4-Speed Manual! 1970 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
The Monte Carlo joined the Chevrolet line-up in 1970, the latest entry in the “personal luxury car” segment. It borrowed its platform from the Pontiac Grand Prix and shared a few styling cues with the mid-size Chevelle Malibu. Because the Monte Carlo focused on creature comforts, most left the factory with a Turbo-Hydramatic automatic transmission. Some were ordered with a 4-speed manual transmission, but they were usually paired with the new 454 cubic inch V8. This Monte Carlo has a 350.
Sales would grow year by year, especially during the “Colonnade” years of 1973-77 when Monte Carlo production would top 400,000 units in a single year (and during the aftermath of the OPEC oil embargo). A typical Monte Carlo had a bench seat, column-shifted transmission, and a host of power accessories. The seller’s edition has bucket seats, a console, and also a cadre of power accessories. So, if you wanted to add a little spice to your new Monte Carlo in 1970, this example may have fit the bill perfectly.
The mileage on this car is 117,000, but the vehicle runs well and looks nicer than the odometer suggests. So, if the paint was redone, the interior reworked, and the drivetrain stepped up, we wouldn’t be surprised. A Hurst shifter is onboard, a different steering wheel is in place, gauges have been added, and the Rally wheels are the wider ones found on a Chevy Corvette of the same era.
Why buy a 1970 Chevelle SS 350 clone when you can have a more interesting car like this Monte Carlo? The only rust appears to be of the surface variety on the trunk floor and that’s about it. Located in Louisville, Kentucky, this Chevy is available here on craigslist where the seller is asking $26,000. Chances are you won’t find too many like this one at Cars & Coffee. We have Tony Primo to thank for this cool tip!
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Comments
Montes were really nice cars, kind of Chevys rendition of the GentlePERSONS cruiser. Like the GP, or Riv, yet more on the bargain end. Monte Carlos NEVER had 4 speeds, none that I ever saw, however, it does make sense. Like the Cordoba was for Mopar punks that grew up, some, and the Monte Carlo filled those same shoes, so a 4 speed would attract buyers. I bet many traded in their Chevelle drag cars for one. And the transition began,usually thanks to a gal. The next car was a wagon.
Montes attract a wide variety of buyers today, most I hate to say, would want an automatic, but plenty of gear grinders out there yet. It’s a really nice car. I say this everytime, must be a female dog to have to sell it.
http://www.lov2xlr8.no/brochures/chevy/70monte/bilder/7.jpg
Brochure shows 4 spd was available. I have never seen one either. Probably as rare as a Chrysler 300 with a 3rd pedal.
Luxury and a 3rd pedal, what’s not to love.
I had a 4-speed 1970 with a 400. The 454 was NOT available with a 4-speed.
Wrong Howard, a friend had one in 1971. Just like the one pictured on gray. I have never seen another one. Rare combination for sure. When you could order a car the way YOU wanted it.
Only the SS454 Monte Carlo’s couldn’t be ordered with a 4spd. You could get one with a 350 or 396/402. They aren’t common, but they can be found.
Steve R
I’ve always like these,& got to drive my friend’s fathers
1971.Very nice looking & comfortable.
I think that the ’71 had the best looking front end on it,
compared to the ’70 – ’72.
Replied to wrong comment, sorry
From what I have read no 4 speeds came behind the 454, only 402’s and 350’s were available the 4 speed. I have seen 1 350 4 speed Monte and it was not for sale at that time. The guy that owned it knew it was rare and but that car was rough, complete but rough. No idea where it is now.
I’ve read that too, no 454 with a 4-speed. I don’t know why that was, because you could get an SS 454 Chevelle. There were SS versions of the Monte Carlo as well, but this one doesn’t seem to be an SS. Strangest one I ever saw was a 70-72 (not sure of year) that had a 350 with a 3-on-the-tree. That was back in about ’75 and it was rough then so i’m sure its gone by now.
In addition, the 454 was an LS5. There were no 450 HP MCs.
Monte Carlo with a 3-on-the-tree? Now that is weird!
Though we toss around the term “rare” all the time, this car really fits the bill. Not a fan of the steering wheel but that’s an easy fix. Will interesting to hear how this car can be improved.
I certainly enjoyed my 70 Monte long ago. This is a nice example, but my is it yellow.
I saw one once in my hometown, it was a black SS with a four speed and if I remember correctly it was a 454, only one I have ever seen with a four speed.
My friend ordered a 1970 Monte Carlo SS454/450hp, 4-Speed, triple Black, with buckets.
The window sticker was still in the window when he showed me the car.
Doubtful…as none were ever built.
Small block, 4 speed, ps, pb, a/c and a straight body. This seems like good value for a fair price.
My father purchased a new Monte Carlo in 1970, I believe it had a 350/300 hp. Bucket seats, 3 speed automatic trans. Color was gold exterior with black interior. Man that car was quick.
My Brother had a 70 SS, Steel Blue with Black Vyn top. 4 speed. Full hub caps in which he changed to chrome Slots back in the day. Not sure of the engine size. I was 5 or 6 at the time. Same interior as this one. I just remember the rumble on it. Memories
Nope, never happened, sorry.
Barn finds amazingly can find the most interesting cars for sale & while that’s subjective, this car with a 4 speed 1 gen car to me is a top 5 all time great. If I could just hit the Lotto! Keep up the good work barn finds, continue to preach to the choir!
I had a ’72 350 monte loaded bought in ’86 for 2500 had skirts it was willow color with tan gut loaded had 28k miles ,owned it for 8 years ,sold it with 56 k on it and I knew of 2 ’70 s that were 402 4 SPD . Very fun in a big car.
My parents ordered a 1973 Monte Carlo with a 3spd column standard shift, my Dad didn’t want to pay extra for the 4-speed in the floor, that was in Tulsa Oklahoma at then Swinson Chevrolet, with bench seat and hubcaps.
Big Plus: No vinyl top, 4-speed. Minus: Yellow. Nice car, but paint’s so damn expensive…
I had a 1975 with a 454 auto. I think it was rated around 225 hp somewhere
Experts have long maintained that there were no Monte Carlos built with a 454 and a 4-speed. There were also no LS-6 Monte Carlos. Every time one of these come up, the anecdotes about someone’s buddy or family member having a 4-speed 454 Monte Carlo. The stories may be true, but odds are strong that the cars weren’t built that way.
You are right. There are enough of those stories that at least a couple would survived and could be documented.
Steve R
Bought my 1st 1970 in 1978, sold it and bought my 1972 in 1980, Still have it and 1 more 1972, Love these cars !!
https://www.firstgenmc.com/forums/index.php
Has all of the production numbers on 3-Speeds, 4-Speeds and Powerglides.
1970
3-Speed Manual 545
4-Speed Manual 1,428
-With Turbo-Fire 350 or 400 V8 839
-With Turbo-Jet 400 V8 589
Powerglide Automatic 7,507
1971
3-Speed Manual 280
4-Speed Manual 349
Powerglide Automatic 2,056
1972
3-Speed Manual Transmission 342
Powerglide Automatic Transmission 576
No 4-Speeds
I was a proud owner of a 1970 Monte, I bought used in 1980 off the original owner who was like an older brother to me. Both grew up in the same neighborhood, both families were very close, he came out of the Navy and worked 12 years for my Dad driving truck. He special ordered a luxury model, with silk like cloth interior with power bench seat with arm rest front and rear, so he could sit close to the girl he ended up marrying. Also ordered the 300hp350/4brl dual exhaust TH 350, with 3:42 posi, handling performance package that included full installation including nice big tach where the clock normally went, set in a nice wood grain dash and matching door skins. In dark metallic grey with black vinyl top and yea cruiser style rear fender skirts painted to match with the lower stainless trim. That car was very comfortable especially at speed on the highway, easily hitting 126 mph at 4,800 rpm’s. While getting there quicker than a good friends 1970 Torino GT 390. Another friend of mine had a beautiful red 454 SS Monte in all red in an out! That would literally walk away from mine, but instead of getting 12-20 mpg, he got 8-15!
just saw 2 go through mecum with 4spds