Another Chevelle alternative

Yesterday's post about El Caminos got some positive feedback, so I thought I'd add another alternative for Chevy fans who can't find or afford the Chevelle of their dreams. Consider a Monte Carlo. After the phenomenal success of the down-sized ( from full-size to "A" body ) 1969 Pontiac Gran Prix, Chevrolet decided to get in on the act. Based on the Chevelle chassis, the Monte Carlo was introduced in 1970 to compete directly with the GP in the "Personal luxury car" niche. The body was great looking, and Cale Yarborough won a ton of NASCAR races in them. Power choices ranged from a 250 inch six-cylinder to a 454 V8. Transmissions ranged from 3 and 4-speed manuals to ( depending on engine size ) a Turbo 350 or Turbo 400 automatic. Very few six-cylinder versions exist, as most have 350 small-blocks with either a 2 or 4bbl carb under the hood. The 402 and 454 were optional as well. There are rumors that a few Montes got LS6 454s, but I have never seen one. All the Rat-motored Montes I ever saw were 402s or LS5 454s. As for transmissions, 95% are automatics, although I have seen a few 350 / 4-speed models, and at least one 454 / 4-speed version. The car was an instant hit, and the body and powertrain options ( except for lowered compression in 1971 ) remained the same through 1972. If you want a driver a Monte Carlo is a great buy. Most 1972 and earlier Chevelles and Malibus don't have factory A/C or power windows or tilt wheel or cruise control, and a lot of non-SS versions have 4-wheel drum brakes. All Monte Carlos have front disc brakes standard, and I don't ever recall seeing one without Air Conditioning. In 1973 all the GM "A" bodies were redesigned, and the Monte Carlo was about the best-looking of all of them. This bodystyle was the Scourge of Nascar in the late '70's. The 402 was dropped after 1972, but the 454 was still available until 1975. Most 1973-77 Montes have 350 motivation which certainly isn't a bad thing. Or a Rat will swap in easily. In 1978 the GM mid-sizes were downsized, including the Monte Carlo. The standard engine was now a V6, but the 305 and 350 V8s were optional until 1980. 1981 and later models had the 305 as the largest engine. In 1984 The Monte Carlo SS package was introduced which included a special "Aero" nose and bodywork and special graphics and wheels, and a four speed automatic, and 3.42 or 3.73 rear end gears. This package was immensely popular and lasted until the "G" bodies went front drive in 1988. The good thing about Montes of any year is that they usually had more options and are better taken care of than their Chevelle / Malibu brothers, are priced less, and any aftermarket suspesnsion or brake upgrades that fit the Chevelles will fit a Monte Carlo. I had a 72 Monte Carlo in college, and I loved it. You might too, and forget all about buying a Chevelle. Mastermind