33k Original Miles: 1972 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
We’ve recently seen a few stunning low-mile classics cross our desks at Barn Finds, and this 1972 Chevrolet Monte Carlo continues that trend. It presents superbly, which is unsurprising considering it has a genuine 33,000 miles showing on its odometer. It has spent its life in a dry climate, and the time has come for it to find a new home with someone who will continue to appreciate all that it offers. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder T.J. for spotting this fantastic survivor.
General Motors introduced the Monte Carlo to the Chevrolet range in 1970 as that marque’s entry into the Personal Luxury Car market segment. The First Generation remained on sale until 1972, with our feature car rolling off the line during that model year. Its first owner ordered this classic in Gulf Green with a matching vinyl top. The seller is only its second owner, and this Monte Carlo ticks the right boxes for those hunting for a classic. It has been garage-kept since Day One, and when combined with spending its entire life in California, its rust-free status is unsurprising. It has never undergone restoration or repairs, with the spotless paint and vinyl both original. It is virtually impossible to fault the overall presentation. The paint shines beautifully, the trim and glass are spotless, and the Rally wheels are free from stains and physical damage. It would command attention at a Cars & Coffee but would gain additional respect when people learn that it is a genuine survivor.
The positive vibes continue inside this Monte Carlo, with the Green cloth and vinyl trim mimicking the exterior paint combination. It also continues the theme of spotless presentation, with no evidence of wear or damage on any surface. The outer seat edges are particularly noteworthy because they are prone to issues with ongoing use. However, no such problems have beset this classic. The dash and pad are spotless, and the faux woodgrain is excellent. One surprise is that although this Monte Carlo has spent its life in a warm location, the first owner didn’t tick the box on the Order Form to equip it with air conditioning. There are no power windows or locks, with luxury touches restricted to a remote driver’s mirror and an AM radio.
The 1972 Monte Carlo was V8-only territory, with this car’s first owner selecting the entry-level 350ci powerplant. They teamed this with a three-speed automatic transmission, power steering, and power brakes. The small-block should deliver 165hp and 280 ft/lbs of torque, bringing us to a point to ponder. Both figures match those available from the same engine the previous year, but outright performance was not as good. The 1972 model year was an evolutionary one for the Monte Carlo, but it was the additional 50 lbs the latest model carried that accounted for the difference. The seller states that this classic has a genuine 33,000 miles on its odometer. They don’t mention verifying evidence, but the ownership history makes it possible that they might hold documentation. They recently replaced the fuel tank, battery, and tires. Those who may consider showing this classic in the future would probably welcome the original tires that the seller includes as part of the deal. This beauty runs and drives perfectly, allowing the buyer to fly in and drive it home.
The seller listed this 1972 Chevrolet Monte Carlo here on Craigslist in San Diego, California. Their price of $22,900 is in the ballpark in the current market, and it is worth noting that ’72 Monte Carlo values have begun climbing at a healthy rate. Therefore, this spotless survivor could be both an enjoyable weekend driver and an excellent long-term investment prospect. That sounds like a win/win scenario to me.
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Comments
This was featured on August 23, 2024. Surprised it hasn’t sold.
Steve R
Probably like me, a bit skeptical of that engine pic. It would be possible to clock 133 on this and retain its condition due to the climate it’s been in during that time. Maybe with some cleaner it could present better? Not knocking it as it is a beautiful survivor.
I think you hit the nail on the head, Cooter. I’d have spent a weekend detailing the engine compartment if it were mine. Not going overboard as to make the engine look like a rattle can rebuild, but a little fresh paint and a cleaning agent goes a long way in lifting the presentation. As I said last time it was featured, looks like a nice Monte, just needs a little TLC.
I’m guessing if the gas tank was replaced, this gem had been sitting a while undriven and came out of someone’s estate with a few things refreshed.
Great looking Monte. Equipped about right for someone who wants less things to break. About as green as they come. May come in handy when confronted with green car parking.
Didn’t we just see this one a while ago, did the sale fall through?
That is not the correct steering wheel for a 72 Monte Carlo. It would have had a single spoke, like the full size Chevy’s of that year. And no A/C in the SE? LOL
Probably why it has only 33 K on it….
It doesn’t have cruise control either. Only 15% of 1st gen camaros got a/c.
It was the most expensive option back then & there was no global warming back then.
I seen older Mercedes Benz 4 doors with CRANK windows!
Back then, you could order a car exactly the way you wanted it.
I seen a loaded with options 1st gen camaro with NO tinted glass even at the top of the windshield!
I wish this Monte also had 4 wheel manual drum brakes, 3 on the tree, & manual steering – just to hear your reaction.
You’ll notice I said SE. As they say location, location, location. In the “dry climate” this car lives in no A/C may be okay. I grew up in S.FL and during the daily summer rains, life is kind of miserable without it. Only two choices, heat exhaustion or a soaking. Probably why after 1964 practically every car sold in S.FL had the A/C option. If not equipped with it, they withered in the sun on the dealers lots. They were then bought at a heavy discounted price and had after market A/C installed.
BTW, I learned to drive in a 63 Chevy II with a 194ci 6 cyl, 3 on the tree, sans disc brakes, and power steering. First car I bought on my own. I survived it just fine.
Steering wheel optional
No A/C, No Sale
That was the steering wheel the Camaro’s got in 1973. Maybe Chevelle? But not on a 1972 product. That, the lack of air, and the triple green color scheme is what’s holding this baby back. I have fond memories of my mom’s 72…loaded with buckets, staple shifter with console, power windows and air, root beer brown with black vinyl top and interior. I also have less fond memories of a black Buick Regal with T-tops that my father bought in the early 1980s used. No air conditioning and red cloth interior in the humid Potomac River basin of metro DC. We couldn’t source an aftermarket AC installer fast enough that summer!
Steering wheel first appeared on ’71 Vega GT. Optional on Nova. Standard on Camaro in ’72.
Great condition—perfect car to transform into a rare A body convertible. Add some aftermarket A/C and cruise control and head off into the sunset.
For some odd reason, cruise control would have been 1 of the last options anyone would get back in the day. & it was not even available on many cars!
On this Monte – to me- it’s surprising the orig owner ordered/preferred the optional vinyl roof, sport wheels, & sport steering wheel instead of/over A/C.
I’m guessing not many Montes came with NO underhood insulation – like this one.
I’ve always considered this car to be an example of what happens when American designers hit on something that’s near perfect in design. The first Riviera, the Toronado, Mark III, etc., all cars that epitomize beautiful design. One of our neighbors had a housekeeper who bought a new Monte this same color and model year. All of us car-loving kids had to go look at it in the driveway. I’m still impressed. I’ve always been a fan of green cars, too.
Beautiful looking car. I’ve always loved the 1970-72 Chevy Monte Carlo. If only craigslist posted more pics of the car. IMHO, there’s no such thing as too many photos of the car. Whatever the seller can take pics. Oh well. I hope whoever ends up with the Monte enjoys it. Given its condition, I’d be willing to pay between $15k and $20k.