3,800 Mile 1987 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS Aerocoupe
People typically have a clear opinion of the Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS Aerocoupe and its Pontiac cousin. The general consensus seems to be that the Aerocoupe carries its unique styling more successfully than the Pontiac 2+2. Both cars were born out of a desire for motorsport success, and while the changes had little effect on real-world performance, they made the models more competitive in the cut-and-thrust world of NASCAR competition. This 1987 Aerocoupe presents superbly, which is unsurprising considering it has a genuine 3,800 miles showing on its odometer. The seller performed some minor changes but includes the original parts required to return the car to its original specifications. The SS is listed here on eBay in Newark, Delaware. Bidding sits below the reserve at $25,100, although plenty of time remains in the auction for interested parties to decide whether to join the bidding war.
Aerodynamics has long played a key role in motorsport but often involves compromise. The easiest way to improve cornering speed is to increase vehicle downforce. However, if a designer pushes the boundary too far, top speed can suffer dramatically. The easiest way to pass a competitor is in a straight line, and that is the danger posed if aerodynamic improvements induce too much drag. Chevrolet knew this was critical in NASCAR competition, with aero efficiency achieving greater importance at tracks like Daytona and Talladega. The solution was simple, involving reshaping the back window. It allowed air to pass more freely over the rear spoiler, increasing downforce, but not at the cost of outright speed. Pontiac followed a similar concept with its 2+2, but the Aerocoupe was (and is) more widely accepted by enthusiasts. This car presents superbly in its original shade of Dark Red, with the paint shining beautifully and the graphics crisp and clean. The panels are laser straight, and there is no evidence of rust. The glass is spotless, and there is no sign of stains or marks on the original alloy wheels. The overall condition is consistent with the claimed odometer reading, and it appears this car needs nothing.
I’m sorry to sound like a broken record, but I continue to be frustrated by sellers listing cars of this caliber with sub-standard photos. That is the case with this Monte Carlo, with this representing the clearest of the interior shots. It reveals little beyond the odometer reading, but the seller supplies some information in the listing text. It is trimmed in Burgundy cloth and vinyl and is said to be in excellent condition. There is no wear or damage, and the headliner hasn’t developed the typical sagging appearance. The seller replaced the faulty original radio/cassette unit with a modern CD system but includes the repaired original for those wishing to reverse the change. It is nicely equipped, with the new owner receiving air conditioning, power windows, power locks, cruise control, and a leather-wrapped tilt wheel.
This is as close as we get to seeing this Monte Carlo’s engine, although the photo suggests the engine bay is spotless. All Aerocoupes received a 305ci V8 that sent 180hp to the road via a four-speed automatic transmission. Power assistance for the steering and brakes was standard fare, removing the physical effort for the driver. With 180hp and 225 ft/lbs of torque on tap, this Chevy covered the ¼-mile in 17 seconds. That figure is nearly half a second slower than a regular SS, although the additional 50 lbs carried by the Aerocoupe would have contributed to the difference. The seller claims this beauty has a genuine 3,800 miles on the clock but doesn’t mention supporting evidence. However, it has always been appropriately maintained. The existing tires are five years old, but they will ship the originals with the car. It runs and drives perfectly, ready to hit the road with a new owner behind the wheel.
There is a lot to like about this 1987 Monte Carlo SS Aerocoupe, and this is reflected in its bidding history. It has received twenty-two bids in under three days, suggesting people like what they see. The company only produced two-hundred examples of this variant in 1986 to qualify for NASCAR competition, but such was the public’s acceptance that the figure ballooned to 6,052 cars in 1987. The Aerocoupe has found its place in the classic market, consistently commanding a 20% premium above a “standard” SS. Plenty of time remains on this auction, and I believe the price should comfortably pass $30,000. Do you agree, or do you have another figure in mind?
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Comments
Rare or not, no way i’d pay extra (over the notchback Monte SS) for a less attractive version of the car.
I agree. I always thought these were ugly.
Agreed. Unremarkable design with dismal performance.
Not as ugly as the Pontiac version…
I understand the reason they did this but it doesn’t make it any less ugly, it totally ruins the lines of the car. If this was the regular version it would look great especially in this condition!
I got in a drag race with one and won! Yes won. What did I drive? 1985 Thunderbird turbo coupe. With a MANUAL!!! Hands down kicked it! Nobody could say different.
I would like to have the two in my collection for remembering how great NASCAR was.
What Matt said. It appears someone changed the coolant to Evans waterless coolant. Excellent idea for cars not driven. Never rusts. I had an 88 MC SS 30 years ago that looked this good. Sold it for $9,500. Same guy still has it. Someone put a late 60s to 1972 radiator cap on this beauty. It should have one with no ears. Minor thing, but when you are going pay far more than 30 large, it should be correct.
It’s neat because of it’s very low mileage and beautiful condition, but not worth anywhere near that much money. It’s condition is it’s only asset. It’s underpowered, will need attention under the hood every time it’s driven due to age, and no one would want to park it anywhere or put a lot of miles on it. It’s not a hot item, so for investment purposes, I wouldn’t bet on it. Pass.
This Nascar body deserves the proper treatment. GM V8 w manual trans, stout Corporate rear diff, and posi-trac.🏁
If you look at the picture of the odometer you will see the numbers do not line up makes me think been rooled back
I still own my numbers matching all original 87 SS Notchback since 88 with 106k and a recent resto. Been offered $25k for my head turner… nope staying in the family.
All of the Pontiacs were the same they were all silver with no clear coat, gray interior, and oddball striping old style firebird wheels 305 weak engine I just sold one last year that I bought new in 1987 an 86 model with 1800 mi on it and still had the manufacturer’s certificate of origin for $10,000 I only wish I’d have bought Apple stock with that $10,000 but at least I got my money back.
As long as you’re happy Bill B.
Ugly…plastic…underpowered!Don’t look now but it’s a aerocoupe.The price i had in mind is about 25k more than they’re asking for.
I know where you can get a 87 monte ss right now thats 10× better shape,44kmiles for only $21,500!!!That’s how i really know the 25k for this is out of line.even i know how to roll an odometer.or its rolled over on it’s own,138k miles?
For me, 180 HP is more than enough but many would disagree. Perhaps Chevy should have had the wisdom to offer a tuned 350. Perhaps the experience of the Buick GN coming so close to Corvette performance made them think twice about that idea. I also imagine there is great expense to certify with the EPA any engine changes and for such a limited number of cars, thought it was not worth it, but even taking a slight loss per vehicle but leaving a legend would have been worth it.
In 1984 there was a 350 powered monte carlo ss that came with a 4spd manual.but it was sold in mexico only.
With these LOW MILES – cars such as this one are really “Trophy Cars “. You don’t want to drive them, just look at them. That’s what a museum is for . Unless – you have a lot of money . If I did I would buy this car ( which is totally awesome) and I would drive it , show it , and thoroughly enjoy it . I would not expect this car to appreciate and eventually give it to my nephews or charity. Great article. Good luck.
If it was truly low miles it would not be on eBay. It would be on bat.
Red flag for me is the zero rated bidder bidding up the price on this car… Always thought the Aero was an ugly duckling and still do. The straight window is so much nicer.
Hmmm… no pics of the interior or engine either…
No documentation of miles (the digits don’t line up…a sure sign of a rollback in the ’70s and ’80s..plus the odometer digits look messed up as well). If miles were real, the seller would include pics from every angle of the exterior, and the interior as well. And he or she would be offering it at BJ or Mecum….not ebay.
something is fishy there. with the digits not lining up
GEE! 17 second quarter mile?!! It’s probably a second or 2 faster than a Pinto. 25k? No thanks! I can think of a lot better choices for this money.
4 owners and 3,800 miles? Either it is total B.S. or super sad.