1974 Chevrolet Monte Carlo

1974 Chevrolet Monte Carlo

Over the past 107 years, Chevrolet has built such a vast empire of lovable offerings that some of them just seem to get overlooked. Possibly the most substantial victim of that unfortunate phenomenon is the storied Monte Carlo. Introduced in 1970, and proudly parked in over half a million driveways during its first three years of production, the brand\'s personal luxury coupe was decidedly cool. And, not as ostentatious as a Corvette or as boorish as a Camaro, the car spent most of its life as the poster child for evolving automotive tastes.

This consignor stated one owner classy Monte is a solid cruiser that\'s benefitted from careful use only on an as needed basis, and as a result a mere 24,257 miles have been accrued on the odometer, but an exempt status on the title keeps us from stating the miles are original. A laundry list of maintenance has recently been performed including fluid changes, a rebuilt fuel system, and some brake work. An unrestored original car that presents very nicely, you simply won\'t find more luxury and style for the money.

Exterior
Silver Taupe Metallic paint, done right from the factory, plenty of brite work, and a black vinyl Landau top drape this \'74 \"Luxo-Mod\" (Look! Up in the sky, it\'s a muscle car!...no its a luxury car!..). The only paint work performed was due to scratches incurred during shipping causing the hood and trunk lid to be repainted. We note clearcoat has been applied over the faded area of the aforementioned panels. True to form 1974 second gen Monte Carlo through and through, it sports a long, long hood, and almost as long trunk deck. All badging trim work and chromed bumpers are very clean and dimple and rust free. A slight frown for the landau top which shows some areas of the wear and splitting of the vinyl, though the top remains rust free underneath. Rally wheels and tires are noted on all 4 corners, but we do note a 205/75R15 tire on the driver\'s front while the other tires are 225/75R15\'s

Interior
Black is the color for the interior, and this is exactly the material this Monte was born with. Black vinyl covers the optional swivel bucket seats with virtually no marks or stains and certainly no rips or tears and the rear bench follows suit and appears to never have been sat in. Running between the buckets is a black plastic console with a small glovebox at the rear, the automatic shifter, and 2 storage cubbies at the front just under the dash. The door panels are very clean vinyl covered with all working cranks, a black leather pull, and even the ashtray for the rear passenger. A black vinyl padded dash covers the passenger side, and faux burl veneer fronts the dash from centerline to driver\'s door. All gauges, which are the standard layout, reside within the burl and outboard on each side are twin warning light pods and a clock. Standard GM Monte Carlo steering wheel with more faux burl fronts the dash. Heat and A/C controls reside in the center of the dash and just below is factory AM/FM radio. Original black carpet, showing very well, is beneath all the seating. A nice tight black cloth headliner is above all this luxury and originality.

Drivetrain
Taking a gaze into the cavernous engine bay one sees the original orangish-red block, 350ci V8 engine, with a rebuilt factory 2-barrel carburetor on top. A 350 Turbo Hydramatic automatic transmission is on back and sends power to the 10-bolt 2.73 geared rear axle. The engine is well preserved and just a slight bit of dust and some minor corrosion can be seen throughout, and we note a new radiator and master cylinder.

Undercarriage
Up on the lift we can see the meat of the operation from underside, and note power steering, power front disc brakes and power rear drums, a new single exhaust system and the usual suspects having some surface rust. The frame is sturdy as are rockers and floor pans. Independent with coil springs in front, and a 4 link with coil springs has the rear covered. Nothing but black and patina under here along with a new fuel tank, sending unit and fuel hoses.

Drive-Ability
I love test driving these low mileage large Detroit iron cars, and this one left me with a smile on my face. It fired right up, idled without a trace of being on, and took off in a flash. It is a very smooth ride, with nice acceleration and decent handling. All functions were indeed...functioning and as a larger framed individual I took full advantage of the swivel bucket seats for entry and exit.

The 74 Monte Carlo is easily the nicest A-Body car that General Motors ever produced with its flowing lines and body bulges. This example, with its great stance and glorious lines, almost all original paint, original interior and the original drivetrain and you could not ask for anything else....well...you could and it delivers with purported super low mileage. An almost new 48 year o

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