1988 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS

Description

Heading up the short list of cars from the '80s that are sure to be future collectables, this 1988 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 packs a 400 horsepower small block that more than delivers on its hi-po look.

Black paint is just about perfect for the most formal of muscle cars, and since the Monte Carlo was born as a luxury cruiser, it's certainly appropriate. It appears that this car wears an older repaint paint and as a result presents quite well, especially with the addition of a cowl induction hood. There are a few scratches and swirls here and there, but overall it's very much like you remember and most of the age could be wiped out with a professional cut and buff. 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 were reinstalled when the car was repainted, so it's easy to recognize on the street.

Finding a tan interior in a Monte Carlo SS is rather unusual, but the bright upholstery transforms the car's personality. 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 joined by a set of auxiliary dials under the center stack. This is a full-sized car with an aggressive edge, 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 Sony AM/FM/CD stereo head unit and the aftermarket shifter is a bit improvement over the factory unit. And as a full-sized car, there's a large carpeted trunk out back that is in great condition and includes a pair of fire extinguishers.

Chevrolet's L69 small block V8, displacing 305 cubic inches in the SS, was the lone powerplant, but in this car's case, it was tossed in favor of a built 355 cubic inch small block built by BJR Racing. With 416 horsepower and 455 pounds of torque, it's more than twice as powerful as the original and you'd better believe that changes the way this Monte moves. Topped by a Holly 4-barrel carburetor, Pro Comp intake manifold, and a lot of polished aluminum, it's a very strong runner with plenty of old-school muscle car torque. The engine bay is dressed for show, and there's plenty of evidence that someone has always treated this car as something special. Linked to a stout TH400 3-speed automatic transmission, it's an awesome point-and-shoot machine on the road. The suspension is fairly stock and tuned to be entertaining but you can still feel this car's luxury coupe origins underneath, so it's still comfortable for road trips. The exhaust system is fed by long-tube headers and features mellow mufflers that never sound too aggressive. Factory SS wheels look reminiscent of the IROC-Z alloys and carry 235/60/15 white-letter radials.

Very, fast, 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!