1972 Chevrolet Monte Carlo

Description

Chevy's Monte Carlo has done it all, from the banks of Talladega to the show field. This nicely preserved 1972 Monte Carlo offers period-perfect good looks, a great-running big block, and an impressive documentation package that proves that its 20,883 miles are authentic. Nice, right?

This very straight Monte Carlo looks downright perfect in Cream Yellow paint, which is both an ideal '70s color that fits the Monte's era, and a color that looks sporty today. From almost any angle, it sure looks like original paint, and while there are some touch-ups here and there, it would be a mistake to repaint it. Panel alignment also suggests that this has always been an extremely clean car that needed no major surgery. The first generation Monte Carlo was a huge hit, and the aggressive fender flares, tidy proportions, and what might be the longest hood ever put on a General Motors two-door still look fantastic today. The details like the raised fenders are still crisp, the chrome and trim is in excellent condition (the bumpers might be recent), and all the original badges and markings have been retained. A clean black padded vinyl roof gives it a formal look, with no signs of damage or rust underneath.

Although GM called the Monte Carlo a "personal" luxury car, there's plenty of room inside. The front buckets appear to be original, and if that's the case, you have a good idea of how much someone cared for it. All the buttons on the tufted seats and door panels remain in place and the dash pad shows no cracking or UV damage. The gauge panel was similar to that found in a Chevelle (in fact, Monte Carlo dashes are often used to create fake SS Chevelles) and the gauges are in excellent condition with bright markings and needles. The burled walnut appliques are still bright and the horseshoe shifter is one of our favorites, of course. Other options include factory A/C, cruise control, power windows, and a tilt column, so the original buyer of this car was leaning heavily towards the luxury side of the personal luxury equation. There's also a nicely appointed trunk with its original mat and a full-sized spare that might just be original.

Personal luxury also meant performance, with this Monte Carlo packing a 402 cubic inch V8 topped by a 4-barrel carb. Looking things over, it's not hard to believe this is a clean, low-mileage car and while there's some grime and signs of use, the Chevy Orange paint and original air cleaner give it a very correct look. Recent service work includes new belts and hoses and R134a refrigerant in the A/C system, so go out and have fun. It's a big block car, so the TH400 3-speed automatic was the automatic of choice, and it spins a 12-bolt rear full of easy-cruising gears that give the big coupe great highway manners. Underneath it's clean, with no frame damage and solid floors, as well as a dual exhaust system that sounds great without being intrusive. And there's simply no better rolling stock on one of these cars than a set of Torque Thrusts, with these wearing a newer set of fat Goodyear radials.

Documented with the original Protect-O-Plate, owner's manual, title and ownership documents, maintenance records, and a reproduction window sticker, there's a lot of history behind this car. People keep expecting these to skyrocket in value, so perhaps this is the one that will be the smart investment for the future. Call today!