Chevrolet Monte Carlo: Encyclopedia - Chevrolet Monte Carlo

Chevrolet Monte Carlo

The Chevrolet Monte Carlo is an American personal luxury car. Originally introduced for the 1970 model year, it has gone through six generations to date. All Monte Carlos to date have been two-door coupes, closely based on a contemporary intermediate sedan.

From its inception, the Monte Carlo also has been one of GM's biggest successes on the NASCAR stock car racing circuit.

Chevrolet Monte Carlo - 1970

The Monte Carlo originally was created as Chevrolet's answer to the new G-body Pontiac Grand Prix, which had been introduced to great success for 1969. For the 1968 model year GM had instituted a split-wheelbase policy for its A-platform intermediate cars: 112 inches (2845 mm) for two-door models, 116 inches (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 "A-body Special). Rather than add the extra length within the body to increase passenger space (as was customary on sedans) the A-body Special spliced the extra length between the cowl and the front wheels, creating an unusally long hood. The look was very successful, and the new Grand Prix greatly outsold its larger, B-body predecessor despite higher prices.

The Monte Carlo was the brainchild of Elliot M. (Pete) Estes, general manager of Chevrolet, and Chevy'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 (cowl, windshield, deck lid, and rear window were the same), adding the new front end sheet metal, wider C pillars, and new rear fenders. Bulges were added to the fenders to create a more muscular appearance. The Monte Carlo also had the then-fashionable concealed windshield wipers

The standard powertrain was the 350 cu. in. (5.7L) Chevrolet "Turbofire" small-block V-8 with a two-barrel carburetor, rated at 250 gross horsepower (185.6 kW) @ 4500 and 345 lb-ft (447.2 N-m) of torque @ 2800 rpm, mated to a three-speed manual transmission. Front disc brakes were standard equipment. 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 upholstery and carpeting were used. Base priced at $3,123, the Monte Carlo cost $218 more than a comparable Chevrolet Malibu.

Various options were available. The three-speed stick shift could be replaced by two-speed Powerglide automatic transmission (on 350 cu. in. engines only), three-speed Turbo-Hydramatic, or a four-speed manual; most Monte Carlos carried the Turbo-Hydramatic. Power steering, power windows, air conditioning, power seats, Rally wheels, bucket seats, additional engine gauges, and various other accessories were also available, bringing the price of a fully equipped Monte Carlo to more than $5,000.

Optional engines included the four-barrel 350 cu. in. small block, rated at 300 hp (223.8 kW) @ 4800 rpm and 380 lb-ft (515.2 N-M) @ 3200 rpm, the Turbofire 400 (400 cu. in./6.5 L) with two-barrel carburetor, with 265 hp (197.7 kW) @ 4800 rpm and 400 lb-ft (542.3 N-m) @ 2800 rpm, and the Turbojet 400 (402 cu. in./6.6 L) with four-barrel carburetor, rated at 330 hp (246.2 kW) @ 4800 rpm and 410 lb-ft (555.9 N-m) @ 3200 rpm).

The most sporting option was the Monte Carlo SS 454 package. Priced at $420, it included a standard Turbojet 454 of 454 cu. in. (7.4 L) with a four-barrel carburetor, rated 360 hp (268.6 kW) @ 4800 rpm and 500 lb-ft (677.9 N-m) @ 3500 rpm. It also included heavy-duty suspension, wider tires, and an automatic load-leveling rear suspension. Turbo-Hydramatic (with a 3.31 rear axle) was mandatory, 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.

A labor strike that cut into GM's 1970 production limited sales to 130,657, short of the 185,000 projected, although most Monte Carlos were sold for full list price, making it a very profitable model. Only 3,823 of 1970 Montes were SS 454s.

Chevrolet Monte Carlo - 1971

The 1971 model year saw only modest styling changes, including slimmer, vertical tail lights. Inside, the SS model got new "European symbol knobs," and a four-spoke steering wheel became optional. Mechanically, it was largely unchanged, although the Turbofire 400 (two-barrel) was dropped. Other engines had compression ratio lowered to allow the use of regular leaded, low-lead, or unleaded gasoline, per a GM corporate edict. Engine ratings fell to 245 hp for the base 350 cu. in. (5.7 L) two-barrel, 270 hp for the 350-4V, and 300 hp for the Turbojet 400. The SS 454 engine was actually raised to a nominal 365 gross horsepower.

A very few Monte Carlo SS cars carried the 425 hp LS-6 version of the 454, with solid valve lifters and a longer-duration camshaft, previously found in the 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 454 (where it was rated 450 hp). The Turbo-Hydramatic remained officially 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 exact number of such combinations, if any, is unknown.

The SS 454 package would be discontinued after this year, but the 454 engine would remain optional through 1975.

Chevrolet Monte Carlo - 1972

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, 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.

The engines were unchanged, but an industry-wide switch to SAE net horsepower numbers led to a reduction in the rated power of all Chevrolet engines. The new ratings for the Monte Carlo were:

• 350 cu. in. (5.7L), two-barrel: 165 horsepower (245 gross)
• 350 cu. in. (5.7L), four-barrel: 200 horsepower (270 gross)
• 402 cu. in. (6.6L), four-barrel: 240 horsepower (300 gross)
• 454 cu. in. (7.4L), four-barrel: 270 horsepower (365 gross)

In California, which had emissions standards more stringent than federal law, the 350-4bbl was the standard engine, and the only option was the 402-4bbl.

Chevrolet Monte Carlo - 1973

A redesigned Monte Carlo was introduced alongside other GM intermediates. Like other GM mid-sized cars, the '73 Monte 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 eggcrate grille with a Monte Carlo emblem in front and vertical-like tailights in rear above the bumper. The front bumper was a large Federally-mandated 5 mile-per-hour bumper that was among the required 1973 federal safety standards for all passenger cars sold in the U.S. with the 5 MPH requirement extended to rear bumpers on 1974 models. The separate body-on-frame construction carried over for 1973, as was the previous suspension.

For improved ride and handling, the '73 Monte Carlo featured a number of innovations (for U.S. cars) 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 with manual transmission, retained "traditional" steering and bias-ply tires, but the radial-tuned system was included with automatic transmission, earning the Monte Carlo S label.

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.

The interior of the '73 Monte Carlo featured an all-new, wrap-around cockpit style instrument panel, similar to that found in some contemporary Pontiacs, Buicks and Oldsmobiles, 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 with shifter and storage compartment. The bucket seats were of a one-piece highback design with built-in headrests, and could swivel some 90 degrees to permit the driver and front passenger easier entry and exit.

The standard engine was a 145 (net) horsepower 350 cubic-inch V8 and a 454 cubic-inch V8 rated at 245 (net) horsepower was optional.

The 1973 Monte Carlo was named Motor Trend's "Car of the Year," due to its new styling and emphasis on Euro-style ride and handling. The '73 Monte Carlo set a new sales record for Chevrolet, with nearly 250,000 sold for the model year.

The success of the Monte Carlo and Pontiac's similar Grand Prix led to several new personal-luxury cars from competitors, including subsequent Mercury Cougars, the Ford Torino Elite, the Chrysler Cordoba and restyled Dodge Charger, and even high-line versions of the American Motors Matador (formerly the Rambler Rebel).

Chevrolet Monte Carlo - 1974

The 1974 Monte Carlo received only minor detail changes from its '73 predeccessor, most notably a revised grille in front and taller and slimmer vertical tailights in the rear along with a relocated license plate and larger 5 MPH rear bumper per federal mandate. The base Monte Carlo with manual transmission, standard suspension and bias-ply tires was discontinued, leaving only the "S" and "Landau" models but with radial-ply tires and upgraded suspensions along with standard power steering and front disc brakes. A three-speed manual transmission was listed as standard equipment on this year's "S" and "Landau" models equipped with the standard 350 cubic-inch V8 with automatic transmission optional and a required option with the larger 400 and 454 cubic-inch V8s. However, a number of sources indicate that Chevrolet built virtually all 1974 Monte Carlos with the Turbo Hydra-Matic automatic. The standard 350 cubic-inch V8 was again rated at 145 horsepower with two-barrel carburetor in 49 states. In California, the standard engine was a 350 V8 with four-barrel carburetor and 155 horsepower. Reappearing on the Monte's option list for the first time since 1970 was a 400 cubic inch small block V8 rated at 160 horsepower with a two-barrel carburetor (not offered in California) or 180 with four-barrel carburetor. The top engine was again the 454 cubic-inch big block V8 rated at 245 horsepower and came with dual exhausts. 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 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 Monte Carlo continued to lead in intermediate personal-luxury car sales with Pontiac's 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. The Mopar boys would introduce their entries in this field for 1975 including the Chrysler Cordoba and Dodge Charger.

Chevrolet Monte Carlo - 1975

The 1975 Monte Carlo received only minor styling changes from the '74 edition including a new grille with the Monte Carlo emblem moved to the center section and new vertically-shaped taillights with horizontal louvers. All 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 and the 454 cubic-inch V8 no longer offered on California cars, leaving the 180-horsepower 400 four-barrel the top engine in the Golden State. A three-speed manual transmission was standard equipment in 49 states with the base 350 cubic-inch V8 with Turbo Hydra-Matic optional and a reqired option for all other engines including the California-only 350 four-barrel V8, and the 400 and 454 V8s. Chevrolet sources, however, report that virtually all '75 Monte Carlos were equipped with the Turbo Hydra-Matic transmission, which became standard equipment for 1976. 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 and console were still optional with knit cloth or vinyl upholstery. 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 Charger SE. Monte Carlo production ended up at around 250,000 units but would rebound to set a new record in 1976.

Chevrolet Monte Carlo - 1976

New crosshatch grille and vertically-mounted rectangular headlamps along with reshaped taillights identified the 1976 Monte Carlo. (The reshaped taillight pattern was incorporated into the 1981-88 generation.) Under the hood, a new 140-horsepower 305 cubic-inch V8 became the standard powerplant with the 150-horsepower 350 V8 and 180-horsepower 400 cubic-inch V8 both optional (California cars got a 160-horsepower 350 as the base engine). The big-block 454 cubic-inch V8 was discontinued from the option list this year. Turbo Hydra-Matic automatic transmission became standard equipment on this year's Monte Carlo. 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 over 400,000 units this year.

Chevrolet Monte Carlo - 1977

Revised grille with Monte Carlo emblem moved to stand-up hood ornament and revised tailight lenses marked the '77 Monte, which was the last year for the 1973-vintage design before the introduction of a downsized '78 Monte. The engine roster was reduced to a mere two powerplants - a standard 140-horsepower 305 two-barrel or a 160-horsepower 350 four-barrel.

Chevrolet Monte Carlo - 1978

All GM intermediate-sized cars including the Monte Carlo were downsized for the 1978 model year in response to the 1973 Arab Oil Embargo and CAFE requirements. The '78 model was 700-800 pounds lighter and some 15 inches shorter than the '77 version. The engine compartment was also smaller as the 350 and 400 cubic-inch V8s offered the previous year were dropped in favor of a standard 231 cubic-inch V6 built by Buick or optional Chevy 305 cubic-inch 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 1979 Monte Carlo lowrider was seen in the film Training Day.

Chevrolet Monte Carlo - 1980

The car had a mild frontal restyle, with 4 headlights and amber indicators mounted beneath. Automatic transmission became standard on all models and a new Chevy-built 229 cubic-inch V6 replaced the Buick engine of 1978-79 models as standard power in 49 states (California cars still got the Buick motor). A new option for 1980 was Buick's turbocharged version of the 231 cubic-inch V6 rated at 170 horsepower. Other optional engines included 267 and 305 cubic-inch versions of the Chevrolet small block V8 with up to 160 horses.

Chevrolet Monte Carlo - 1981

The body was restyled with the other GM intermediate formal coupes (Cutlass Supreme, Grand Prix, Regal). It featured a smoother profile than the 1978-80 models and new vertical taillights similar to 1970-77 models. Engine offerings were carried over included the standard 229 cubic-inch Chevy V6 (231 cubic-inch Buick V6 in California) and optional 267 cubic-inch V8 (not available in California), 305 cubic-inch V8 and an Oldsmobile 350 cubic-inch Diesel V8 in the base and Landau models, and a turbocharged 170-horsepower 231 cubic-inch Buick V6 in the Monte Carlo Turbo. Automatic transmission, power steering and power front disc brakes were standard equipment.

Chevrolet Monte Carlo - 1982

Only mild revisions were made on the 1982 Monte Carlo. All engines were carried over from 1981 except for the 231 cubic-inch V6, which was discontinued along with the Monte Carlo Turbo model.

Chevrolet Monte Carlo - 1983

Twelve years after the last Monte Carlo wore the SS nameplate, the Monte Carlo SS was reintroduced since the 1976 Chevrolet Nova SS - the last SS-badged passenger car in seven years. Sporting a new nose-piece, european body color coding, a rear spoiler and a V-8, the Monte Carlo SS was one of the last carbeurated, rear-wheel-drive "muscle cars". The base Monte Carlo received only minor changes including a revised grille texture and interior trim patterns. The 229 cubic-inch V6 remained the standard engine in the base model and the 165-horsepower 305 cubic-inch V8 was optional. The SS was powered by a 175-horsepower version of the 305 V8.

Chevrolet Monte Carlo - 1984

The SS was a hit in the car-buying public, starving for some power after the hefty emissions regulations of the late 70's. 112,730 sport coupes were sold, of which 24,050 had the SS option (180 HP 305 V-8), having an asking price of $10,700. The "SS" Monte was available with Strato bucket seats and floor console as extra-cost options for the first time in place of the standard split bench seat with armrest. The regular Monte Carlo came standard with a 125 horsepower 229 cubic-inch V6 and a 165-horsepower 305 V8 was optional. Both V8s were optionally available with a four-speed automatic overdrive transmission for the first time, the Turbo Hydra-Matic 200 4-R, while the V6 got the three-speed autoshifter.

Chevrolet Monte Carlo - 1985

T-tops were introduced, and additional colors, pinstriping, and options were made avaliable. A 4-speed overdrive automatic transmission became standard on the SS. SS Production numbers: 35,484. Price: $11,380.

Chevrolet Monte Carlo - 1986

The Aero Coupe model was introduced. Modifications to the body included a more deeply sloped rear window and a shorter trunklid. Only 200 Aero Coupes were sold to the public, which happened to be the exact number NASCAR officials allowed for road model features to be incorporated into the racing cars. Changes to the Monte Carlo included new "aero" side mirrors, and a lay-down style rear spoiler.

Chevrolet Monte Carlo - 1988

This was the last year for the 4th generation Monte. The '88's were actually built in late 1987, with only 16,204 SS's made for an asking price of $14,320. Appearance and mechanicals were similar to the 1987 model. It also came factory with 210 horse power.

Chevrolet Monte Carlo - 1995

For the 1995 model year, the midsize Lumina line was split into two models with the sedan continuing as the Lumina and the coupe reviving the Monte Carlo nameplate for its fifth generation. The new car rode on an updated W-body chassis shared with the Lumina, Pontiac Grand Prix, Buick Regal, and Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme lines and by its nature was the first front-wheel drive Monte Carlo. Prices ranged from $16,770 (LS) to $18,970(Z34) in 1995

For its four-year run, the Monte Carlo was available in two trims - LS and Z34. LS models were powered by the 3.1l 3100 V6 putting out 160hp/185lb-ft while Z34s featured a more powerful 3.4L DOHC V6 engine with 215hp/220lb-ft. Aside from minor equipment changes, the fifth generation remained virtually unchanged during its life (The 3.4L was replaced with the 3800 Series II, a much simpler design).

Though derided by some for its indistinct lines (called the 'Lumina Carlo') and its FWD drivetrain, the fifth generation sold well enough for Chevrolet to continue the line with a more original 2000 model year redesign. The '95 bodystyle was also a favorite on the NASCAR circuit and enjoyed considerable success at the track.

Chevrolet Monte Carlo - 2000

For 2000, Chevrolet not only again called upon GM Motorsports for design inspiration, but also to Monte Carlos of the past. Among the traits carried over from older Montes were the stylized wheel flares, vertically-oriented taillamps, and a stylized rear bumper. Another classic trait for 2000 was the return of the Knight badging, not seen on Montes for several generations. From the NASCAR circuit came the aerodynamic styling and platypus tail spoiler as well as myriad commemorative and special edition packages.

Trim levels consisted of - LS SS

An updated coupe was introduced - the SS was reintroduced, making this the first front wheel drive SS in the Chevrolet lineup. Some would suggest that the front wheel drive SS is a sacrilege to past vehicles, much like the degradation of the Oldsmobile 442 in the early 1990s.

Chevrolet Monte Carlo - 2006

The 2006 Monte Carlo (and the companion Impala sedan) were introduced at the 2005 Los Angeles Auto Show. The base engine is a 3.5 L V6 producing 210 hp. The most notable news about the model, though, is the SS model's use of the Generation IV small-block V8 in a front wheel drive car for the first time: The new 5.3 L V8 will produce 303 hp. The car is 55.8 in (141.7 cm) high, 72.9 in (185.2 cm) wide, and 196.7 in (499.6 cm) long.

Engines:

• 3.9 L LZ9 V6, 240 hp (179 kW)/245 ft.lbf (332 Nm)
• 3.5 L LZE V6, 210 hp (157 kW)/220 ft.lbf (298 Nm)
• 5.3 L LS4 V8, 303 hp (226 kW)/323 ft.lbf (438 Nm) (SS)

Chevrolet Monte Carlo - Future

There are plans to move the Monte Carlo back to RWD as early as 2008, on a new platform GM is building for premium Chevrolet's and Pontiac's, most notably the 2008 Pontiac GTO. The 2006 restyle was only a temporary fix until the final plans are made, since changes are likely to be made due to GM's current finaicial state and rumored plans to revive the Camaro due to popular demand.

Chevrolet Monte Carlo - Other Links

• AutoGuideWiki.com

Categories: Cleanup from December 2005 | Chevrolet vehicles

Adapted from the Wikipedia article "Chevrolet Monte Carlo", under the G.N U Free Docmentation License. Please also see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki