Dealer-Fitted 4-Speed? 1970 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS 454
This 1970 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS 454 is a car that doesn’t exist. Okay, now you are probably questioning my sanity. Buyers couldn’t order these classics with a four-speed bolted to the back of the big-block, but this beauty has one as a dealer-fitted option. That should unleash improved performance and be a conversation starter at a local Cars & Coffee. If you want to become its new owner, you will find the SS listed here on eBay in Irvington, Alabama. Bidding sits below the reserve at $20,600, with plenty of time remaining in the auction. I must say a huge thank you to Barn Finder T.J. for spotting this beauty.
Chevrolet introduced the Monte Carlo to the motoring world in 1970, and despite industrial action that limited potential sales, an impressive 159,341 buyers handed over their hard-earned cash to park one in their driveway. The original owner of this beauty sought to make a bold but classy statement, ordering it with Black Cherry paint, a Black vinyl top, optional Rally wheels, and tinted glass. The car’s history is unclear, making it impossible to confirm whether it is an original survivor or if it has received some restoration work at some point. Its presentation suggests the latter option, but I have seen remarkably well-preserved vehicles of this vintage. The paint shines beautifully, with no evidence of significant flaws in it or the steel it covers. The vinyl top has an odd stripe down the center, but the lack of further deterioration suggests it may be a case of someone washing this classic and failing to reach the roof center. There are no signs of rust or other nasty surprises that could cause the winning bidder grief, and the seller doesn’t mention issues in the listing. The chrome and Rally wheels are in excellent condition for a survivor, and the tinted glass looks spotless.
Lifting the hood reveals where the waters become muddy with this SS. Its engine bay houses a 454ci V8 that would have sent 360hp and 500 ft/lbs of torque to the rear wheels via a three-speed Turbo Hydramatic transmission. Power steering lightens the load during tight maneuvering, and power brakes should bring proceedings to a safe stop. The Monte Carlo may have been more than 100 lbs heavier than a similarly equipped Chevelle SS, but it could match the lighter car’s ¼-mile ET of 14.4 seconds. The car features its numbers-matching big-block, with the seller holding the original Build Sheet to verify its authenticity. However, it features a four-speed manual transmission, a configuration not offered by Chevrolet in the 454-equipped Monte Carlo SS. The seller says it is 1-of-6 to roll off the lot at George Olsen Chevrolet in San Francisco, California, with a dealer-fitted manual. Plenty of anecdotal evidence is floating around online, but there doesn’t appear to be any concrete proof confirming the story. If the new owner is passionate about uncovering the truth, pulling out a deer-stalker hat and playing their best Sherlock Holmes role might prove successful. It is in excellent mechanical health and is ready for the show circuit or a spot of relaxed weekend classic motoring pleasure.
The positive impression made by this Monte Carlo continues when we examine the supplied interior shots. The Black Deluxe vinyl interior trim looks excellent, with the same true of the dash, pad, and carpet. The lack of wear on the back seat upholstery and carpet suggests it hasn’t carried many passengers, and it is refreshing to discover there are no aftermarket additions or modifications. Luxury touches beyond the bucket seats, console, and Deluxe trim include factory air conditioning, power windows, a tilt wheel, and a pushbutton AM radio.
This 1970 Monte Carlo SS seems to have something for everyone, from a big-block churning out mountains of power and torque to an interior featuring desirable luxury options. Its presentation is hard to fault, and the documentation provides a starting point for a new owner planning a spot of detective work to confirm the 4-speed is a dealer-fitted item. Chevrolet only produced 3,823 examples of the SS 454 during 1970, representing a mere 2.3% of total Monte Carlo sales that year. That makes it a rare creature in its own right and is one of the reasons I believe the bidding will comfortably pass $30,000 before the hammer falls. With values climbing consistently, now might be the perfect time to park this classic in your garage. Are you tempted?
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Comments
Gorgeous Monte in and out. I’ve always thought the first edition Monte Carlos were a great design, much cleaner than the later, somewhat bloated, cars. I can imagine this car can really move out when you hit the go pedal.
Wicked wine 🍷 color Monte
If the owner has the original build sheet, it should say what transmission came with the vehicle! I did see one on the showroom with a 4- speed at Ted Green Chevrolet, Torrance, Ca.
You’re wrong. Monte Carlo could be ordered with a 4 speed. I had a friend that bought one like that.
Agree with Hot Rod Jon there was a guy in my hometown that had a new 1970 with big block and four speed, white with black vinyl roof and black interior.
4 speeds only were offered with the 359 or 402 BB, not the 454. That’s what the author was referring to
Not an SS454 though…automatic only.
I think they just meant an SS454 didn’t have a 4 speed option, which is correct. Some dealerships converted them, but the factories didn’t build them. For some reason, Chevrolet only offered a 4 speed in a first gen Monte with a 350 or 400 small block, or a Turb Jet 400 (402 inch) big block for ’70. For ’71, they only came with a 350 or big block 400. The 400 small block in a Monte went away for ’71. I have a ’70 SS454 and a ’71 402, 4 speed. The original owner of my 4 speed and his brother, who actually worked for GM at the time, tried to order a ’71 SS454 with a 4 speed but their order was denied, just like others that tried to get a factory SS454 with a 4 speed.
Interesting that this car originated in the Bay Area. A few years ago, at a show in the north Bay Area I came across an absolutely beautiful triple black ‘70 Monte Carlo badged as an SS454 with what the owner claimed was a “factory” 4 speed.
When politely asked about the problem of such a vehicle never having been offered, he became flustered and defensive, insisting it was real. Perhaps it was a dealer install, or then again it was more probably another fake SS, with a “one of” fable to explain it. Never say never with cars though.
Beautiful looking car. I’ve always loved the 1970-72 Monte Carlo. It’s too bad this version didn’t continue for another year or two before the Colonnade style was intro’d.
First time for me with seeing a 4spd in one of these. Factory or dealer installed whi cares ! Very cool! I’m a mopar person and always liked these montys .
Many years ago when I lived in Stockton, CA, I owned a 1970 Monte Carlo – 427 with a factory 4 speed. Not an SS model, but had bucket seats, console and a 12 bolt posi – man do I wish I still owned that car.
Nope. Not if original. You likely had a 402 with a 4 speed. 427 was never offered from Chevy.
What do you mean 427 was never offered by Chevy? I’ve seen way too many 427 being placed in Corvettes to agree with your statement, unless you mean GM never offered the 427 in the first Gen MC.
Back around 1980 a coworker had a 1973 Monte Carlo with a stick shift. I’ve never seen another one ever
At the Chevrolet dealer I was working at in 1973, a new Monte Carlo sat on the showroom floor. I always thought it was an mis-order. Army green with a 3 on the tree and a metal power sunroof. As funny as it sounds, a female Army Sargent bought that car one day. She did not order it. It sat at the store for probably three months before it sold. Never saw it again.
When they “down sized” the Monte, Cutlass, and Gran Prix in 1978, the base model was a V-6 with a 3 speed on the floor. These were at dealers to advertise as a “loss leader” to get people in the showrooms. However most dealers would load up the cars with options for their inventory to build their bottom line. Interest rates on car loans were getting pretty steep when financing thru the dealer, unless you used the “Corporate Financing Arm” Think GMAC FMC, Chrysler Credit.
Hard to beat a 1970 Monte with a Rat & A/C !
The 70-71 monte ss was not available with a 4 speed. But 70-72 standard montes could be special ordered with a 4 speed. I have seen a 1970 monte with a factory 4 speed. Window sticker to prove it. The production numbers were less than 24 for the 3 year 1st gen. Montes. I have had dozens of these cars presently have a 70 witch I fitted with a 4 speed.. Easy to do all parts needed are shared with a Chevelle down to the driveshaft.
I also have a ’70 SS454 and a ’71 402, 4 speed. Both have he build sheets. They 4 speed option was not available for ’72.
You could order a 4 speed big block in a Monte, but it would be a 402 not a 454. SS 454 Montes were only available with the auto. That being said, I’m curious as to why more dealers didn’t do trans swaps on 454’s. Probably because the 402 was available that way.
Nice one, Adam. Everything I’ve heard agrees with Bj’s description… any ’70 factory four-speed big block Monte was a 402, but this 454 four-speed is a great combination whether dealer-installed or not. I have a soft spot for this body style and the SS especially. My first article for BarnFinds was a much rougher ’70 Monte Carlo SS. I could also picture a place in my garage for a ’70 non-SS 454 automatic with skirts and power everything. The 454 was SS-only but you could slip a hopped-up 454 under a “402” air cleaner housing without angering anyone for sleeper points. Thanks for another fine write-up, Adam.
All of the 70/71 Monte Carlo SS technical info.
https://www.firstgenmc.com/forums/index.php?/resources/ss454/
I think the monte back in the day was considered a luxury car. People that bought them were not after performance. Maybe that’s why?
Absolutely true. It was a fairly heavy car and you wanted it to be able to get out of it’s own way. In the same way, “muscle” wagons were generally never ordered that way back in the day for anything but trailer towing ability.
After searching several websites, it seems that there were 1,428 4 speed 1970 Monte Carlos built . . ALL were with the 400 ( 402 ) engine and were NOT Super Sports. There were also 545 3 speed Monte Carlos built, available with the 350 and 400 engines. I’m “assuming” if you didn’t order a transmission or an engine – you got a 350 3 speed.
From the First Gen Monte Carlo page on the 70/71 SS
No SS454 Monte Carlos Have:
1. Fender Skirts
T58 fender skirts were not available due to the 7 inch wide rims.
2. Manual Transmission
M20 4 speed transmission was not available with the 454. There are lots of people with stories of them but none have been proven.
3. LS6 Engine
LS6 454 was also not available, only the LS5 454. There is no proof that a Monte Carlo was built with an LS6 engine but there are lots of unsubstantiated stories.
4. Interior SS emblems
The interior does not have any indications of it being an SS
Respectfully, Steve H., not all 1970 Monte Carlos with a four-speed manual had the 400/402. My 1970 Monte is equipped with a numbers-matching L48 350 cid V8 with a factory M20 four-speed. I have the original build sheet and original window sticker to confirm that factory build.
True, I was just answering the “454” question. The 4 speed transmission could have come with the 350, also. Would the two-barrel version of the 350 been able to have been ordered with it, too ?
Could have been special-order factory, Could have been dealer installed, or any time thereafter. These things were super-easy to convert, I’m sure it happened often. Pretty tough to know when, without documentation.
The base transmission for the Monte Carlo from 1970 until 1975 was a 3 speed standard. However it was only available with the base 350 motor. 1974 was first year for the swivel buckets, and 1976 an automatic transmission became standard. BTW front disc brakes came standard starting in 1975. Many years ago I read in Super Chevy Magazine that a total of 200 Monte Carlo SS 454 4 speeds were built in total from 1971-72. What was considered an “SS” in 1970 was when ordered with the bucket seats and console. I would guess because of the Impalas’ with buckets and console being SS models. Just mho. I would estimate this to go between $35-42K when bidding ends.
I had a ’73 with swivel buckets.
My dad and I each had a 73′ Monte Carlo Landau with swivel buckets. Mine was also a factory 454 car.
there werw no ’70 jmpala ss’s
Bucket seats were an option in any first gen Monte, including the SS454. Many SS were built with a bench seat, and many thousands of non-SS had bucket seats. Some had consoles and some didn’t. The 2 were separate options. This is also true with Chevelles. Either your memory or Super Chevy is wrong. 3823 SS454s were built for ’70 and 1919 were built for ’71. The SS454 package was never available after the ’71 model year. FGMCC.com has all of the information readily available. I have a ’70 SS454 and had another. I also have a 402, 4 speed now, and I had another one years ago.
Sometime around 1973 one of the performance magazines, probably Hot Rod or Rod and Custom did a short feature on a factory built 454 4 speed Monte Carlo. It was white with a black vinyl top and black interior. I seem to remember they claimed it to be one of one built. That’s about all I remember from the article. You could look it up if you are determined and have the time.
I’ve tried to find it, but can’t. Can you help? To my knowledge, and those at the FGMCC.com club, no one has ever offered up a numbers matching SS454 with a 4 speed that was not found to be a fake. I’ve talked to a number of guys that tried to get an SS454 with a factory 4 speed, but Chevrolet always refused their orders. As a result, some were modified at the dealerships.
Not being smart, just asking. Have you ever seen paperwork from a dealership that installed a 4 speed or have you just ”heard” about it being done?
Just asking. Was there such a thing as a COPO Monte Carlo? I know there were COPO Chevelels’ along with the Camaro.
COPO referred to a way to order non available options on a model, anything from mass purchase of fleets like taxi or police cars to single car one option change like a different paint color. It was more of a “who you know” kinda thing to get it pushed through, and not that easy to accomplish.
Yep, I know. Just trying to make a point as to why a 4-speed ended up in a Monte Carlo.
Central Office Production Order = COPO, Actually nothing exotic about it, just a company utilizing “company speak” sort of like the military having “alphabet words”.
That originally started as a tool for fleet purchasers. It had limits for minimum orders and had to do only with something that GM already had, not aftermarket. Of the more common things I saw were air shocks and level controls.
The seller has this Monte listed on FB MP for 75k, so it’ll be well short of reserve I’d imagine. Neat car, looks nice. Definitely questionable provenance from the sounds of it.
Beautiful car .Whether it’s a dealer installed option or not I like it. I always liked these but timing chains and water pumps were a pain on my back.I’m gonna say 50 to 60 k car.imo.
I would like to challenge the narrative writer as my father, (who usually purchased about 600 cars per year for his corporation), special ordered a new ’70 Monte Carlo for me. It was not an ‘SS’ but had; a/c, 454, 4 speed and positraction. I still have a couple of photos of that vehicle from 1970. Dr. Wellington Morton
Your car was a 402, or it was converted after leaving the factory. The SS45 package mandated a TH400. Many tried to get Chevrolet to put a factory 4 speed in their SS45 and their orders were denied. Zero proof has ever surfaced to prove otherwise.
Info found in the link above.
M20 4 speed transmission was not available with the 454. There are lots of people with stories of them but none have been proven.
No 70SS454 left the factory with a 4 speed. Their supposedly is a ss454 4 speed that was sent, if I remember right, to Dicky Harrell’s shop direct from the factory and a 4 speed was installed. It’s privately owned in Kansas
First of all, the bottom trim that has SS 454 signage was not available until 1972 so there was no way a dealer could have “added it” in 1970!!
Car is gone
A close up of the trim SS 454 is shown in the 1970 brochure.
No SS in 1972. The Monte Carlo Custom was available that year.
You’re partly right. Dick Harrel Performance converted a new ’70 SS454 for a man in Kansas. They removed the LS5 and installed the LS6 that the new car owner tried to order from Chevrolet, but Chevrolet refused to put a LS6 in any Monte Carlo. The car came with the TH400 that was mandated by the SS454 option package, and it still has the numbers matching TH400. It’s now owned by Mr Tim Pestinger in Salina, KS. A quick Google search will find all of the history of the car.
Uhhhhh, nope.
Those “SS454” rocker trim callouts (on the fender portion of the trim) appeared on the 1970 & 1971 SS Montes exclusively.
That’s it.
No other “SS” insignia anywhere on these cars other than it being added to the rear panel of the ‘71s on the passenger side.
You could get a 454 in a ‘72, but there were NO SS’s made that year. 5,742 total SS’s produced over the 2 years they were made. Rare indeed.
I wish they’d have come with the LS-6 and 4 speed, because I promise you I would own one.
Clean, driver condition Monte with the wrong transmission in it and a goofy, non proven story behind the 4 speed install. Far, far from a $75,000.00 car.
I own a 71 MC with factory 350 2barrel with factory 3 on the tree. I believe much more rare then the 4 speed.
1970
Total Production:
Sport Coupe 142,153
SS 454 3,823
Total Production 145,976
Engines:
250 hp Turbo-Fire 350 V8 70,944
300 hp Turbo-Fire 350 V8 47,158
265 hp Turbo-Fire 400 V8 16,595
330 hp Turbo-Jet 400 V8* 7,456
360 hp Turbo-Jet 454 V8 3,823
Transmissions:
3-Speed Manual 545
4-Speed Manual 1,428
-With Turbo-Fire 350 or 400 V8 839
-With Turbo-Jet 400 V8 589
Powerglide Automatic 7,507
Turbo Hydra-matic 350 125,710
Turbo Hydra-matic 400 10,786
* The Turbo-Jet 400 was actually a 402 cubic inch V8
Sources: Primarily General Motors but includes other various research
1971
Total Production:
Sport Coupe 126,681
SS 454** 1,919
Total Production 128,600
Engines:*
245 hp & 270 hp Turbo-Fire 350 V8 102,192
300 hp Turbo-Jet 400 V8*** 8,633
365 hp Turbo-Jet 454 V8** 1,772
Transmissions:*
3-Speed Manual 280
4-Speed Manual 349
Powerglide Automatic 2,056
Turbo Hydra-matic 350 99,629
Turbo Hydra-matic 400 10,283
* Excludes 16,003 units listed as Canadian imports.
** Why are the SS-454 and 454 production numbers different here? There are 147 SS cars built in Canada which were not added to the total of 454 engines, but were added to the total number of SS454 cars built.
*** The Turbo-Jet 400 was actually a 402 cubic inch V8
Sources: Primarily General Motors but includes other various research
Back in the late 70s’, the bank I did repos’ for had a 70 Monte Carlo that had been popped. I would bid on some of the cars, to flip or extra income. Had a weird MC on the lot, that i thought to bid on but didn’t. loaded up, windows, power bucket driver seat, passenger bucket, too. No console, A/C, AM/FM, and a 3 speed on the column! I never thought it would salable , so didn’t bid on it. Was that puke green color and the vinyl top was splitting along one seam. Maybe I should have. BTW it didn’t run, top bid was $175.00.
Lots of bad information here.
According to the 1970 Monte Carlo brochure, the 454 was the only engine not available with the 4-speed. Both 350s and the 402 were available with the 4-speed. That doesn’t mean any 350 2bbl/4-speed MCs were built, but they were available that way.
Nobody has ever produced hard evidence that any factory-built 454/4-speed Monte Carlos were built. Recollections of friends’ cars, magazine articles, special-ordered cars, etc. are pointless without evidence such as a window sticker or build sheet.
1970 Monte Carlo SS454s did have an SS454 emblem on the rocker panel molding, just aft of the front wheel opening.
Back in 1969, my uncle [R.I.P.] owned a Chevrolet dealership. He took me there, and showed me around. He said I could have any car on the lot, because I didn’t have a car, and he knew I couldn’t afford one. Being young and cocky, I told him that I knew what I wanted, and he didn’t have it on the lot. So he let me special order one.
Yep, it was a 1970 Monte Carlo SS Convertible in candy apple red with a 454 and 4-on-the-floor. The only one they made, financembinc.comIK, but he had that kind of juice. As soon as I got it, I shackled up the rear and put Crager S/S wheels all around with larger wheels on the back, and then added some side pipes to make it stand out.
I later used the build sheet, window sticker and all other documentation as kindling for a fire I had to start one cold night.
Of course, we did a lot of hallucinogens back in those days, so I could be misremembering some of it. And since I had just turned 8, it was probably a 5-speed bicycle with a frame shifter from Sears. Now that I think about it, my uncle owned a pool hall, not a car dealership.
You didn’t order a car that day . . . all you REALLY did was go swimming at the POOL hall !!!