1977 Chevrolet Monte Carlo

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 1977 Monte is a functional cruiser in need of some TLC. An unrestored original car that presents with some body and interior issues but is still a good driver, you simply won't find more muscle and luxury for the money!

Exterior
Cream Gold paint, in what is most likely a respray, shows with invasive rust, particularly in the lower panels along with a few dings, dents and inclusions. However, the plastic body fillers are present and accounted for on both the front and rear. Plenty of brite work, and a white Landau vinyl top which has seen better days, drapes this '77 “Luxo-Mod”, (“Look! Up in the sky, it's a muscle car…no its a luxury car!). True to form, a 1977 second gen Monte Carlo through and through, it sports a long, long hood, and almost as long trunk deck. As an added bonus, a factory electric sunroof is on to give you some extra wind in your hair. All badging trim work and chromed bumpers are very clean and dimple and rust free. Another frown for the bottom side of the doors as they present with surface rust and the beginnings of invasive cancer. 15-inch rally wheels and raised white letter tires are noted on all 4 corners.

Interior
White is the color for the interior, and it encompasses not only the seats but the door panels and headliner. Vinyl buckets, with overstuffed bolsters in bright white, are up front and present with some soiling and rips, particularly at the seams and in the rear a sprawling bench matches the buckets but presents with no tears. The door panels are lightly soiled vinyl and plastic coverings with all working cranks and a toggle for the exterior mirror. A black vinyl padded dash covers the passenger side, and faux burl veneer fronts the dash from centerline to driver's door. Some gauges reside within the burl while others flank the main instruments and are mounted in black plastic. A standard GM Monte Carlo steering wheel fronts the dash. Air conditioning, a clock and the factory AM/FM radio are also present. Black carpet, showing very well with only minor soiling, is beneath all the seating. A lightly stained tight white perforated headliner is above all this luxury and originality.

Drivetrain
Taking a gaze into the engine bay one sees an original blue block under a litany of hoses, ducting and wiring. This is a 350ci V8 engine, with a factory 4-barrel carburetor on top. A TH350 turbo 3-speed automatic transmission is on back and a 10-bolt rear axle finishes the drivetrain up nicely. The engine is well preserved and just a bit of patina, some surface rusting, and some minor corrosion can be seen throughout, and you have to love the half mile long fan shroud.

Undercarriage
Up on the lift we can see the meat of the operation from underside, we note power steering, power front disc brakes along with power drums on the rear. Single exhaust with a stock replacement muffler along with the usual suspects having some surface rust. The frame is sturdy, as are rockers and floor pans. Independent suspension with coil springs provide the ride in front, and 4 link with coil springs have the rear covered.

Drive-Ability
I love test driving these 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 with the exception of the A/C, as the belt has been removed.

The 77 Monte Carlo is easily the nicest A-Body car that General Motors ever produced due to it not looking like anything else on the road. This example, with its nice stance, original interior and original engine is complete and drivable but begging for your talented hand to restore it to its former glory. The admen had it right...First you can't take your eyes off it, then you can't take your hands off it.

VIN DECODE
1H57L7Z480384
1-Chevrolet
H-Monte Carlo
57-2 Door Hardtop Sport Coupe
L-350ci V8 4bbl 170hp
7-1977
Z-Fremont, CA Assy Plant
480384-Sequential Unit Number

TRIM TAG
ST 77 1AN57-1977 Monte Carlo 2 Door Hardtop Sport Coupe
BDY Z298296-Fremont Body #
TR 11W AT8 White Vinyl Buckets
PNT 50L 50U-Cream Gold
04D-4th Week April

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.