Vehicle Description
The early Chevrolet Monte Carlos are already on a lot of collectors' wish lists, and models like this 1979 example aren't far behind. Big coupes were big money in the 1970s, and few could compete with the Monte Carlo's combination of style and luxury. Nicely preserved with a few modest upgrades, this is a high-visibility '70s cruiser with a ton of charisma.
OK, first things first: the giant wheels didn't require any modifications to fit, so if they're not your cup of tea they're easy to replace. But take a few moments to look at this Monte Carlo a little more closely and you'll probably find that they work rather well, adding some flash to an otherwise subtle package. The inky black paint was sprayed not too long ago and looks appropriate on the car and looks far, far better than most of the other choices you got in the late 1970s. The modern urethane has a great shine and they added painted-on red pinstripes, which let the sweeping fenders and sleek roofline speak for themselves. And speaking of the roof, unlike most of its siblings, this one doesn't have a padded vinyl top, so it looks clean, sharp, and up-to-date. Heavy chrome bumpers are also original and in good shape, indicative of a car that's lived someplace warm, and the plastic bumper extensions are not cracked, which is a real rarity. It's not perfect, but it's pretty darned nice.
Vinyl upholstery was standard equipment in 1979, and the two wide bench seats make this a legitimate 6-passenger car. It may seem anachronistic to us today, but back in the '70s, this was a personal-sized car, not a big one. But all that space feels downright luxurious today with plenty of stretch-out room front and rear and combined with the plush ride and significant amounts of sound-deadening materials, it has that incomparable 1970s luxury car feel behind the wheel. The upholstery is in fair condition with some splits and tears on the driver's side that should probably be addressed. However, the door panels are pretty nice, as are the carpets, and they are almost certainly original. The sporty-looking instrument panel is framed by a cool two-tone leather steering wheel and the car is optioned up with cold factory A/C, power windows and locks, a tilt wheel, and a newer AM/FM/CD/iPod stereo. The trunk is in good order with a big speaker enclosure, custom amplifier rack, and black carpet to give it a tidy look.
A 305 cubic inch Chevy small block V8 means that this Monte Carlo is an effortless cruiser with loads of potential. It's quite stock under the hood save for the air cleaner, again indicative of a car that has been well-maintained all its life. The only work of note is a recent replacement of the valve seals, but that means it's 100% ready to go. The condition of the underhood components suggests regular care and there's no evidence of time spent in inclement weather. It starts easily and settles into a smooth idle, and with a rumbling dual exhaust system, it's got the right attitude to go with the look. The TH200 3-speed automatic transmission spins a 10-bolt rear with towering gears, which combine with those tall tires to make this a superlative road trip car. Those wheels are 18-inch American Racing alloys that fit right and tuck under the fenders without rubbing and carry low-profile 255/45/18 radials all around.
A nice car that's quite well preserved and not nearly as radical as it appears at first glance. If you like the razor-edged Monte Carlos, you won't find many this well preserved. Call today!
