1986 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS

Description

Heading up the short list of cars from the '80s that are sure to be future collectables, this 1986 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS coupe makes a compelling argument. The most sporting version of an all-time favorite, it has a classic performance look and style that remains quite appealing, even today.

White might be the best of the SS colors, giving the big coupe a lot of presence and remaining timeless rather than dated like teal or burgundy. With just one comprehensive repaint, this vehicle maintains the stock look these Monte's are best suited in. There are a few scratches and swirls here and there, but overall it's quite impressive for a car fast approaching its 30th birthday. The sporty urethane chin spoiler and unique nose give the SS its NASCAR-inspired attitude and a subtle deck lid spoiler reinforces that this was a grown-up hot rod, not a boy racer. There's no chrome left on the SS, with its body-colored bumpers and blacked-out trim, all of which remains in good condition overall. The special SS decals are particularly nice on this car, showing no fading or peeling, indicative of careful preservation over the past few decades.

You could have any interior you wanted in your Monte Carlos SS as long as it was burgundy cloth buckets. There's minimal wear, even in the high-traffic areas like the driver's out seat bolster and the carpets are protected by a set of matching floor mats. A center console and 2-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel help with the sporty feel and the round gauges in a wrap-around panel are a nice touch. Options include factory A/C, power windows, cruise control, and a tilt steering column, so this is a lot more car for your money than a garden-variety Camaro and there's room for five adults inside, which is always nice. The factory Delco stereo is gone, replaced by a newer AM/FM/CD stereo head unit that sounds great and was professionally fitted to the dash so it looks clean and tidy. And as a full-sized car, there's a rather large trunk out back that is in good condition and obviously has nothing to hide.

Chevrolet's small block V8, displacing 305 cubic inches in the SS, was the lone powerplant. Topped by a 4-barrel carburetor, it's a strong runner with plenty of old-school muscle car torque and despite being the most modified engine in history, this one remains bone stock right down to the factory air cleaner. The engine bay is well-maintained but not detailed, but that would be easy to remedy with a Saturday afternoon's worth of work and you can't argue with the way this SS goes about its business. Linked to a 200-4R 4-speed automatic overdrive transmission, it's a fantastic highway cruiser and pulls down acceptable fuel economy, at least for a big V8. The suspension is tuned to be entertaining but you can still feel this car's luxury coupe origins underneath, so it's great for road trips and the custom dual exhaust system has a pleasant sound that's never annoying. Factory SS wheels look reminiscent of the IROC-Z alloys and carry 215/65/15 white letter radials.

Very affordable and very fun, this is one of those cars that will always be worth about what you've got in it, making it easy to enjoy a cool piece of '80s muscle without breaking the bank. Call today!