42k-Mile Survivor: 1979 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
One of the most popular cars of the 1970s was the Chevrolet Monte Carlo. It was Chevy’s entry into the personal luxury car market and would set a sales record in 1977 at more than 411,000 units. The machines were downsized in 1978 and demand was still strong since interior space wasn’t compromised. This 1979 Monte Carlo is said to have just 42,500 miles and comes with some original paperwork. Just charge up the factory A/C and you may be ready for summer cruising! Located in Circleville, Ohio, this Bow-Tie is available here on craigslist for $17,500. Another GM tip was brought to us by Mitchell G.!
In response to the rise in gas prices in 1973 (OPEC oil embargo), GM began a “right-sizing” program in 1977 with its full-size automobiles. The intermediates followed in 1978, including the Monte Carlo. The car shed some 800 pounds and 15 inches in length so smaller engines could be used (consuming less fuel in the process). While a V6 was standard equipment, a small-block V8 was common, and a 305 cubic inch 8-cylinder may be in the seller’s car.
We don’t know much about this Monte other than it came from Kansas City and has low mileage. It looks to have been well-kept with only one small ding above the headlight on the driver’s side. Otherwise, the bronze paint and vinyl top look okay and the matching vinyl interior is at least up to pair (though the floorboards contain papers and bottles). The seller says it’s in “like new” condition which might be a bit ambitious.
Besides the A/C needing attention, everything else works but the dash clock. It looks like a solid car and one of 317,000 that were built in 1979. The seller hopes that no one planning on “modifying or cutting it apart after the sale” will take it home. I know I wouldn’t spend $17,500 just to ruin it. A car like this is best left alone and driven on weekends as a nice example of how Detroit automobiles used to be.
Auctions Ending Soon
2006 Ford Mustang Saleen S281 SCBid Now11 hours$15,000
2002 Subaru Impreza WRXBid Now3 days$333
1975 Chevrolet Corvette ConvertibleBid Now3 days$3,000
1964 Ford F-100 Camper CustomBid Now3 days$2,000
2006 Jeep Wrangler SportBid Now5 days$10,500
Comments
Apparently 23 days on the market no one is planning on spending $17,500 to leave it alone. Unfortunately, it’s a bland car in a bland color with damage to the passenger front fender and an AC than doesn’t work. The asking price would be aggressive without those problems. There are too many other cars from that era in similar shape to to justify considering this car, maybe if it were someone’s dream car, but there aren’t many/if any of them out there.
It’s a nice car that would probably find a buyer sub-five figure.
Steve R
Started selling Chevy’s in the fall of ‘77 and remember the shock and dismay when the downsized ‘78 was introduced. But, the new smaller gen drove well and were good sellers. I still prefer the ‘77 however.
This one appears to be an entry level trim and the rally wheels don’t do it justice. The Landau trim with a nicer interior, and either the turbine wheels or wire caps is much more desirable IMO.
The only NEW car I ever bought was a triple black 77 Monte Carlo. It was THE best of Monte Carlo! Long story short, list on 77 was $6,500. When I saw the 78 revision, I decided to keep my 77. 78 listed for close to $9,000 as a loaded car. But so much less of everything for so much more in price!👎
Had one just like it. It was slow with the 305, the styling was ugly, I couldn’t stand it.
No way 17 grand , slug, ugly, dirty inside , missing center cap, air needs repair. No way. And I had one, disliked it.
I always thought these A bodies were ugly and underpowered, but it’s neat to see one in nice shape with low mileage, and the sticker that it came with. The price, though, is way too high. It’s worth less than half what he’s asking. I hope it eventually finds a good home.
G body
These show up on YouTube with a turbo LS setup just smoking the tires going sideways ! So obviously a good setup for that.
My brother retires in 11 days. He had two of these in college. I would consider something like this as a retirement gift. Just not at that price. Just not collectible
I was never fond of this body style, I always thought it was short and stubby. When they came out with the 83-84? similar to the Grand Prix I thought those were nicer because they looked bigger. No way is this one worth 17G’s though.
I have always Iiked the 70’s cars including the GM’s 78-79. I haven’t cared much about popular opinions, I have my own. I always liked the 305 and since the idea is to drive from point A to point B. Then it was fine with me. Although I’m not fond of this color I do like the car itself. It would have been better to clean it out before the pics though. My favorite was the 78 Regal but Montes were ok.
I try real hard to find positive in all cars -this generation of GM intermediate drove and handled very well, but in my opinion this body style is ugly from every angle.
40k miles with zero documentation, just take my word for it.
Not an attractive car in any color. Kinda the beginning of the end