This Monte Carlo Is a Time Capsule of ’80s Racing Nostalgia
With only 3,375 miles, original Goodyear tires, and a $40,000 asking price, this 1987 Chevy Monte Carlo SS Aerocoupe is a standout collector car.
Chevy’s Long Running Coupe
The Monte Carlo hasn’t been part of the Chevy lineup for going on 20 years, but its legacy casts a long shadow. Particularly in relatively rare Aerocoupe form. Named for the ritzy Monaco principality, Chevy’s coupe was in production between 1970 and 2007, with a brief hiatus in the early 90s.
Originally pitched as a personal luxury car, the Monte Carlo SS is likely what most enthusiasts remember it for. Especially given the role it played in NASCAR throughout the 70s, with greats like Dale Earnhardt and Richard Petty behind the wheel.
Of the six Monte Carlo generations that saw production, today we’re zeroed in on the 4th-gen car that Chevy built from 1981 through 1988. Featuring smoother body lines that its predecessor, these Monte Carlos saw a wide range of powertrains, including a turbocharged V6 and a 5.7L diesel V8.
But, it is the classic 5.0L small-block, naturally aspirated V8 that stands tallest among these mills. In high output spec, this 4-barrel V8 was good for 180 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. That may not sound like much in 2026, but at the time, it was enough to create what Bowtie brand fans might consider one of the greatest homologation cars ever conceived.
The Aerocoupe Fastback: Built for Speed
At the time, the Monte Carlo was dominating NASCAR’s superspeedways, but competition like the Ford Thunderbird didn’t make it easy. So, as part of its aim to win another consecutive manufacturer’s cup, Chevy unveiled the Monte Carlo SS Aerocoupe in 1986. Sporting a fastback-like rear glass window raked at a 25° angle, clipped trunk, and trimmed rear decklid spoiler, the Aerocoupe was built for high-speed running.
Like the SS on which it was based, the F41 sport suspension, 4-speed automatic transmission, and 15” aluminum wheels were part of the deal. But that convex glass helped cut the coefficient of drag from 0.375 to 0.365 as the overall design was more effective at creating clean air off the back of the car versus its notchback stablemate.
In that first year, only 200 Aerocoupes were built as part of a conversion process handled by Cars & Concepts in Michigan that met NASCAR’s minimum homologation rule. Demand was high, however, so another 6,052 were built the following year. And that was it, as the Lumina was slated to take over Chevy’s NASCAR aspirations.
This 1987 Monte Carlo SS Aerocoupe is pure ’80s
Considering some 154,000 Monte Carlo SS’ were built during 4th-generation production, the Aerocoupe is a fairly rare car. Coupled with its deep NASCAR roots, and mint examples have become rather collectible. Like today’s cool car find, which is an absolute time capsule of an Aerocoupe.
Retaining its original seat plastic and a window sticker showing a $14,588 original sales price, this 1987 Monte Carlo SS Aerocoupe shows just 3,375 miles and has been with the same family from new. Even the Goodyear Eagle GT tires are factory-original pieces!
Finished in the iconic black with red graphics scheme, this Aerocoupe was optioned with power windows and locks, air conditioning, and a power trunk release. The Cars & Concepts door jamb sticker is in place and the maroon cloth cabin features front bucket seats and a center console.
Currently listed for $40,000, this Aerocoupe survivor shows just how serious the market for these short-lived Chevy’s has become. Prone to being modified, it’s not easy to find examples of the Aerocoupe in this kind of preserved condition. For the diehard Chevrolet fan who appreciates the automaker’s NASCAR history, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better Aerocoupe to add to the collection.
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