, we're tempted to call
this museum quality, but rather see it at car shows and special
events! That, dear buyer, is up to you!
1G1GZ37G9GR181364
1-USA
G-General Motors
1-Chevrolet
GZ-Monte Carlo
37-2 Door Notchback Coupe
G-305ci V8 HO 4bbl 180hp
9-Check Digit
G-1986
R-Arlington, TX Assy Plant
181364-Sequential Unit Number
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and
collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate
controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8
acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic
and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the
I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit
www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us
anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.
There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee
is not included in the advertised price. All prices are before
state, city and county tax, tag, title and license fees. Out of
state buyers are responsible for all state, county, city taxes and
fees, as well as title/registration fees in the state that the
vehicle will be registered. Classic Auto Mall is not responsible
for errors and omissions. Please verify listings with dealer.
Vehicles may require VIN verification and/or safety and emissions
inspections to transfer ownership and register the vehicle in the
declared state of residence. Please check with your local DMV
office to ensure compliance with your states titling and
registration process.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and
we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host
Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends
in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and
automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune
in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy
listening. You can also watch on YouTube!
ClassicCars.com has been recognized as one of the fastest-growing private companies in the United States, successfully making the Inc. 5000 list in both 2015,
2016, 2017 and 2018. This prestigious accolade represents the continued growth of the company, and ClassicCars.com's dominance as the world's largest online marketplace for
buying and selling classic and collector vehicles.
The Stevie Awards, the world's premier business awards recognized
ClassicCars.com's first-class Customer Support team with a Stevie Bronze Award in 2019, celebrating the team's skills as exemplary customer support specialists.
In 2016 The Journal, brought to you by ClassicCars.com, was celebrated as the SECOND MOST INFLUENTIAL automotive blog in the world by NFC Performance.