Vehicle Description
There's only one way to spell full-sized luxury with a Chevy bowtie
on it: Monte Carlo. This particular 1978 Monte Carlo was repainted
just last year so it looks so fresh and so clean, and with a crate
motor, oversized rolling stock, and a clean interior, it's got all
the makings of a future collectable.
Finished in beautiful burgundy paint, which is fairly close to what
it was wearing when it was new, the Monte Carlo has an upscale,
elegant look that works perfectly on the dramatic shape. Modern
paints provide a depth and shine they just couldn't manage back in
the '70s, and while it's not perfect, we haven't seen many that are
better, either. Those sculpted fenders show no signs of accident
damage, and running one's hands down the flanks there's no sign of
previous repairs. They spent a good amount of time buffing the
paint, which has a nice gloss and while it's not perfect, it
certainly is eye-catching. There's no goofy padded roof and while
there's still plenty of chrome, it only accentuates the look rather
than dominating it. Things like the plastic filler panels around
the taillights and below the trunk lid are in good shape, which is
unusual since these parts always fell apart over time. From any
angle, this is a great-looking car with a lot of style.
Although the car was built during the height of the disco era, the
interior is remarkably tasteful and well-executed, and looks
fantastic even today. The vinyl split front bench is comfortable,
which shouldn't be a surprise since it was re-covered just last
year. It also appears that the headliner was dressed up a bit, but
the rest looks to be original. Door panels are excellent, the
original carpets are protected by matching floor mats, and the dash
pad hasn't been baked by the sun. Options include factory A/C,
which has been converted to R134a refrigerant (needs a recharge),
and an AM/FM stereo radio in the center of the dash. The back seat
is original and in excellent shape (some of the photos have
reflections that make it look lumpy, but it is not), and the trunk
offers clean floors and a correct space-saver spare with jack
assembly.
About 20,000 miles ago, the original owner had the dealership
install a crate 350 under the hood, and it's a notable improvement
over the original. By 1977, the big horsepower engines were gone,
but this 350 offers a 4-barrel carburetor, aluminum intake
manifold, and a brand new true dual exhaust system with Flowmaster
mufflers that really wake it up compared to the stocker. A recent
tune-up includes new plugs, wires, distributor cap, rotor, and
other components, so it starts quickly and easily and rumbles along
with a properly authoritative soundtrack. Power brakes and steering
are welcome additions to the heavy luxury cruiser, and a TH350
3-speed automatic transmission shifts unobtrusively because, after
all, this is a luxury car. Floors and undercarriage are extremely
clean with zero issues. Finishing it off is a set of polished
Torque Thrust wheels that glitter against the burgundy paint and
wear fresh performance radials.
Class never goes out of fashion, and this Monte Carlo has always
been a first-class ride. With plenty of upgrades and a gorgeous
look, this car is going to get some attention. Call today!
