Parked 19 Years: 1983 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
Introduced in 1970, the Monte Carlo would be Chevy’s personal luxury entry through 1988 (and again from 1995-07). The fourth-generation would enjoy an eight-year run and be the last built using rear-wheel-drive (1981-88). The seller’s car has been in the family for years and in storage since 2002. With a bit of effort, it was made to run again but badly needs some cosmetic attention. Located in Richton Park, Illinois, this old Monte is available here on eBay for $9,200 or you can submit an offer.
Throughout its long-life cycle, the Chevy Monte Carlo was closely aligned with the Pontiac Grand Prix though it also shared some styling cues with the Chevelle Malibu. The cars were worked for the third time in 1981 and featured a smoother profile than previous models and used vertical taillights similar to the 1973–1977 models. An automatic transmission, power steering, and power front disc brakes were standard equipment by then. The fourth-generation enjoyed only limited success in NASCAR circles, perhaps not as slippery in styling that the Buick Regal, Pontiac Grand Prix, or Olds Cutlass. 1983 production would off from prior editions at 91,600 non-SS models, the lowest sales year since the car debuted in ’70.
This ’83 Monte Carlo has been in the same family for at least two decades and last driven in 2002. It’s being offered for sale by the owner’s son-in-law, so it may be an estate piece. Though the paint shows signs of being outside for some time, we’re told it’s been in a climate-controlled space for years. With an odometer reading of 41,000 miles, it wasn’t running until the seller put in a new battery and did a partial tune-up. It made a brief trip to the gas station and back, but a bad rear brake line and leaky fuel pump mean it will require more mechanical attention.
The good news is the engine, likely the 229 cubic-inch V6 built by Chevrolet, makes no funny noises or smokes, and the transmission shifts properly. However, that drivetrain combination doesn’t make for a particularly fast car. Although the photos show an interior that looks dirty and cluttered, were told the only flaw there is a small crack in the dash and a missing headliner. Rust does not look as though it’s ever been a problem. The trunk floor itself looks almost new. No mention is made of the condition of the vinyl top (if there is one), but the medium blue paint will surely need to be redone.
As a bonus, the car will be wearing a brand-new set of aftermarket mag wheels and tires when the buyer comes to pick it up. These may have been items the father-in-law didn’t get around to installing. If the sales process lingers on, the car could get new paint and the sales price increased accordingly to reflect that improvement. I’d prefer Rally wheels like the ones on the front once cleaned up and used with newly sourced rings and caps.
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Comments
Junk…9000 lol…
That right there is crack pipe pricing for a car with that level of equipment and in that condition.
Crack-pipe pricing……
For a computer command controlled 2 barrel carburetor that both had a history of over compensating and also the pot metal flexed at points cracking and literally allowing fuel to literally dump and flood the engine.
Worse for that year, GM offered both the Chevy V6 and the buick V6 and when going to the auto parts store, the manuals listed only the Buick V6 replacement parts
Price needs to be significantly lowered and the car turned into a drag race body or sold to a gangsta rapper for customization.
Come on , man . This is a crappy old used car with a V-6 . 750 bucks at most .
I kept waiting for the “here’s what makes this car special” to justify 9 large, but it never happened. Too many zeros in that price for a plain 6 banger Monte that needs plenty.
500 dollar car, even at that i would not it want on my property.
The competition:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/115146730014?_trkparms=amclksrc%3DITM%26aid%3D1110006%26algo%3DHOMESPLICE.SIM%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20200818142055%26meid%3D75bb4281e3f94b9999984c6b7e974e8c%26pid%3D101113%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D12%26sd%3D185189292256%26itm%3D115146730014%26pmt%3D0%26noa%3D1%26pg%3D2563228%26algv%3DDefaultOrganicWeb&_trksid=p2563228.c101113.m2108
Might be the record for most overprice car yet. Really really good shape it might $7500.
Hmmm….I see the car comes with wheels and tires. Description – “kroam” rims? By “Kragre”? Oh, wait – that’s *chrome*….
Whos idea was it to even put this here….i question the editors for allowing this…you people are idiots….$9000….and a v6 even….shes sure a looker….buffoons…
Now tell us how you really feel Ray..
Obviously only on the site for humour. Bit again as they say it only takes 1 buyer.
Only chance this heap has to fetch that $ is some wannabe Denzel just finished watching that movie where hes a crooked cop w the Monte.
The $9200 sale price may increase to “reflect improvements”?
Only thing missing is the buy here, pay here offer……
Are those 41,000 GENUINE miles?
“Yes sir they sure are, scouts honor”
Take my money, PLEASE!
I don’t think a SS is worth $9200.00 and for not in this shape. I bet if you smoke a bowl with him you can get it for $920.00.
That’s the problem Sam, looks like the owner has already smoked plenty!
These were JUNK a shadow of the previous generation which were not all that great either. I wouldn’t pay $9K if is had only 5 miles on it and came with $2K cash in the trunk.
About 30 years ago my neighbor had one of these, a black with tan interior. It was a very nice looking car but the 305 was in need of work. We worked out a deal where i would swap the motor with a new rebuild from western auto for a 1000 bucks for parts and labor thinking that i would make a couple of hundred off the deal. That car was a complete mess underneath it turns out it was a V6 car originally and instead of getting the proper frame mounts they took whatever they had and welded them in place. After i finally looked at the rear of the car, well it was a good thing i was laying down already the rear frame rails from right behind the axle to the bumper was gone. Someone had put 2 x 1/4 angle iron in its place and bumper was bolted to the trunk, never saw that before. thats when i went over to the neighbors house and asked if he really wanted to spend that kind of money on that car. He knew about the rear and all the rest and still wanted it done. It was his highschool ride
If this car goes for $9200, I’ve got a 1981 Buick Regal V6 and a 1986 Olds 442 that are going on the market immediately!!
I purchased a new 1981 Monte Carlo with that 229 V6. It was one of 3 lemons in a row that I had the other 2 being a 77 Sunbird Coupe and an 1984 Horizon. The 229 V6 was a garbage motor. Going up hills it could not get out of its own way. The catalyst was replaced at least once. The ignition screwed up. The first year with computerized emissions. Funny thing that we could men send men to the moon & back to earth but GM could not figure out how to engineer a car to run with computerized emissions. When the weather would change thw engine would choke and it took a while to start it. The mechanic that serviced the car had to open up the carb just to get it to run. In the end I traded it in with just about 43,000 miles + on the odometer. An interesting point is that the dealer to whom I traded it to had his daughter driving it. My mechanic told me that there was no way that car could be driven any where . I saw an ad for it in the paper and noticed that it read it had a V-8. The dealer probably had a V-8 from somewhere and swapped out the motor. I remember the Monte as being comfortable but a poorly engineered vehicle. My mom had a 1979 with the 305 V8 and that was a reliable smooth running Monte. What a difference 2 model years made. If I were to buy this Monte I would so on one key point -if I could swap out that 229 V-6.
The computer command control was a nightmare along with the carburetor. I sold mine to the mechanic who lived down the street who found that Holley developed a fuel injection and emissions system to replace the carburetor. He installed that system and he ran it for years afterwards.
Try changing the spark plugs. You had to jack the car and remove the tires and work your wrench from the wheel wells.
The carburetor has thin castings that would expand and break with heat, in the area where the fuel came in. Dumping fuel direcly to the manifold and wetting the spark plugs beyond fire.
I went through that one
had an 84, t tops power everything 305 ci good handling car but short on power,rebuilt a 455 buick swapped it in with the turbo 400,at a mear 25lbs of more weight and 510 ftlbs @2800 rpm, made for real tire burner
Junk. Straight up garbage. Maybe worth 9,000 PESOS. MAYBE.
I had an ’85 Monte Carlo, bopught it from a friend at work for $400, with over 100K miles, had a hanging headliner, a beat 305 V8, but it served its purpose as a daily driver for years until the engine finally gave out. This car reminds me of that car so yea I’d give $400 for it
You may get $200 bucks for it from a guy thats building a street stock -if you have a local track !
Where’s George with his “overpriced junk” comment ??? Oh yeah, its not a Mopar
I have a 1983 Monte Carlo for sale way better shape than what I seen 305 engine. Do you want pictures? No email me or text me 319 640-0219