1971 Chevrolet Monte Carlo

1971 Chevrolet Monte Carlo Hardtop After six generations, nearly 40 years of production, dozens of special editions, Chevrolet ended the Monte Carlo line in 2007. It began in 1970 when GM decided to stretch the A-body platform in front of the firewall creating a long nose, which Pontiac had proven with its Grand Prix which outsold the larger B-body cars. This long hood layout would eventually become its own platform known affectionately and internally as G-bodies. For consignment, a 1971 Chevrolet Monte Carlo hardtop showing 29,248 miles, but the true miles are unknown. This baby packs a 454 cubic inch V8, but it's the exterior, clean presentation that stopped us in our tracks. Based on our experience, Monte's have an enthusiastic following and good ones don't last long at the mall. So, brush up on your Evelyn Wood speed reading skills and then put Classic Auto Mall on speed dial! Exterior Fourteen colors were available for the Monte in 1971, and this one is bathed in two stage Mulsanne Blue which was applied just over a year ago. In the center of the grated black grille is the Corinthian helmet, (similar to the Spartan helmet), and flanked by single round headlights with rounded cornered bezels. The black vinyl top is in great condition and retains a border of blue around the front and sides, set back from the metal window frame and having a frame of its own. The chrome bumpers, door handles, side mirror, and other metal trim are in excellent shape and the 15-inch Chevrolet Rally wheels need nothing. Simple vertical tail lights are distinctive and canted forward, a field mark that eliminates confusion with any other car while the reverse lights and front parking lights are integrated into the chrome bumpers. Imperfections include some inconsistent black on the grille, some fading of the silver coating on the Monte Carlo emblem out back, chipping paint near the wrap around bumper, bubbling near a gap line, rusting and chipping or bubbling paint below the rocker panel, bubbling under the vinyl top on a window trim edge, numerous areas of bubbling under the vinyl top at the C-pillars and trailing edges. Interior Black vinyl patterned door panels on both doors present in excellent condition with a black armrest and door pull with silver accents blending with the silver window crank, the driver's door showing some wear on the kick panel. Bucket seats continue the pattern of black vinyl stitched and button back design in very nice condition. The back bench continues the seat theme of near showroom condition. The 4 spoke steering wheel is also in great shape and leads to a flow of burlwood applique which rides over the dashboard where gauges are neatly arranged with some typical fading of the silver painted edge. A Sharp AM/FM/Cassette radio is in the dash below the climate controls topped by a pair of vents, followed by a triple gauge pod mounted under the dash. The always enjoyable horseshoe shifter lives in the center console with large indicator numbers on the face framed in more simulated wood. Black loop carpet covers the floor and is protected by carpeted mats embroidered with Monte Carlo SS, and the black headliner with shoulder belts look factory fresh. A black rubber is in the otherwise bare trunk along with a covered spare tire. Drivetrain Pop the red hood and we find a clean, rebuilt and non original 454 cubic inch topped with 4-barrel carburetor and a chrome air cleaner cover with a decal indicating 365 horsepower. A rebuilt circa 1969 TH400 3-speed automatic transfers the ponies to the 12 bolt axle and pulling the reins on the herd entails pumping the power brakes with discs on the front wheels and drums in the rear. Undercarriage Generally clean and driver quality underneath with some of the typical surface rust and very little dampness of any kind. The polished rear differential cover is cool, but could use a replacement due to some pitting rust spots. Dual exhaust comes off the headers