72Chero
03-07-2008, 12:54 PM
Years 1972-1979
Body Styles 2-door Coupe
Engines 231 V6 (78-79); 305 V8; 350 V8; 454 V8 (72-74);
The Monte Carlo, one of the most popular vehicles of all time and undisputed king of the 70's midsize coupes, first came to life in 1970 and remained relatively unchanged until 1973. That year, the Monte received the first of a series of radical makeovers. This included a longer and wider frame, sweeping lines and bulging fenders, and the "modern" look of the 1970's. It was a midsize (by 1970's standards), attractive, and comfortable "personal luxury coupe" that was virtually unchallenged in its segment until years later when vehicles like the Ford Elite and Chrysler Cordoba were introduced to compete with the Monte Carlo. 1978 saw another change to the Monte Carlo platform, now downsized and equipped with the Buick 231 V6 as the standard engine and 305 V8 as the only other choice.
With Monte Carlos having been produced in overwhelming numbers, it is hard to consider them as being a "collectable" vehicle. On the other hand, the sheer number of different vehicles means there are a great variety of combinations of options and trim packages out there for a Monte fan to find and they usually sell for a very affordable price. The vast majority are powered by the 350 Chevy V8, so getting respectable performance out of these cars couldn't be easier. Some older models had an available 454 big-block and would be the most desirable to find.
Body Styles 2-door Coupe
Engines 231 V6 (78-79); 305 V8; 350 V8; 454 V8 (72-74);
The Monte Carlo, one of the most popular vehicles of all time and undisputed king of the 70's midsize coupes, first came to life in 1970 and remained relatively unchanged until 1973. That year, the Monte received the first of a series of radical makeovers. This included a longer and wider frame, sweeping lines and bulging fenders, and the "modern" look of the 1970's. It was a midsize (by 1970's standards), attractive, and comfortable "personal luxury coupe" that was virtually unchallenged in its segment until years later when vehicles like the Ford Elite and Chrysler Cordoba were introduced to compete with the Monte Carlo. 1978 saw another change to the Monte Carlo platform, now downsized and equipped with the Buick 231 V6 as the standard engine and 305 V8 as the only other choice.
With Monte Carlos having been produced in overwhelming numbers, it is hard to consider them as being a "collectable" vehicle. On the other hand, the sheer number of different vehicles means there are a great variety of combinations of options and trim packages out there for a Monte fan to find and they usually sell for a very affordable price. The vast majority are powered by the 350 Chevy V8, so getting respectable performance out of these cars couldn't be easier. Some older models had an available 454 big-block and would be the most desirable to find.