By the time the smaller 3rd Generation Monte Carlo was launched in 1978, Chevrolet had a sales winner on its hands that was firmly established in the market. While the Sport Coupe was easily the volume seller, an impressive 141,461 buyers chose the Landau version. This ’78 Landau has been a part of the same family since new, and it has only accumulated 45,000 miles on its odometer in that time. The seller inherited the car from his mother when she passed away, and after five years in his hands, he has decided that it is time for it to head to a new family who will cherish it as much as his family has. Located in New Boston, Michigan, the Monte Carlo is listed for sale here on eBay. Bidding has reached $8,500, and with the reserve now met, that new family isn’t far away. I have to say a big thank you to Barn Finder Larry D for spotting this tidy classic for us.

When the original owner walked into her local Chevrolet dealership in 1978, it appears that she knew precisely what she wanted from her new car. She ordered the Monte Carlo finished in Dark Camel Metallic with a Beige vinyl landau-style top. It is a distinctive combination that is very much of its time, although it doesn’t look dated today. The seller admits that the paint has accumulated a few chips and marks throughout its life, but it is all original. It holds an impressive shine, and the vinyl top looks equally as tidy. The panels are beautifully straight, and there’s no evidence of rust problems. The original owner treated the underbody to rustproofing early in the car’s life, allowing it to remain structurally sound. The seller indicates that a few spots of surface corrosion are developing, so it might be worth the time and effort to address these before they can deteriorate further. The trim appears to be in good order, as do the original alloy wheels, I can’t spot any issues with the glass, and the overall impression that this car makes is pretty positive.

Classic cars will always have a story to tell, and if they have suffered a life of abuse, the interior is usually the first place that this shows. With the information that the seller provides, it is no surprise to find this interior is spotless. His mother replaced the factory radio with an aftermarket radio/cassette player, but otherwise, it is as it left the factory. The seats are upholstered in Tan chamois cloth, which can be prone to marks and stains. However, these seats look excellent, and the back seat looks like it has never been used. The remaining upholstered surfaces present equally well, as does the dash. The carpet might be slightly faded, but its condition is so good that I would struggle to justify replacing it. The only fault that the seller notes is that the air conditioning doesn’t blow cold. This could be something as simple as a service and recharge and would be well worth investigating. Other comfort features include power windows, a remote driver’s mirror, and a tilt wheel. That’s hardly a long list, but with the A/C returned to a working state, this interior would be a pleasant place to spend some time.

Potential buyers had a couple of engine choices when they ordered their new ’78 Monte Carlo, and this lady selected the 305ci V8. Bolted to the eight is a 3-speed automatic transmission, while power steering and power brakes are also part of this package. The 305 has never been renowned for its high-performance credentials, and this one should be producing 145hp. While that figure might not sound impressive, it was pretty competitive in the market of 1978. In this case, it should allow the car to cover the ¼ mile in around 17.8 seconds. The original owner used the vehicle sparingly throughout her life, and her son has continued this trend. That is why it has only accumulated 45,022 miles on its odometer. However, lack of use doesn’t equate to lack of maintenance. He has recently replaced the front discs and pads, along with the rear drums and shoes. He treated the original carburetor to a rebuild and fitted a new exhaust. A few other tasks have been completed, and the upshot of this attention is that this Monte Carlo runs and drives well. He suggests that the buyer replace the front tires due to their age, but otherwise, the Landau is ready to hit the road with a new owner behind the wheel.

This 1978 Monte Carlo Landau is a tidy survivor with no immediate needs. Its odometer reading is well below average, and its condition is impressive for an original survivor. There are a few tasks for the buyer to tackle, but there’s nothing that’s too complicated or likely to cost mega-bucks. The Monte Carlo Landau does not command a huge price in the classic market, making it a strong contender for someone shopping on a budget. Initial impressions might suggest that this is not a car that will turn heads, but you can be sure that it would receive a few favorable comments at a Cars & Coffee. Before you dismiss it out of hand, ask yourself when you last saw one as nice as this. That makes it worthy of a closer look.