1971 Chevrolet Monte Carlo

Description

Remember when you could get a Continental Mark II or a first-generation Buick Riviera for $15K? Those days are long gone, and more than a few experts are predicting that the first-generation Monte Carlo will soon join them. This awesome'71 features a strong-running big block V8, beautiful black paint, and a ton of luxury options that make it the best of '70s luxury/muscle.

Like those two cars I mentioned above, the first generation of any luxury/performance coupe tends to be the one people remember, and the Monte Carlo is no exception. This one looks fantastic in Tuxedo Black, which is the car's original color. It was surely repainted a few years ago, but considering the challenges of keeping a black car clean and straight, it looks fantastic! The sleek, unadorned bodywork is an anomaly for the glitzy '70s and nobody will argue that this isn't a great-looking car. Take one glance at the reflections in the paint on this Monte Carlo and you'll understand how amazing it looks in person. We also like that it wasn't dressed up as a fake SS, so it has the standard-issue grille that's almost delicate in its look, contrasting with the big, heavy chrome bumpers.

With big car comfort, the Monte Carlo was definitely a full-sized luxury machine, although buckets and a console give it a sporty attitude. This one wears fresh seat covers front and rear, as well as a new carpet set and door panels, so it feels almost like 1971 inside. The burled walnut dash is certainly part of the luxury equation, but the round-faced gauges whisper performance, and you already know how much we love the horseshoe shifter. This car has factory power windows and air-conditioning which always adds value, and the system has been upgraded with R134a refrigerant. The radio is an AM/FM unit that uses original knobs to blend in seamlessly with the rest of the car's equipment and the plastic steering wheel feels a little more upscale with a black leather wrap. A single look in the trunk shows spatter paint, a correct mat, and a full-sized spare with cover.

Chevy was still calling the engine a 396, but in truth it's a 402. Whatever the actual number, the nicely detailed big block under the long hood of this Monte Carlo runs exceptionally well, smooth at idle and when you're not running hard, but with a great wallop of torque when you dip into it. From the air cleaner to the valve covers to the oil pan, it's almost completely stock in the engine compartment, but in 1971, stock was still a potent combination. Someone spent a lot of time detailing the engine bay, which shows bright Chevy Orange paint, lots of new hoses and fittings, and reproduction decals throughout. A heavy-duty TH400 3-speed automatic was standard equipment, as was the 12-bolt out back, which carries easy-cruising 2.73 gears. A new exhaust system has just the right tone: muscular but hushed, perfect for the Monte Carlo's mission. Handsome factory SS wheels from a Camaro look great and wear 255/60/15 BFGoodrich radials to complete the performance look.

Documentation includes an original build sheet and manuals, which are always cool to have. Make your move today, because in a few short years, you're going to look back and remember when Monte Carlos were a screaming bargain. Call now!