Automotive engineers rack their brains for ways to make getting into and out of a vehicle as painless and easy as possible. In the modern era, we frequently see such features asautomatic retracting running boards and electronic upward-tilting steering wheels.
But the innovation around ingress and egress has been going on for a long time; consider the swing-away steering wheel on the 1964 Ford Thunderbird, as shown here in a Pick of the Day from last August.
Here’s another solution that worked to solve the same problem: swiveling bucket seats. From 1973 through 1977, select General Motors models had front bucket seats that could swivel 90 degrees to allow for ease of entry and exit.
The Pick of the Day is a 1973 Chevrolet Monte Carlo equipped with that very feature, listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a dealer in Maple Lake, Minnesota.
“Very rare and desirable swivel bucket seats and even with factory center floor console and automatic shifter,” the listing states. The dealer asserts that the vehicle was owned by a “fussy elderly gentleman,” and the pictures appear to support that, with glossy finishes throughout in a striking copper color.
The Monte Carlo launched on the General Motors’ A-body platform in 1970 as a personal luxury car, offered exclusively as a two-door coupe. A redesign in 1973 brought about an eggcrate grille, a new pillared roofline with rear side opera windows, and frameless door glass. That year also brought the launch of those seats – referred to as Strato Bucket seats.
GM didn’t pioneer the swivel idea; in fact, it had been out since the 1950s on some high-end Chrysler cars. And it’s since come and gone from other models in recent years, such as conversion vans and even some late-model Chrysler minivans.
Here’s a link to a commercial demonstrating the swivel seat functionality on an Oldsmobile Cutlass.
The dealer states that this Monte Carlo is outfitted in Landau trim, which according to most online sources indicates it originally would have come with a half-vinyl roof. This car has a contemporary painted roof, so that question remains unanswered, but the condition of the car speaks to its preservation regardless. Option packaging is extensive, with air conditioning, woodgrain trim, power steering and power disc brakes among the boxes checked.
“She drives sweet and sounds and shifts just right,” the seller notes. “Turn-key and drives anywhere with confidence. Always garaged, maintained, and pampered. Enjoy and show off everywhere you go. Show me another investment that is this fun.”
The dealer is asking $21,950 for this nicely-optioned Monte.
To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.
Asking price is too much. Cars like this & in this condition bring about 12K.
I agree 13k max
how many miles?
Low miles would justify asking price- engine bay appearance supports low miles but gotta call it out if they want the dinero!
Click on the line in the last sentence to read the description and the mileage is noted in there.
Like to discuss the 73 Monte Carlo – what is the location
Read the last sentence to get the info.
Did this 2nd generation Monte sell or still available?
How much? Mileage accidents , rust, was it driven on salt treated winter roads or near the surf of a saltwater beach I had this car in blue 1973 -78 and traded it due to rust.