Named for a city in Monaco, the Monte Carlo (or, translated, “Mount Charles”) model was produced across six generations between 1970 and 2007. It played an important (and diverse) niche as a member of the Chevrolet family, catering to luxury-minded customers as well as playing a prominent role in NASCAR racing over the years.
The Pick of the Day is a first-generation 1972 Chevrolet Monte Carlo listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Costa Mesa, California. (Click the link to view the listing)
“Original rust-free 55,000-mile California car,” the listing states. “Just 3,000 miles since no-expense-spared restoration.”
The Monte Carlo carried the notoriety of being the first personal luxury car from the Chevrolet brand. It went into production in 1969 on the General Motors G-body platform. As an interesting aside, the car was first revealed by John DeLorean who at the time was acting as general manager for the brand. Design and engineering updates took place in the years that followed, and in 1972 the car received a new eggcrate grille, revised marker lamps, and distinct trim. Power steering became standard equipment as well.
From the sounds of things, there is very little equipment on this beautiful black Monte Carlo that remains original to the car’s build over 50 years ago. The drivetrain, suspension, brakes, interior, and wheels have all been upgraded with modern components. Thus, this coupe fits the definition of “resto mod” perfectly.
The heart of this beast is a small-block 350cid V8 with a long list of performance enhancements. Included on the list are a cold air intake, Granatelli spark plug wires, a polished alternator, Flowmaster mufflers, and Doug Thorley mid-length headers. Chassis architecture has been upgraded with a Hotchkiss suspension, upgraded front brakes, fast-ratio steering box, new wheel cylinders, and more. Footwork comes from a set of staggered-width 17-inch American Racing wheels shod in Michelin tires.
The interior came from the factory well-appointed for its time – this was marketed as a luxury car, after all. The dash face features a woodgrain veneer, and other features include a padded dash, air conditioning, a radio, and a trunk-mounted subwoofer. A newer set of Stewart Warner gauges replace the originals but provide a retro original look.
The asking price is $59,000 for this Monte Carlo, which is certain to sound, handle, and accelerate much better than a stock version of the same car.
To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.
Cool car, if the owner would have left it original and not turned it into a parts car…….in another 10 years the only things salvageable will be sheet metal and engine long block because all those “wonderful” upgrades will be obsolete or companies will need out of business.
When did the Monte get to 60k price range? I’d rather get a 69 Camaro at that price.
I’ll take a very nice stock, original one for half that price, thanks.