1970 Chevrolet Monte Carlo

Description

This 1970 Chevrolet Monte Carlo can probably be credited with re-inventing a whole class of automobile: the personal luxury coupe. Not since the Continental Mark II of the mid-50s was there a purely American luxury coupe that had no 4-door equivalent, and that makes the early Monte something special.

Like many muscular Chevys, it's become fashionable to create clones and tribute cars to vehicles that are otherwise impossible to own. However, this is one very honest Monte, refinished with factory colors and specifications that make it a bit more appealing to the purist. Code 48 is shown on the cowl tag, so it was refinished using correct Forest Green, a popular color in 1970 for obvious reasons. The Monte Carlo's styling was a home-run in every possible way, with excellent long nose/short deck proportions and those wonderful creases that defined the sweeping fender lines like the great cars of the 1930s and '40s. Paint and bodywork are nice, with the finish duplicated in modern paints, so it's durable as well as shiny. If you look hard, you can probably find a few blemishes here and there, but the overall look is pretty darned nice. The lack of a vinyl roof makes this Monte look pretty sleek and as you'll note on the cowl tag, that's how it was ordered new. There's not a lot of chrome, but items like the bumpers, grille, and rocker panel moldings are in good condition, adding a splash of contrast to the flashy Monte Carlo shape.

Even in base form, the handsome interior looked upscale and well-finished, and that's certainly case with this car today. Dark green upholstery matches the bodywork quite well and shows off a great look that combines new and original components almost seamlessly. Nice pleated seats front and rear offer seating for six in a pinch, and the carpets are in such good shape that they simply must be replacements. The instrument panel (which includes a factory tachometer) looks like it could be from a Chevelle SS, which is why so many Monte Carlos are donors for SS clones, but the burled walnut appliques are well-suited to the Monte's upscale mission. It's also nice to see that it hasn't been needlessly "upgraded" over the years and even still carries its factory-issued AM/FM/8-track radio. Other options include a tilt wheel and factory A/C, although the system needs to be serviced. The trunk is in good original condition, too, and features a full-sized spare for backup.

The base engine in the Monte Carlo was a 350 cubic inch V8, but this one received the smooth and torquey 402 cubic inch big block formerly known as the 396. It's pretty original in what appears to be factory-applied Chevy Orange with a big black air cleaner and decals, and someone obviously went through the engine bay and tidied everything up. It starts easily and makes the big coupe feel agile out on the road, not ponderous. It's backed by a TH400 3-speed automatic transmission, which just shrugs off the big block torque, and there are highway gears out back that make this big coupe feel effortless. It's not perfect and shiny underneath, but this is a good, honest car that still uses a muted dual exhaust and rides on a luxury-oriented suspension. Classic Rally wheels make any car look good but they're especially effective on the Monte Carlo and carry 205/75/15 whitewall radials.

The day of the Monte Carlo is coming, and if you want a good one to enjoy while you wait, it's hard to go wrong with this one. Call today!