1974 Chevrolet Monte Carlo Landau

Over the past 105 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 classy Monte is a solid cruiser that's benefitted from careful use only on an as needed basis, and as a result has a mere 14,987 original miles. Loaded with options, a reverse tuxedo color combination, and the original build sheet are just some of the many endearing qualities this personal luxury/muscle car brings to the table. An unrestored, 2 owner, original car that presents very nicely, you simply won't find more muscle for the money!

Exterior
Classic White paint, original from the factory, plenty of brite work, and a white vinyl Landau top drapes this '74 “Luxo-Mod” (Look! Up in the sky, it's a muscle car!…no its a luxury car!..). 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. As a matter of fact, the only flaws we can see on the exterior are some areas of paint rub off on the hood and a few very small stone chips. Otherwise, all of the metal is laser straight, even with the undulating Colonnade body lines, and the gaps are well minded to factory specs. 14" turbine wheels are on all 4 corners and are wrapped in nearly new 225/70R14 whitewall rubber.

Interior
Black is the color for the original interior, and this is in vinyl form on the door panels with vertical stitching, a molded plastic and padded armrest and lots of chrome for the power window, power lock, door pull, and power mirror bezels and toggles. A combination of vinyl and cloth also in black make up the seating in the form of a front split bench and rear full bench have virtually no marks or stains and certainly no rips or tears. 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 a tachometer and gauge package upgrade, reside within the burl and auxiliary gauges in small round pods flank the burl, all mounted in black plastic. Standard GM Monte Carlo steering wheel fronts the dash. Air conditioning, an AM/FM/8 Track stereo, a tilt wheel, power steering, cruise control, and power brakes are installed. Black carpet, showing very well, is beneath all the seating and is protected by correct GM rubber mats. A nice tight black cloth headliner is above all this luxury and originality.

Drivetrain
Taking a gaze into the engine bay one sees a numbers matching orangish-red block, 400ci V8 engine, with a factory 4-barrel carburetor on top lurking under a multitude of supple hoses and wiring. A TH350 3-speed automatic transmission is on back and is numbers matching as well. All of this sends power back to an ACC stamped 10-bolt rear axle with 2.73 gears. The engine is well preserved and just a slight bit of dust and some minor corrosion can be seen throughout.

Undercarriage
Up on the lift we can see the meat of the operation from underside. The frame is sturdy, as are rockers and floor pans. Power disc brakes are on the front and power drum brakes adorn the rear wheels. Meanwhile, independent with coil springs in front, and 4 link with coil springs has the rear covered. Dual exhaust, appearing like new, is on to handle the removal of spent fossils via a pair of Xlerator mufflers.

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 save for the power window switches which work but do need a bit of fiddling with for them to actuate. All in all, a wonderful drive with ice cold A/C and a trip back in time.

The 74 Monte Carlo is easily the nicest A-Body car that General Motors ever produced. This example, with its great stance and deep rumble, all original paint and interior and a numbers matching drivetrain and you could not ask for anything else….well..you could and it delivers with super low mileage and a mere 2 owners. An almost new 48 year old car, now that's something to be said.

VIN DECODE
1H57U4B403983
1-Chevrolet
H-Monte Carlo
57-2 Door Hardtop Sport Coupe
U-400ci V8 4bbl 180hp LT4
4-1974
B-Baltimore, MD Assy Plant
403983-Sequential Unit Number

TRIM TAG
ST 71 1AH57-1974 Monte Carlo 2 Door Hardtop Sport Coupe
BDY B010671-Baltimore Body #
TR 705 A52-Black Cloth Bench
PNT 11A-Classic White, White Roof
09D-4th Week September Build

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 650 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.