Maybe not the hottest of GM muscle cars, but this 1986 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS has a lot going for it, as well as loads of potential.
The Pick of the Day is a notchback Monte coupe, which the Manitowoc, Wisconsin, dealer advertising the Chevy on ClassicCars.com notes was among the last body-on-frame designs offered by the automaker, and which included the Buick Grand National and the Hurst/Olds 442.
The Monte Carlo SS was more of a cruiser than a stoplight runner, powered by a 305cid V8 that generated just 180 horsepower. But it also offers endless possibilities for high-performance engine transplants by handy hot rodders. Plenty of these have received LS crate engines over the years.
The beauty of this one, though, is that it has survived in remarkably clean condition with just 39,000 on its odometer, according to the ad. So for the right Chevy collector, it would be worthwhile to continue preserving it as a future classic.
“This is a nicely optioned, accident-free car wearing its original Burgundy Metallic paint and 15 x 7-inch aluminum wheels,” the seller says in the ad. “The original SPI label is inside the trunk and shows the correct Arlington, TX plant and Z65 SS codes.”
Plus, the Monte Carlo is “a great driving car,” the seller says.
“The drivetrain consists of the original L69 305 cubic inch 4-barrel HO engine and 200R4 automatic overdrive transmission along with the factory 3.73 rear end,” the ad says. “The car has the F41 suspension which was standard on the SS package. It also has the desirable 16/12.7:1 variable-ratio power steering along with power front disc brakes.
“It all makes for a nice driving experience that anyone can enjoy.”
In the ad, the seller describes the car’s history in some detail:
“This Monte was sold new by Rockenbach Chevrolet on 7-24-86. It was purchased by Ms. Shireman with 12 miles on the odometer. She kept this car for nearly 30 years and put on just 39,000 miles. It was then sold to a collector in 2015 who literally never drove the car. Now it is here.”
The paint and interior are described as being in excellent condition with everything working perfectly, including the AC, all gauges and the optional power features. The original storage bags for the optional T-top roof are included.
This Monte Carlo SS would be an affordable entry into the world of limited-production collector cars, priced at just $16,750.
“There are plenty of cheap G-body cars on the market that have been ridden hard and put away wet. This is not one of them,” the seller concludes. “This car’s low miles, limited ownership and clean history set it apart. When you further consider its originality, condition, and documentation it gets even better.
“All in a nice-riding future collectible that costs half the price of a new car.”
To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.
I have a white one ordered new (loaded) and waited almost 3 months for it to come. My wife drove it mainly and has just 70,000 km on it now (summer toy only) all original/great driver. Still feels like new when I get it out in the spring. These cars are present and future collectors and still undervalued. If you like them, wait and watch for a good one. My son gets this one when we decide to quit driving.
Is this car still available for sale
You need to message the seller, who can be found in the links within the story. But considering the story is from 2018, chances are slim.
Is this vehicle still available ?
Hi Mike. This article is from 2018, and from clicking the link in the article I can see it’s no longer on ClassicCars.com.