OldCarOnline.com Old Car Trader Blog

Most Wanted Classic Cars: Chevrolet Monte Carlo (Part 2)

In 1973, major changes were made to the Chevrolet Monte Carlo. It was transformed from a hardtop to a pillared coupe with frameless door glass and opera-style rear side windows. A 350 cid Turbo Fire V8 with 145 hp became the standard engine, and other engines that were offered included a 4-barrel carbureted 350 cid V8 with 175 hp and a 4-barrel carbureted 454 cid Turbo Jet V8 with 245 hp. In the same year, the Monte Carlo was named “Car of the Year” by Motor Trend, and it sold almost 250,000 units. Many people continued to buy Monte Carlo models in the following years, and sales figures reached about 400,000 in 1976.

The third generation Monte Carlo was released in the year 1978, and it was 15 inches smaller and about 700 pounds lighter than the previous model. The standard engine for the 1978 model was a new 231 cid V6 engine that was constructed by Buick, and a 305 cid V8 was the only optional engine that was available. Three more options were added to the engine line-up in the next two years, and these included a 200 cid Chevrolet 90°, a 229 cid Chevrolet 90° V6, and a 267 cid V8.

The 1981 model was a small car with very clean lines, and it is presently one of the most popular classic cars among collectors today. It was such a huge success that Chevrolet continued to produce it until 1988. Production of Monte Carlo lasted for almost two more decades before it ended in 2007.