1980 Chevrolet Monte Carlo

Description

This 1980 Chevrolet Monte Carlo can be called a lot of things. With just 12,026 original miles, it's a very impressive survivor in excellent condition. On the other hand, there's a fresh ZZ4 crate motor under the hood, a full Hotchkiss suspension underneath, and a 4-speed gearbox, making it one heck of a sleeper, too. So whatever you want to call it, this is by far the most impressive and well-documented third-generation Monte Carlo we've ever seen.

The Monte Carlo's dramatic styling and sweeping fenders have aged well, and these cars are on the border of being legitimate collectables. It's quite rare to find one so well preserved and unmodified to the naked eye, and the original paint shows off years of easy living and careful maintenance. The low-key color is probably ideal for a car like this and while it shows a few small nicks here and there, the overall presentation is extremely impressive. Fit and finish are exactly as the factory did it three decades ago, the white pinstripes are crisp, and even vulnerable pieces like the urethane bumpers are in excellent condition, seemingly impervious to time. There's no vinyl roof, which by itself is rather rare, and the stand-up hood ornament makes a great statement, particularly on a car with this much performance potential. Chrome, glass, and plastic lenses are all in excellent condition.

The interior is even more impressive than the exterior, and not just because of its amazing preservation. Yes, the original upholstery remains almost unmarked and there's no question that this is a low-mile original car. Carpets, door panels, and even the dash pad are like new and the headliner hasn't started to sag like so many GM cars of the period. Most remarkable, however, is the 4-speed manual transmission that has been installed in a very OEM way, including a mini console around the shifter. The steering column has lost its automatic shifter lever and the instrument panel now has a tach, all done with OEM components for a totally factory look. Heck, even the original AM/FM stereo is still in the burled walnut dash. The A/C has been upgraded to R134a refrigerant and there are fresh blue GM floor mats to protect the carpets. In the trunk you'll find the original space-saver spare, jack assembly, and mat, all looking very much like they did when the car was new.

Considering that the wheezing V8s found in these cars in 1980 were only rated at 155 horsepower, the 355 horsepower ZZ4 crate motor is a big improvement. It's a direct fit thanks to the wonders of the small block Chevy V8, and all the original accessories bolted right back on, so everything works with factory-engineered reliability. Aside from the open-element air cleaner, it looks quite stock, although the 4-barrel carburetor and dual exhaust say otherwise. The 4-speed works like it was born there and the original rear end has been filled with 3.73 gears on an Auburn limited slip, so acceleration is potent at just about any speed. Hotchkiss sway bars, lower control arms, and bushings give it moves that no luxury car from 1980 ever managed, and wheels from a 1985 Monte Carlo wear BFG redline radials for a classic muscle car touch.

This is a really cool car, but I suppose you've already figured that out. Loaded with docs including the original invoice, warranty card, title history, resto receipts & owners manual, this is a ton of performance in a low-profile package that's totally ready to rock. Call today!