Monte Carlo Cars

Third Generation 1978 Chevrolet Monte Carlo Cars

2011-02-14T04:31:00.000-08:00

Monte Carlo Cars

Third Generation 1978 Chevrolet Monte Carlo Cars

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Monte Carlo Cars

Third Generation 1978 Chevrolet Monte Carlo Cars

All GM intermediate-sized cars including the Monte Carlo Cars were downsized for the 1978 model year in response to the 1973 Arab Oil Embargo and CAFE requirements. The 1978 model was 700-800 lb lighter and some 15 in shorter than the 1977 Models. The Monte Carlo 1978 Models also had more interior and trunk space than the earlier 1977 model. The engines offered in previous years were dropped in favor of a standard 231 CID V6 built by Buick or an optional Chevrolet 305 CID V8. The three-speed manual transmission reappeared for the first time in several years as standard equipment on the base model with the V6 engine, and the automatic was optional. The optional V8 and all Landau models came standard with the automatic. A four-speed manual transmission with floor shifter was optional with the 305 V8, the first time a four-speed manual was offered on the Monte Carlo since 1971.

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Related : Chevrolet Monte Carlo

Related : Third Generation 1978 Chevrolet Monte Carlo Cars From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, Monte Carlo Cars

The Second generation 1977 Parts 1

2010-12-05T21:33:00.000-08:00

Chevrolet Monte Carlo

The Second generation 1977 Parts 1

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A revised grille with the Monte Carlo "Knight's Crest" emblem moved to a stand-up hood ornament and revised taillight lenses marked the 1977 Monte Carlo, which was the last year for the 1973-vintage design before the introduction of a downsized 1978 Monte Carlo. Engine offerings were reduced to two engines for 1977. The base engine for 49 states was the 140 hp (100 kW) 305 CID 2-barrel V8 and the 170 hp (130 kW) 350 4-barrel V8 was optional (standard in California). The 400 cubic inch V8 was dropped as an engine option. The Turbo Hydra-matic transmission was included standard equipment.

Interior trim received only minor revisions this year with upholstery choices including cloth, velour and vinyl in both base and Custom trims.

This model year marks the only time in history when an intermediate model was larger in every dimension than a full-sized model, as the B-body Chevrolet Caprice/Impala had already been redesigned and downsized for 1977.

Related : Chevrolet Monte Carlo Cars ~ Models The Second generation 1974 Parts 1
Related : Chevrolet Monte Carlo Cars ~ Models The Second generation 1974 Parts 2

Chevrolet Monte Carlo Cars Models The Second generation 1976 Parts 1

2010-11-28T06:59:00.000-08:00

Chevrolet Monte Carlo Cars Models The Second generation 1976 Parts 1

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Chevrolet Monte Carlo Cars

Chevrolet Monte Carlo Cars Parts 1

A new crosshatch grille and vertically mounted rectangular headlamps, along with reshaped taillights identified the 1976 Monte Carlo (the reshaped taillight pattern was later incorporated into the fourth generation Monte Carlo). Under the hood, a new 140 hp (104 kW) 305 CID 2-barrel V8 became the standard engine with the 145 hp (108 kW) 350 2-barrel V8 and 175 hp (130 kW) 400 CID V8 both optional. California cars got a 165 hp (123 kW) 350 4-barrel as the base engine (not available in 49 states), and could be equipped with the 400 4-barrel V8. The big-block 454 CID V8 was discontinued from the option list this year. The Turbo Hydramatic transmission became standard equipment on all 1976 Monte Carlos.

Interior trims remained the same as 1975 with both base and Custom levels, but the instrument panel and steering wheel featured a new rosewood trim replacing the burled elm of previous years. A new option was a two-toned "Fashion Tone" paint combination.

Monte Carlo sales hit an all-time record with production of 353,272 units this year. 191,370 "S" Coupes were made. 161,902 Landau Coupes ($293 more)

Chevrolet Monte Carlo Cars Models The Second generation 1974 Parts 1
Chevrolet Monte Carlo Cars Models The Second generation 1974 Parts 2

Chevrolet Monte Carlo Cars Models The Second generation 1975 The End Parts

2010-11-23T15:05:00.000-08:00

Chevrolet Monte Carlo Cars Models The Second generation 1975 The End Parts

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Chevrolet Monte Carlo Cars

Chevrolet Monte Carlo Cars Parts 1

New for 1975 was a Custom interior option that included a plusher cloth 50/50 bench seat with recliner on passenger side and lower door panel carpeting. The standard interior still consisted of a bench seat with knit-cloth and vinyl or all-vinyl upholstery. The swiveling Strato bucket seats plus console and floor shifter were still optional with knit cloth or vinyl upholstery. Also, white all-vinyl interiors were available for the first time this year with either bench or bucket seats with contrasting colors for carpeting and instrument panels including black, red, blue and green.

Sales dropped off a bit from 1974's record-setting pace due to higher prices resulting from the addition of the catalytic converter, double-digit inflation and new competition from Chrysler's Cordoba and Dodge's Charger SE. Monte Carlo Cars production ended up at around 250,000 units but would rebound to set a new record in 1976.

A 1975 was featured that year in a Chevrolet TV ad with the patriotic theme of America's favorites including "Baseball, Hot Dogs, Apple Pie and Chevrolet".

Chevrolet Monte Carlo Cars Models The Second generation 1974 Parts 1
Chevrolet Monte Carlo Cars Models The Second generation 1975 Parts 1

Chevrolet Monte Carlo Cars Models The Second generation 1975 Parts 1

2010-11-15T00:31:00.000-08:00

Chevrolet Monte Carlo Cars Models The Second generation 1975 Parts 1

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Chevrolet Monte Carlo Cars

Monte Carlo Cars Parts 1

The 1975 Monte Carlo Cars received only minor styling changes from the 1974 model, including a new grille with the Chevrolet Monte Carlo Cars emblem moved to the center section and new vertically shaped taillights with horizontal louvers.

Chevrolet Monte Carlo Cars models received catalytic converters to meet the latest federal and California emission requirements that included bonuses such as improved fuel economy and drivability, along with longer spark plug and muffler life, but required more expensive and lower-octane unleaded gasoline.

Engines were carryover from 1974 except for the addition of GM's High Energy electronic ignition being made standard equipment. However, power ratings for all engines were decreased due to the addition of the catalytic converter. The 454 CID V8 no longer offered on California Chevrolet Monte Carlo Cars, leaving the 400 CID four-barrel the top engine in the Golden State. The base 350 CID two-barrel was rated at 145 hp (108 kW) (standard in 49 states), the 350 CID 4-barrel was rated at 155 hp (116 kW) (available only in California), the 400 CID 4-barrel 175 hp (130 kW), and the 454 CID 4-barrel 215 hp (160 kW) (now equipped with single exhaust). A three-speed manual transmission was standard equipment with the base 350 CID V8 used in 49 states and California-only 350 four-barrel V8. The Turbo Hydra-Matic optional and a required option for the 400 and 454 V8s. Chevrolet Monte Carlo Cars sources, however, report that virtually all 1975 Chevrolet Monte Carlo Cars were equipped with the Turbo Hydra-Matic transmission, which became standard equipment for 1976.

Chevrolet Monte Carlo Cars Models The Second generation 1974 Parts 1
Chevrolet Monte Carlo Cars Models The Second generation 1974 Parts 2

Used Chevrolet Monte Carlo Cars Models The Second generation 1974 Parts 2

2010-11-10T17:20:00.000-08:00

Used Chevrolet Monte Carlo Cars Models The Second generation 1974 Parts 2

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Chevrolet Monte Carlo Cars

Chevrolet Monte Carlo Cars 1974

Chevrolet Monte Carlo Cars Parts 2

The Chevrolet Monte Carlo Cars standard 350 CID Turbo-Fire V8 was again rated at 145 hp (108 kW) with two-barrel carburetor in 49 states. For Californians, the standard engine was a 350 Turbo-Fire V8 with a four-barrel carburetor rated at 160 hp (120 kW) that was not offered in the other 49 states. Reappearing on the Monte Carlo Cars option list for the first time since 1970 was a 400 CID Turbo-Fire small block V8 rated at 150 hp (110 kW) with a two-barrel carburetor (not offered in California) or 180 hp (134 kW) with a four-barrel carburetor. The top engine was again the 454 CID Turbo-Jet big block V8 rated at 235 hp (183 kW).

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Chevrolet Monte Carlo Cars

Despite the Arab Oil Embargo of late 1973 and early 1974 that greatly cut into sales of standard and intermediate-sized cars in favor of smaller compacts and imported subcompacts, the Monte Carlo Cars went the other way on the sales charts by setting a new sales record this year of over 300,000 units despite the long lines at gas stations and record-high gasoline prices. The Chevrolet Monte Carlo Cars continued to lead in intermediate personal luxury car sales with the Grand Prix placing second and the arrival of new competitors this year, including an upsized Mercury Cougar, Ford Torino Elite and AMC's Matador coupe. Chrysler would introduce its entries in this field for 1975 including the Chrysler Cordoba and redesigned Dodge Charger.

Chevrolet Monte Carlo Cars The Second generation 1974 Parts 1

2010-10-22T02:40:00.001-07:00

Monte Carlo Cars The Second generation 1974 Parts 1

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1974

The 1974 Monte Carlo received only minor detail changes from its 1973 predecessor, most notably a revised grille in the front and taller and slimmer vertical taillights in the rear, along with a relocated license plate and larger 5 mph (8.0 km/h) rear bumper.

The base Monte Carlo with manual transmission, standard suspension and bias-ply tires was discontinued, leaving only the "S" and "Landau" models equipped with radial-ply tires and upgraded suspensions along with standard power steering and front disc brakes.

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A three-speed manual transmission was listed as standard equipment on 1974 "S" and "Landau" models equipped with the standard 350 CID V8, and an automatic transmission was a required option with the larger 400 and 454 CID V8s. However, a number of sources indicate that Chevrolet built virtually all 1974 Monte Carlos with the Turbo Hydra-Matic transmission.

Monte Carlo Cars The First generation 1971
Monte Carlo Cars The First generation 1972 Part 1
Monte Carlo Cars The Second generation 1973 Part 1

Monte Carlo Cars The Fourth generation 1981 Parts 1

2010-09-16T10:45:00.000-07:00

Monte Carlo Cars The Fourth generation 1981 Parts 1

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1981

The body was restyled with the other GM mid-size formal coupes (Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme, Pontiac Grand Prix, Buick Regal). It featured a smoother profile than the previous models and new vertical taillights similar to the 1970-1977 models. Engine offerings were carried over, including the standard 229 CID Chevrolet V6 (231 CID Buick V6 in California) an optional 267 CID V8 (not available in California), a 305 CID V8 in the base and Landau models, and a turbocharged 170 hp (130 kW) 231 CID Buick V6 in the Monte Carlo Turbo. There were a total of 3,027 Monte Carlo Turbos for 1981. This would make the Monte Carlo Turbo one of the rarest Monte Carlo's built, even rarer than the 1987 Monte Carlo SS Aerocoupe. The Monte Carlo Turbo appeared slightly different than other Monte Carlos that year because in addition to the turbo motor it also was equipped with a small hood scoop on the left side of the hood. It also had Turbo 3.8 badges with Chevrolet bowtie on the sides of the hood scoop, on the trunk lid, and on the right side of the dash. An automatic transmission, power steering and power front disc brakes were standard equipment. While this car was considered by some to be much better looking (and appeared more aerodynamic) than its Buick Regal, Pontiac Grand Prix, and Olds Cutlass cousins, only one team tried to make a go of it in NASCAR cup racing. While the big Monte Carlo was the dominant body style in the late 1970s, winning 30 or so races, the downsized (and cleaned-up) 1981 body would only take three checked flags in the 1981 and 1982 seasons when it was run.

Monte Carlo Cars The Second generation 1973 The End Part

2010-07-04T00:20:00.000-07:00

Monte Carlo Cars The Second generation 1973 The End Part

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The standard engine was a 145 (net) hp (108 kW) 350 CID (5.7 L) Turbo-Fire V8. Optional engines included a 175 (net) hp (30 kW) 350 CID V8 with a four-barrel carburetor and a four-barrel carbureted 454 CID Turbo-Jet V8 rated at 245 (net) hp (183 kW).

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The 1973 Monte Carlo Cars was named Motor Trend's "Car of the Year", due to its new styling and emphasis on Euro-style ride and handling. The 1973 Monte Carlo Cars set a new sales record for Chevrolet, with nearly 250,000 sold for the model year.

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The success of the Monte Carlo Cars and Pontiac's similar Grand Prix led to several new personal luxury cars from competitors, including subsequent Mercury Cougar, the Ford Torino Elite, the Chrysler Cordoba and restyled Dodge Charger, and even high-line versions of the AMC Matador, which got a swoopy new coupe design for 1974.

Monte Carlo Cars The Second generation 1973 Part 3

2010-06-29T00:14:00.000-07:00

Monte Carlo Cars The Second generation 1973 Part 3

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The interior of the 1973 Monte Carlo Cars featured an all-new, wraparound cockpit-style instrument panel, similar to that found in some contemporary Pontiacs, Oldsmobiles and Buicks, in which gauges and various instruments were centered within easy reach of the driver. The simulated burl elm trim was retained. A split bench seat was standard, but "Strato Bucket" seats of a new design were optional, along with a floor console featuring an equally-new shifter with knob and button similar to Pontiac's Rally Sports Shifter replacing the Buick-like horseshoe shifter of previous years, and storage compartment. The bucket seats were of a one-piece high-back design with built-in headrests, and could swivel some 90 degrees to permit the driver and front passenger easier entry and exit. Cloth and vinyl trims were offered with both the bench and bucket seats.

Monte Carlo Cars The Second generation 1973 Part 2

2010-06-24T00:05:00.000-07:00

Monte Carlo Cars The Second generation 1973 Part 2

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The separate body-on-frame construction carried over for 1973, as was the basic all-coil suspension.

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For improved ride and handling, the 1973 Monte Carlo Cars featured a number of innovations (for a large American car) such as standard radial-ply tires, Pliacell shock absorbers, high-caster steering, and front and rear anti-roll bars (previously offered only with the SS package). The standard Monte Carlo Cars with manual transmission, retained "traditional" steering and bias-ply tires, but the radial-tuned system was included when the automatic transmission was ordered, earning the Monte Carlo S label.

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A new model for 1973 was the Monte Carlo Landau, which was basically an "S" with a rear quarter Landau vinyl roof, Turbine II wheels and driver and passenger-side sport mirrors.

Monte Carlo Cars The Second generation 1973 Part 1

2010-06-19T22:39:00.000-07:00

Monte Carlo Cars The Second generation 1973 Part 1

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A redesigned Monte Carlo Cars was introduced alongside other GM intermediates. Like other GM mid-size cars, the 1973 Monte Carlo Cars was no longer a hardtop, but a pillared coupe with rear side opera windows and frameless door glass. Prominent styling features included dual headlights flanking an egg-crate grille with a Monte Carlo Cars emblem in front and vertical taillights above the bumper. The front bumper was a large federally mandated 5 mph (8 km/h) bumper that was among the required 1973 federal safety standards for all passenger cars sold in the U.S. with the 5 mph (8 km/h) requirement extended to rear bumpers on 1974 models. Also new was a double-shell roof for improved noise reduction and rollover protection along with the flush-mounted pull-up exterior door handles first introduced on the 1970 1/2 Camaro and 1971 full-sized Chevrolets and Vegas.

Monte Carlo Cars The First generation 1972 The End Part

2010-06-14T14:25:00.000-07:00

Monte Carlo Cars The First generation 1972 The End Part

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Interior trim was relatively unchanged from 1971 other than the availability of all-vinyl upholstery with the standard bench seat in addition to the optional Strato bucket seats. Cloth interiors were also offered with both bench and bucket seats.

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Monte Carlo Cars was a very popular seller during the 1972 model year as production increased significantly to 180,819 to set a new record in the final year for the first-generation G-body. Monte Carlo and other Chevrolet models were promoted as part of a new ad campaign in which Chevys in print and broadcast ads were featured at various tourist attractions and sites around the United States under the tagline "Chevrolet: Building a Better Way To See The USA."

Monte Carlo Cars The First generation 1972 Part 2

2010-06-09T14:17:00.000-07:00

Monte Carlo Cars The First generation 1972 Part 2

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In California, which had emissions standards more stringent than federal law, the 4-barrel carbureted 350 was the standard and only available engine. Also, the only transmission offered in California was the Turbo Hydramatic.

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For 1972, the four-speed manual transmission was discontinued from the option list as a line in the Monte Carlo Cars brochure describing its market position as a personal luxury car stated "Sorry, no four-on-the-floor." The standard three-speed manual and optional two-speed Powerglide automatic transmissions were offered only with the base 350 CID two-barrel engine, with the three-speed Turbo Hydramatic also available with this engine and a mandatory option with each of the optional engines.

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Mechanically, the most significant change was that variable-ratio power steering became standard equipment for the first time.

Monte Carlo Cars The First generation 1972 Part 1

2010-06-04T13:50:00.000-07:00

Monte Carlo Cars The First generation 1972 Part 1

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A Cadillac-like egg-crate grille similar to the 1971 Chevrolet Caprice and a metal rear trim molding highlighted the changes to the 1972 Monte Carlo Cars, the final year for the first generation design. The SS was dropped, but a new Monte Carlo Custom option appeared as a one-year only, offering that included a special suspension and other items previously included with the SS option. Unlike the departed SS package, it was available with any engine on the roster.

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The engines were largely unchanged, but an industry-wide switch to SAE net hp numbers led to a reduction in the rated power of all Chevrolet engines. Chevrolet did not list gross horsepower figures for 1972. Compared to 1971 figures, only the 402 and 454 had a decrease in power. The new ratings for the Monte Carlo were.

350 CID (5.7L), two-barrel: 165 hp
350 CID (5.7L), four-barrel: 175 hp
402 CID (6.6L), four-barrel: 240 hp
454 CID (7.4L), four-barrel: 270 hp

Monte Carlo Cars The First generation 1971 The End Part

2010-05-30T13:42:00.000-07:00

Monte Carlo Cars The First generation 1971 The End Part

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Like its 1970 predecessor, production of the 1971 Monte Carlo Cars also got off to a slow start due to a labor strike, this time a 67-day corporate-wide walkout that coincided with the introduction of the 1971 models in September, 1970, leaving dealerships with only a small shipment of 1971 models (built before the strike) in stock until the strike was settled in mid-November, 1970 and then slow-going in reaching normal production levels until around January 1, 1971. Model-year production ended at 128,600 including the 1,919 SS models.

Monte Carlo Cars The First generation 1971 Part 2

2010-05-25T13:35:00.000-07:00

Monte Carlo Cars The First generation 1971 Part 2

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The SS 454 package would be discontinued after this year following production of only 1,919 units, but the 454 CID V8 engine would remain optional in Monte Carlos through 1975. The reason given for discontinuing the SS was that the Monte Carlo was marketed as a luxury vehicle instead of a muscle car. The SS nameplate would be resurrected 12 years later. Yet, at the same time that the Monte Carlo SS was judged a failure in the marketplace and discontinued, the Monte's reputation as a performance car on the race track was gaining strength because Ford and Chrysler were ending their factory-backed racing support due to declining muscle car sales and the need to divert dollars to meet costly Federal safety and emission regulations (General Motors' official policy had prohibited factory racing efforts since 1963). As factory support ended at Ford and Chrysler, the stock-car racing mantle switched to independent teams and sponsors, who overwhelmingly chose Chevrolets over Ford and Chrysler products due to Chevy's much greater availability and affordability of over-the-counter racing parts through the Chevy dealer network. And the Monte Carlo was considered the best suited Chevrolet model for stock car racing by most NASCAR teams due to its 116-inch (2,946 mm) wheelbase (only one inch above NASCAR's minimum requirements at that time, the Chevelle 2-doors had a shorter 112 inch wheelbase) and long-hood design which placed the engine further back in the chassis than most other vehicles for better weight traction. Thus the Monte Carlo became Chevy's standard-bearer for NASCAR from 1971 to 1989.

Monte Carlo Cars The First Generation 1971 Part 1

2010-05-20T08:05:00.000-07:00

Monte Carlo Cars The First generation 1971

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The 1971 model year saw only modest styling changes. Inside, the SS model got new "European symbol knobs", and a four-spoke steering wheel became optional. 1971 Monte Carlo also saw the addition of a stand-up hood ornament. Mechanically, it was largely unchanged, although the small-block Turbo-Fire 400 two-barrel engine was dropped. Other engines had compression ratios lowered to allow the use of regular leaded, low-lead, or unleaded gasoline, per a GM corporate edict. Engine ratings fell to 245 hp (183 kW) for the base Turbo-Fire 350 CID (5.7 L) two-barrel, 270 hp (201 kW) for the Turbo-Fire 350-4V, and 300 hp (224 kW) for the Turbo-Jet 400. The SS 454 engine was actually raised to a nominal 365 gross hp (272 kW) despite the reduction in compression ratio. This increase in horsepower was a result of the 454 engine using the more aggressive camshaft from the 390 hp 454 used in the 1970 Chevrolet Corvette and full-sized sedans.

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Chevrolet listed both gross and SAE net horsepower figures in 1971 with the impending change to SAE net ratings in 1972. The ratings compared as follows:

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Engine	Carburetor	Gross HP	Net HP
Turbo-Fire 350 CID V8	2-bbl	245 hp	165 hp
Turbo-Fire 350 CID V8	4-bbl	270 hp	175 hp
Turbo-Jet 400 CID V8	4-bbl	300 hp	260 hp
Turbo-Jet 454 CID V8	4-bbl	365 hp	285 hp

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There has been no documented case of a 1971 Monte Carlo SS car with the 425 hp (317 kW) LS-6 version of the 454, with solid valve lifters and a longer-duration camshaft, previously found in the 1970 Chevelle SS 454 (where it was rated at 450 hp (336 kW) however, they did come with an LS5 454. The Turbo Hydramatic officially remained the only transmission for the SS, but a heavy-duty clutch option on the order form suggests that it may have been possible to special-order a 454 LS-6 with a four-speed manual transmission (the four-speed wasn't listed officially as an "SS" option but was available as an RPO in regular Monte Carlos with the 350 and 400 engines). The exact number of such combinations, if any, is unknown since they were not officially listed as factory options but possibly assembled through Chevrolet's "Central Office Production Order" (COPO) process that had previously made possible model/engine combinations not officially available. However, there has never been a documented case of such a combination. Chevrolet records indicate that the factory only installed the LS-6 installations in Corvettes that year.

Monte Carlo Cars The First generation 1970 End Part

2010-05-15T07:47:00.000-07:00

Monte Carlo Cars The First generation 1970

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The most sporty and powerful option was the Monte Carlo SS 454 package. Priced at $420, it included a standard Turbo-Jet 454 of 454 CID (7.4 L) with a four-barrel carburetor, rated at 360 hp (269 kW) at 4800 rpm and 500 ft·lbf (678 N·m) of torque at 3500 rpm. It also included heavy-duty suspension, wider tires, "SS 454" badging, and an automatic load-leveling rear suspension. The Turbo-Hydramatic transmission (with a 3.31 rear axle) was a mandatory option with the SS package, although it still cost $222 extra. Weighing only a bit more than a comparably equipped Chevelle SS 454, the Monte Carlo SS was quite a fast car, although it accounted for less than 3% of Monte Carlos sold in 1970.

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A labor strike at Chevrolet's Flint, Michigan assembly plant (where most Monte Carlo production was scheduled) during the early months of the 1970 model year immediately following the car's introduction on September 18, 1969 limited overall model-year sales to 159,341; short of the projected 185,000. During those early months, Monte Carlos were in short supply, with full-scale production not happening until February 1970, leaving many would-be buyers disappointed after going to their Chevrolet dealers and finding no Monte Carlos in stock. However, once full production got underway, Monte Carlos sold briskly and mostly at full list price (usually being ordered with many extra-cost options), making it a very profitable model for Chevrolet and its dealership networks. SS 454s, however, did not sell so well in 1970, with only 3,823 of the 1970 Monte Carlos being the most sporty and powerful model in the range.

A Brief Overview Of The History Of A Monte Carlo Cars

Monte Carlo Cars The First Generation 1970 Part 1

Monte Carlo Cars The First generation 1970 Part 3

2010-05-10T07:11:00.000-07:00

Monte Carlo Cars The First generation 1970

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The standard powertrain was the 350 CID (5.7 L) Chevrolet "Turbo-Fire" small-block V8 with a two-barrel carburetor, rated at 250 hp (186 kW) (gross) at 4500 rpm and 345 ft·lbf (468 N·m) of torque at 2800 rpm, mated to a column-mounted 3-speed Synchro-Mesh manual transmission. Front disc brakes were standard equipment. The dashboard was basically identical to the Chevelle except for fake wood trim, according to Holls a photographic reproduction of the elm trim used by Rolls-Royce, and higher grade nylon (or vinyl) upholstery and deep-twist carpeting were used. Base priced at US$3,123, the Monte Carlo cost $218 more than a comparable Chevelle Malibu.

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Various options were available. A two-speed Powerglide automatic transmission (on 350 CID engines only), three-speed Turbo-Hydramatic, or a four-speed manual; most Monte Carlos carried the Turbo-Hydramatic. Variable-Ratio Power Steering, power windows, Four Season Air Conditioning, power seats, Rallye wheels, Strato bucket seats, center console, full instrumentation, and various other accessories were also available, bringing the price of a fully equipped Monte Carlo to more than $5,000.

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Optional engines included the four-barrel carbureted Turbo-Fire 350 CID small block V8, rated at 300 hp (224 kW) at 4800 rpm and 380 ft·lbf (515 N·m) at 3200 rpm, the Turbo-Fire 400 (400 CID/6.5 L) with a two-barrel carburetor, rated at 265 hp (198 kW) at 4800 rpm and 400 ft·lbf (542 N·m) at 3800 rpm, and the Turbo-Jet 400 (402 CID/6.6 L) with a four-barrel carburetor, rated at 330 hp (246 kW) at 4800 rpm and 410 ft·lbf (515 N·m) at 3200 rpm). Note that the two Chevrolet 400 CID V8s offered this year were actually two different designs. The two-barrel carbureted Turbo-Fire 400 was a Small Block Chevrolet V8 engine, similar, but very different internally, to the 350, while the Turbo-Jet 400 was a slightly enlarged version of the 396 CID big block V8 and had an actual displacement of 402 CID.

A Brief Overview Of The History Of A Monte Carlo Cars

Monte Carlo Cars The First Generation 1970 Part 1

Monte Carlo Cars The First generation 1970 Part 2

2010-05-05T00:10:00.000-07:00

Monte Carlo Cars The First generation 1970

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A labor strike at Chevrolet's Flint, Michigan assembly plant (where most Monte Carlo Cars production was scheduled) during the early months of the 1970 model year immediately following the car's introduction on September 18, 1969 limited overall model-year sales to 159,341; short of the projected 185,000. During those early months, Monte Carlos were in short supply, with full-scale production not happening until February 1970, leaving many would-be buyers disappointed after going to their Chevrolet dealers and finding no Monte Carlos in stock. However, once full production got underway, Monte Carlos sold briskly and mostly at full list price (usually being ordered with many extra-cost options), making it a very profitable model for Chevrolet and its dealership networks. SS 454s, however, did not sell so well in 1970, with only 3,823 of the 1970 Monte Carlos being the most sporty and powerful model in the range.

A Brief Overview Of The History Of A Monte Carlo Cars

Monte Carlo Cars The First Generation 1970 Part 1

2010-05-02T12:43:00.001-07:00

Monte Carlo Cars The First generation 1970

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The Monte Carlo Cars was originally created as Chevrolet's counterpart to the then new G-body Pontiac Grand Prix, which had been introduced for model year 1969. For the 1968 model year, GM had instituted a split-wheelbase policy for its A-body intermediate cars: 112 in (2845 mm) for two-door models, 116 in (2946 mm) for sedans and station wagons. The Grand Prix was a two-door coupe riding a special 118 in (2997 mm) version of the A-platform (known as the "G-body "). Rather than add the extra length within the body to increase passenger space (as was customary on sedans) the G-body (also known as the A-body Special) spliced the extra length between the firewall and the front wheels, creating an unusually long hood. The look was very successful, and the new Grand Prix greatly outsold its larger, B-body predecessor despite higher prices.

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The Monte Carlo Cars was conceived by Elliot M. (Pete) Estes, general manager of Chevrolet, and Chevrolet's chief stylist, Dave Holls. They modeled the styling on the contemporary Cadillac Eldorado, although much of the body and structure were shared with the Chevrolet Chevelle (firewall, windshield, decklid, and rear window were the same). New exterior styling featured concealed windshield wipers.

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A mid-1990s article in the magazine Chevrolet High Performance stated that the first generation Monte Carlo was known to Chevrolet management under the working name Concours (a usual practice was that all Chevrolet model development names started with a "C"). At one point, the proposal called for a formal coupe, sedan, and convertible. It has been noted that the sedan resembled a full-size Oldsmobile 98 prior to the use of the GM G platform with at least one photo showing the pull-up door handles that would be introduced on the 1970 1/2 Camaro and 1971 Vega and full-sized Chevys, but not appear on Monte Carlos until the second-generation model debuted in 1973.

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Though The Monte Carlo Cars was developed at Chevrolet under the leadership of Pete Estes, it was formally introduced in September, 1969 by John Z. DeLorean, who succeeded Estes as Chevrolet's general manager earlier in the year after previously heading the Pontiac division, where he led the development of the similar-bodied 1969 Grand Prix introduced the previous model year.

A Brief Overview Of The History Of A Monte Carlo Cars

2010-04-29T05:36:00.000-07:00

A Brief Overview Of The History Of A Monte Carlo Cars

The Chevrolet Monte Carlo Cars first emerged during the height of the muscle car era in 1970. A combination of luxurious features and the coupe design was extraordinarily popular with those who wanted the handling and speed of a larger engine combined with convenient and lavish features that made driving the Monte Carlo Cars a pleasurable, comfortable and often thrilling experience.

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In addition to being a huge success representing General Motors on the Nascar circuit, the Monte Carlo Cars was Motor Trends "Car of the Year" in 1973. Throughout the years, the Chevrolet Monte Carlo Cars received both cosmetic and mechanical updates and enhancements that strived to continued to live up to the marvel of the Monte Carlo Cars big block motors, rear wheel drive, performance based handling packages and sporty exteriors with plush interiors.

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Unfortunately, in 1988, large, powerful 2 door sedans like the Monte Carlo Cars lost popularity with most cost conscious Americans due to their thirst for gasoline and its ever increasing cost and the implied reliance on foreign fuel. Chevrolet responded to consumer demand and introduced the Lumina as the successor to the Monte Carlo Cars.

Picture Of Chevrolet Monte Carlo Cars 2000

However, in 1995 the fond name of the Monte Carlo Cars emerged again-but this time the only similarity to its former generations was its name. With a fuel efficient V6 engine, a smaller frame and front wheel drive, the 1995 through 2000 Monte Carlo's bore a vague-if any-resemblance to the legendary muscle car of past generations.

Picture Of Chevrolet Monte Carlo Cars 2006

The last generation of the Monte Carlo Cars was the sixth generation, sold from 2000 until 2007. The final generation of the Monte Carlo Cars is available with 6 engine selections and in available as both a 6 cylinder and 8 cylinder models with front wheel drive. The 2007 Monte Carlo Cars marked the end of an era - a time remembered as when safety and security and the amount of gasoline consumed could not compare to the performance and power of your ride proudly announcing your identity whilst you enjoyed the thrill of driving around twists and turns that the Monte Carlo could handle with ease.

Monte Carlo Cars The First Generation 1970 Part 1