1983 Chevrolet Monte Carlo Convertible

In 1976 there was a mass exodus of auto manufacturers to rid themselves of the convertible as an offering in their lineups. Due to life moving at a faster pace, speed limits up, most cars coming through with an A/C option, and the litigious nature of the American Public it was essentially a forgotten option for a time period between 1976, and 1983. Enter creative teams like Chapel Hill Conversions who actually are responsible for 12 Monte Carlo Convertibles from the 1983 model lineup, and a few other aftermarket converters, and the resurgence became a grassroots movement that eventually led to convertible being a viable option in all lineups.

For consignment, a one of 12 conversions by the Chapel Hill Conversion company who took it upon themselves to chop the tops off of 12 1983 Monte Carlos and we give you one of those examples. Otherwise the standard Monte Carlo Model from 1983, and ready to turn the key and enjoy the airflow!

Exterior
From 1983 square and rectangle design from GM for this Monte. Panels are straight, paint is good, and it is white and a respray. A rearward facing hood scoop is on this bonnet, all black trimmings for the surrounds and decal badging, neoprene integrated body matching bumpers front and rear, and a front spoiler in black give it a racy look. Sleek from the top chopped it is topless, and literally so, as the top is currently in un-useable condition and will need replacing for the frame and canvas. For what it's worth it was burgundy canvas to add to the color scheme of the interior of this car which presents in burgundy velour. 15-inch cast snowflake styled wheels are wrapped by blackwall tires on all 4 corners.

Interior
A swing of the doors and we see molded vinyl panels, some tuck and roll and lower burgundy carpeting peppered with shiny toggles for windows, power locks and a mirror joystick, as well as the lock golf tee on the sill. Inside tufted broadcloth velour in deep red covers the inserts of the wide comfy seats. Burgundy vinyl is on the bolsters and s chrome trim piece is at either side of these chairs as an accent. A rear bench is present and accounted for and also looking good. These chairs are all floating in a sea of black carpeting in good condition. A burgundy molded plastic dash with a black instrument cluster dash front insert and all original rally gauge package gauges is fronted by an NRG rally steering wheel wrapped in red thread stitched leather. A/C is within the confines of a center panel in square format, as well as an aftermarket JVC AM/FM/CD radio. Without the presence of the black tonneau cover you can see the work done to complete the transformation to the convertible.

Drivetrain
Under the hood within the confines of an unrestored but clean engine bay sits a 305ci V8 topped with a single 4-barrel Edelbrock carburetor and backed by a TH350 3-speed automatic transmission. The rear axle gladly accepts this mill and tranny combo of power and is a 10-bolt 2.29 cruiser rear axle.

Undercarriage
Some surface rust on the frame can be seen as well as patina and some road dirt throughout. Power disc brakes for the front and power drums for the back and headers from this engine snake rearward through a stainless steel exhaust system.

Drive-Ability
A quick starter, and good acceleration with the 4 BBL Edelbrock topper this car handled the test track and all its paces with ease. Snappy braking, and smooth cornering with little roll even with the structural mods that took place from the conversion. It was nice to have the wind in my hair and the sun on my bald spot! I did notice the A/C was not working, and after further inspection there are some functioning parts removed.

From 1983 The Chevrolet Monte Carlo Convertible …and that's a term not often heard or seen. Looks are good on the paint front, and the interior is clean and original from 1983. Top will need replaced, but a mechanically sound, rarely seen version.

VIN DECODE
1G1AZ37H2DR246906
1-USA
G-General Motors
1-Chevrolet
A-Manual Belts
Z-Monte Carlo
37-2 Door Coupe
H-5.0L V8 145hp
2-Check Digit
D-1983
R-Arlington, TX Assy Plant
246906-Sequential Unit Number

TRIM TAG
06A-1st Week June Build
ST 6737-Monte Carlo 2 Door Coupe
BDY R122791-Arlington Body #
TR 77E-Maroon
PNT 11-White

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.