One Prior Owner: 1973 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
The Monte Carlo was a newcomer to the personal luxury car scene in the 1970s. It was part Chevy Chevelle and part Pontiac Grand Prix. When GM redesigned its mid-size cars in 1973, the Monte Carlo was included, and the changes were so well-received that sales increased by more than 60%. This ’73 Monte looks great, but the closer you look, some of its near 50-year-old flaws come to light. Located in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, this Chevy is available here on eBay where the bidding has reached $6,200.
More than 290,000 Monte Carlo’s were produced in 1973 on the new Colonnade platform that all General Motors’ intermediates would share. That was a huge jump from the 180,000 copies in 1972. This Monte Carlo was a one-owner car when it was acquired by the seller (flipper?) and runs and drives great, although there are some issues to be dealt with. Under the hood resides what may be the car’s original 350 cubic-inch V8 with a Turbo-Hydramatic transmission.
New items on this Chevy include the battery, 2-barrel carburetor, water pump, and radiator. Left for the buyer to address are fixing the fuel gauge and radio, both of which do not work. The alternator is suspect as the instrument light stays on at idle and the exhaust system may be getting ready to leak. The car’s original color was akin to pea green (you can see it on the floorboards), but it was changed to dark metallic green in 2005 and the paint may be getting close to a redo, especially if you intend to show the car.
This automobile has a landau vinyl top (black) which looks great, and the matching interior needs a bit of servicing. There is a small tear in the driver’s side swivel bucket seat, and the Chevy will need new carpeting once you deal with a small hole in the driver’s side floor. We’re told the buyer will receive the car’s original documentation from its point of manufacture in Baltimore. The mileage is an indicated 61,000, but we don’t know if that’s accurate. If you can sort out a couple of mechanical gremlins, this would be a car to use for a while before considering restoration.
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Comments
That color works really well on this body and year model, I think the 73’s are my favorite of the second-generation Monte Carlos. The pea green was popular on GMs in that time period but the change over on this car is a welcomed transformation! I hope the next owner keeps it that way. Great write-up Russ, as always.
Looks great on the topside but the underside looks pretty crusty for the mileage
I much prefer the pea green. This dark green looks better on a mid 90s eddie bauer’s bronco.
This one is a real gem and won’t last long.
Great color, i had a 73 years ago, ends today.
Nice write up. The 73 to 77 Montes are far superior to the first generation ones. Problem is the aftermarket has totally ignored these cars. I had a 76 Monte with swivel buckets from 1982 to 1991. One of the best cars I ever had and I have owned 50 cars. Put 200,000 miles on it. Routine repairs like a radiator and exhaust. Never an engine or transmission problem. This 73 has some mods and if can be bought below 10 grand, will be a great buy.
Superior how? Elaborate, please. Take a poll: First Gen Montes are better looking, this fact will be overwhelming. Not to mention more power. Oh yeah, there’s also that little thing called collectibility when it comes to ‘70 & ‘71 SS’s.
To each his own, but it’s so obvious the First Gens are the best, even Stevie Wonder could see it.
Nice car. The author states that it was a cross between a chevelle and a grand prix. What the MC and the GP actually have in common is the John DeLorean was influential in the initial design of both
The styling change from 72 to 73 reflects Chevy’s desire to emulate a “European” look. I have owned 6. A 70, 72, 83 and 86LS, and the 70 and 72 currently in the garage. Although the number of units increased by 110,000 from 72 to 73, the First Gen years of 70-72 imo are still the most stylish design.
Love the color change on this car. It really fits the styling. Great car and great write up.
I’ve always been partial to the first generation Monies that’s what my dad bought brand new in 1970 when I was 4 years old and I’ve had so many, and sold so many I wish I could get back now but I was too young and stupid. I have a triple black 73 with a 454 and black cloth buckets and big 50 series tires on back and looks and sounds awesome. Also have an 87 SS white with tan interior and T-tops. Also a 2001 red SS Tasmanian devil Edition. And just bought a 70 SS- finally and it’s a true onmolested SS.. the first generation or best representative of muscle car much more than the second generation