Some project builds are more involved than others, and it is common for enthusiasts who prefer the DIY approach to avoid candidates with rust issues. However, this 1970 Chevrolet Monte Carlo shows promise. It is a dry climate survivor that runs and drives well. That will allow the next owner to enjoy it immediately, tackling its refurbishment as a potentially rewarding winter project. It is worth a look because the bidding action suggests it could be an affordable starting point.

Chevrolet introduced the Monte Carlo to its model range for the 1970 model year as the marque’s first entry into the Personal Luxury Car market segment. It remained available in various guises until 1988 before returning for a last hurrah from 1995 until 2007. Our feature Monte Carlo is a first-year example that has spent its life in a dry climate. That makes its rust-free status unsurprising. The exterior surfaces are clean, while the underside shots reveal nothing beyond the typical dry surface corrosion often seen on cars from New Mexico. The seller is the car’s second owner and confirms that the White paint isn’t original. It appears the first owner performed a color change, but it is unclear which of the three available shades of Green it wore when it rolled off the line. The paint is tired and baked, and the winning bidder will undoubtedly strip it away as part of a high-end restoration. That could provide the opportunity to return the car to its factory form or to make another change to reflect their taste. The trim looks to be in acceptable condition, and there are no visible glass issues.

This Monte Carlo’s Green interior trim is fairly typical of unrestored classics from this region, with the dash pad dry and cracked, while the seatcovers and carpet are tired. However, the actual dash and remaining upholstered surfaces look okay, meaning that a complete retrim may not be required. A close inspection will undoubtedly uncover more shortcomings, but this is another aspect of the build the buyer could perform in a home workshop. I can’t spot any aftermarket additions, and, unsurprisingly, this Monte Carlo features factory air conditioning.

Lifting the Monte Carlo’s hood reveals an area where the buyer’s options broaden, and might allow someone seeking a custom approach to transform this classic into a high-performance model. The first owner ordered this classic with the entry-level 350ci V8, a three-speed automatic transmission, and power assistance for the steering and front disc brakes. The small-block produces 250hp and 345 ft/lbs of torque, making the Chev a competent performer. The company offered a more potent 350 and a 400, while the SS variant received the 454ci V8. That big-block churned out 360hp and 500 ft/lbs of torque. That placed a sub-15-second ¼-mile ET within reach, which many might find tempting. However, those possibilities are in the future, because this Monte Carlo is a turnkey proposition today. The seller says it has been meticulously maintained, and although it doesn’t see daily service, it runs and drives well.

The seller listed this 1970 Chevrolet Monte Carlo here on eBay in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Twenty-four bids have pushed the price beyond the reserve to $3,000. Interestingly, the seller is open to offers, meaning the right figure could allow someone to bypass the auction process to take it home immediately. It needs love to recapture its former glory, but with no rust repairs required, it is ideal for someone seeking a first project candidate that can be tackled in a home workshop. It is unlikely to become a mega-bucks classic, but with values climbing steadily, a high-end result could net a value above $15,000. Are those thoughts enough to tempt you to submit a bid on this beauty?