Introduction: The Chevrolet Monte Carlo was introduced in 1970 at the height of GM muscle car power. Positioned as a personal luxury car, the Monte Carlo competed against the Pontiac Grand Prix and Buick Riviera for the gentlemen's performance market. However, right after its introduction, performance fell out of favor in Detroit and its short life as a muscle car ended almost as soon as it began.

1970 Chevrolet Monte Carlo (first generation 1970-72)

Comments: The 1970 Monte Carlo was introduced on September 18, 1969, but drew only a cool reception from enthusiast magazines who were still caught up in muscle car mania. But the Monte Carlo, which was only available as a four person luxury two door coupe, was a hit with buyers, who snatched up 145,975 examples. Monte Carlos were based on the Chevelle but rode on an 116 inch wheelbase and had the longest hood ever fitted onto a Chevrolet. All Monte Carlos came with at least a 350 cubic inch V8, but any big block Chevelle engine was available. At the top was the Monte Carlo SS454, which 3,823 buyers snatched up, which came with the mighty Chevy 454 block. The SS45 package, option Z20, included the 454 big block engine, a heavy duty suspension, "SS454" badging on the rocker panels and deck lid, a remote control sport mirror, thin black rocker panel stripes, heavy-duty battery, automatic level control suspension, air shocks, dual chrome exhaust extensions, 15x7 inch Rally wheels, and GTO-15B white stripe tires. The vast majority of the SS454 came with the LS-5 454 engine, rated at 350 bhp. But about 10 were snuck out of the factory with the LS-6 454 engine, rated at 450 bhp. A very few four speed Monte Carlo SS454s were made too.
Production: SS454: 3,823
Engines: 454 V8 360 bhp, 500 lb-ft @ 3,200 rpm. 454 V8 450 bhp.
Performance: 454/360: 0-60 in 7.7 seconds, 1/4 mile in 16.2 seconds @ 90 mph.

1971 Chevrolet Monte Carlo

Comments: For 1971, a blacked-out rear body panel was added to the SS package, along with a heavy-duty front and rear suspension, front and rear stabilizer bars and dash control knobs with international symbols. Some, but not all, had a new rubber rear bumper insert. Despite falling horsepower ratings for other GM motors in 1971, the LS-5 454 actually was rated at 365 bhp, an increase of 5 bhp. A handful of Monte Carlos were ordered with the LS-6 454, down rated to "only" 425 bhp. 
Production: SS454: 1,919
Engines: 454 V8 365 bhp. 454 V8 425 bhp.
Performance: 454/365: 0-60 in 7.7 seconds, 1/4 mile in 16.2 seconds @ 90 mph.

Second Generation (1973- 1977)

The 1973 Chevrolet Monte Carlo had a drastic change in body design as well as interior changes and suspension upgrades.  The body design was the "largest" of all Monte Carlos in exterior dimensions.  Rounded, flowing fenders and a long hood were the main features. Single round headlamps were again used. Bumpers now met the federal 5 mph standard. The interior was redesigned and both cloth and vinyl trims were available. New for 1973 were swivel bucket seats that turned outward ninety degrees for ease of entry and exit of the vehicle. Overall, there were three trim levels available: the base coupe, Monte Carlo S and the Landau. The base coupe Monte Carlo came standard with a 350 cubic inch V-8
and 3-speed manual transmission, although, again, the manual transmission was very rare. The S was the same as the base coupe, but with standard power steering and radial tires. The top-of-the-line Landau package included Landau badging, a special vinyl top, left and right hand sport mirrors and Turbine II aluminum wheels. A center console was available and the shifter for automatic
transmissions was a stick type with the release button on top. Optional engines included the 350 inch V-8 with 4-barrei carburetor and the 454 V-8. 

For 1974, the Monte Carlo changed little from 1973.  No base coupe was offered this year, just the Monte Carlo S and Landau.  Minor exterior changes included revisions to the grille and taillamps and a reworked rear bumper. The interior was basically unchanged from 1973 except for the addition of standard shoulder restraint belts, in accordance with federal law.  Among the engine choices for
1974 (which still included several versions of the 350 V-8 and a 454 V-8) was a new choice; the 400 cubic inch small-block V-8. This engine was available in 150 and 180 net horsepower versions with a 2 barrel and 4 barrel carburetor, respectively. A 3-speed manual transmission was shown as base equipment. As always in the Monte Carlo, a manual transmission was extremely rare.

1975 brought very few changes over 1974. Again, minor revisions were made to bumpers, exterior lighting and the Monte Carlo emblems. The interior trim remained the same except for a new split bench seat option. Engine choices remained the same and transmission choices still included a 3-speed manual. (Technically, the 3-speed manual was available but it is speculated that none may
have ever reached customers.)

The Monte Carlo for 1976 retained the same overall body style used from 1973-1975, but had a new look up front. Instead of single round headlamps, the 1976 sported dual, stacked, rectangular headlamps.  Once again the grille and taillamps were updated. Interior equipment was basically carry-over from 1975. The engine  option list was modified by dropping the 454 V-8 (never to appear in the Monte Carte again) and by adding a 305 V-8. An automatic transmission was made standard equipment and a manual transmission was not to be seen again until 1978.

1977 marked the final year of the "big" body style for the Monte Carlo. Very few changes were made to exterior or interior. The grille was slightly different, with the Monte Carlo medallion removed from the grille and changed into a hood ornament. Taillamps had added horizontal ribbing. Engine choices were cut down to a 305 V-8 and an optional 350 V-8. The automatic transmission was standard
equipment.

Third Generation (1978- 1980)

In 1978 the Monte Carlo underwent such major changes that the new style warranted the designation "third generation." The Monte Carlo was completely restructured; from it's new smaller, but still traditionally curved exterior, to it's shorter wheelbase and reconfigured frame and suspension. The front styling maintained a "Monte Carlo" look, but went back to single headlamps of a rectangular design. Bumpers were integrated into the body, covered with flexible polyurethane plastic and painted body color. The hood remained somewhat long, and the trunk somewhat short in the same style as previous years, but on a smaller scale. The 7978 model shaved approximately 500 pounds in weight from the 1977 model, and now offered a smaller, lighter, V-6 base engine. Along with the base Buick-built 231 cubic inch V-6 engine, a Chevrolet-built 305 cubic inch V 8 was offered. Transmission choices included a 3-speed manual, a 4-speed manual, and a 3-speed automatic. Like in previous years, the manual transmissions were rare. The interior of the new 1978 Monte Carte was restyled with an instrument panel design composed of a drivers “pod” for instrumentation,  and a low  mounted central “pod” containing the heater and air conditioner controls, cigar lighter, and audio system controls. This dash design would remain relatively unchanged through 1988. Also available was a center console.

Changes for 1979 were few. Minor cosmetic adjustments were made to the taillamps, headlamps, and grille. The interior remained virtually unchanged. There were new engines available for 1979, including a 267 cubic inch V-8 and a 200 cubic inch V-6. The 200 cubic inch V-6 was a Chevrolet designed engine entirely different from the Buick designed V-6 that was still available. (Quick visual identification hint: Chevrolet V-6 has distributor in rear: Buick V-6 has distributor in front.) The 305 cubic inch V-8 was given a 4 barrel carburetor and was the most powerful engine available for the year. The manual 3-speed transmission was still in the line-up, but was only available with the base 200 cubic inch V-6.
Ordering RPO code F41 gave the Monte Carlo a performance handling package that included heavy duty sway bars front and rear.

In 1980 the Monte Carlo retained the same overall "third generation" body lines, but added dual side-by-side headlamps and again refined the grille. The rest of the vehicle remained basically unchanged. Another engine was added to the list of those available: a turbocharged 231 cubic inch V-6 rated at 170 net horsepower. Along with the turbo engine came a small hood bulge labeled "TURBO" with a Chevrolet Bowtie emblem. The previous year’s 200 cubic inch V-6 was increased
in displacement to 229 cubic inches. Gone for good in the Monte Carlo was the manual transmission.

Fourth Generation (1981- 1988)

1981 brought about the fourth generation of Monte Carlo. Although the car kept the same general frame, suspension and drivetrain, the body was redesigned completely. The curved body lines of the third generation model were smoothed and straightened. Side body panels still featured the classic Monte Carlo curves, but they were much subdued. The car had a sharp squared look. Although the
1981 model may have appeared somewhat larger than the third generation models, it was not. Weight stayed roughly the same. The front seemed to narrow into a wedge-type shape. The rear contained vertical tailamps and a raised deck. Front and rear bumpers were again molded into the body. The interior contained similarly styled door and quarter panels, and the instrument remained the same,
overall. Powertrain choices again included the turbocharged 231 V-6 and all engines received Computer Command Control. The 1982 Monte Carlo continued with the same body style as 1981 and had very few changes. As happened every previous year, the grille was updated.

Otherwise, it was difficult to tell a 1982 from a 1981. Added to the list of available engines for the year was a diesel engine; taken off the list was the turbocharged V-6. An automatic transmission remained standard equipment. The 1983 model year brought big news for Monte Carlo buyers: the return of the
Super Sport “SS” package. Base Monte Carlo sport coupes continued relatively unchanged from 1981 and 1982, but the RPO code 265 SS package added a new high output 305 V-8 rated at 175 net horsepower, new front end styling, suspension upgrades, twin exhaust outlets and a rear spoiler. The front end treatment consisted of a new rounded, molded plastic nose piece with integral grille.  This "aerodynamic" design lowered the coefficient of drag and benefited NASCAR racers using the Monte Carte for body design. Note: Bucket seats were not available in the Monte Carlo for 1983 and the Super Sport package included a bench seat in one color only: blue with white trim.

For 1984 the base Monte Carlo sport coupe was again relatively unchanged. Deleted from the choice of available engines was the V-6 diesel. The SS package returned for 1984 with bucket seats and an available center console. Buckets were only available in dark blue cloth and the bench seat was still only available in dark blue with white accents. The power rating for the 305 V-8 for the SS was upped to 180 net horsepower. The 1984 sales brochure published a .375 coefficient of drag for the SS.
Rare in Chevrolet sales literature were performance figures, but for 1985 Chevrolet published the following specifications for the Monte Carlo SS: 0-50 mph...6.0 seconds, 0-60 mph...8.4 seconds, standing 1/4 mile... 16.1 seconds, lateral  acceleration... .82 g. These figures were compiled by a professional driver on a GM test track. For the base Monte Carlo, a new engine, the 4.3 liter V-6 with
throttle body fuel injection, was standard. Optional was the 5.0 liter V-8 (305, not the same as the SS version). Also available was a new 4-speed automatic transmission in which 4th gear was a .70:1 overdrive. The basic body and interior design for both the base and SS Monte Cartes remained the same as the previous year.

At the start of production in 1986, the Monte Carlo coupe carried over the same body style and front end as 1985. Introduced later in 1986 was the Luxury Sport Coupe, which included new front end, rear taillamps and bumpers. Up front, the four rectangular headlamps were replaced with single composite headlamps molded into a new, smoothed, grille and bumper design. In the rear, the taillamps were enlarged and molded into a smoothed rear bumper cover. The SS remained unchanged for 1986, except for the addition of the Monte Carlo Aero Coupe, a modification that included a drastically sloped rear window and short trunk lid. Only 200 Aero Coupes were produced for retail consumers in 1986; exactly the number necessary to allow NASCAR racing teams using the Monte Carlo body to
legally make the modification to their race cars. This modified version of the SS improved the aerodynamic performance of the car a high speeds like those attained on the NASCAR super-speedways. The popularity of the Aero Coupe Monte Carlo SS in 1986 prompted Chevrolet to
build 6,052 units for retail consumers in 1987. Otherwise, both the base Monte Carlo Luxury Sport (LS) and the SS remained basically the same as the 1986 models. The front end styling of the 1981 through early 1986 coupes was gone for good. Only the LS and SS models were available for 1987.

The 1988 model year marked the end of an era. The Aero Coupe had been dropped. The Monte Carlo was made available in LS and SS versions only. After approximately three months of production, Chevrolet opted to completely cancel the Monte Carlo model. Sadly, production of the Monte Carlo ceased on Friday, December 11, 1987, at 5:29 PM. The very last vehicle to roll off the dual purpose
Pontiac, MI assembly line was actually a Buick Grand National. 1988 was the last anyone would see of the Monte Carlo for seven long years.

Fifth Generation (1995-1999)

Reintroduced in mid-1994 as a 1995 model, was the exciting new Monte Carlo Coupe. The basic vehicle format had been changed significantly. The Monte Carlo no longer had a full frame, but utilized unibody construction and was made front wheel drive. It featured a standard 3.1 liter V-6 with 4-speed automatic  transmission. The body was shaped with a "bullet" nose and a rounded aerodynamic form. The new Monte Carlo bore no resemblance to the Monte Carlo of old. There were no "Knight" emblems and no V-8 engine. There was no SS package, but this was intentional. The 1995 Monte was meant to appeal to the 1990's buyer and offer luxury, safety and affordability. To interest the performance minded, there was a Z34 option available. It included a 3.4 liter, overhead cam V-6 engine with 210 net horsepower.

Gone from the Monte Carlo were the V-8 and rear wheel drive; but not since 1975 had the Monte Carlo had as much net horsepower. In addition, there were features never before offered in the Monte Carte: Anti-lock brakes, dual airbags, sequential port fuel injection and a Compact Disc audio system. Overall, the reborn Monte Carlo was a well-rounded package of performance, safety, luxury and style.

In 1996, new for the Monte Carlo were three new exterior colors:  granite (met), medium green lichen (met) and dark carmine red (met). Also new for the LS model was climate controls for both driver and passenger sides. The Monte Carlo could still be chosen with the optional Z34 package.  The Z34 package offered 4-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, front and rear and one new exterior color: dark carmine red (met). Speed compensating volume control for both radios in the LS and Z34 were offered new for this model year. Constantly improving on safety aspects of the Monte Carlo, produced automatic
daytime running lamps, new for 1997. Chevrolet made some handling improvements to the LS model in the form of 16 mm rear stabilizer bars and a change in rear spring rates. For 1997, there was an option for a sunroof, for  those owners that would rather have the fresh air blowing through the vehicle, but not sacrificing the hair- do. One of the neatest improvements for 1997 were the new oil wear sensor indicator, this particular feature will inform an owner when the time has come to have an oil change performed. The oil wear indicator and daytime running lights, were standard features. For 1997 there were only two Brickyard 400 pace cars. One of the cars will stay at Indianapolis Motor
Speedway and the other will be kept by Chevrolet.

MONTE CARLO 1999

New for 1999: Chevrolet revived a famous and much-loved name when the current Monte  Carlo was introduced in 1995. The 1999 Monte Carlo remains unchanged from last year. 

History: The original Monte Carlo debuted in the 1970 model year as a personal luxury coupe,  although the high-performance SS454 trim joined the lineup midyear. Throughout the '70s and  '80s the car's focus shifted from luxury to value, to a diesel engine (!), then to performance,  with the third-generation car finally being discontinued in 1988. The current Monte Carlo's  shape is a favorite in stock car racing, and Monte Carlo-bodied cars have had considerable  success on the NASCAR circuit. Monte Carlo is built on the same front-wheel-drive platform  as the Lumina, and is the bestseller in its class. While the sporty Z34 is purchased mostly by  men, women make up the majority of Monte Carlo LS buyers. 
Model years: 1988, 95-98 

Trim Details: The 1999 Chevrolet Monte Carlo is available in two trims: LS and Z34 2-door  coupes. Safety features include dual airbags, an anti-lock brake system (ABS) and daytime  running lights. The LS comes with a 160-horsepower 3.1-liter V6, while the Z34 features a  3.8-liter 200-horsepower V6 engine. Standard equipment includes air conditioning, tinted  glass, a theft-deterrent system, power windows and door locks, intermittent wipers, a tilt  steering wheel, and an AM/FM stereo cassette. The Z34 adds dual exhaust, remote keyless  entry, dual-zone climate control, cruise control, 16-inch aluminum wheels and performance  tires. Optional items on both trims include power leather seats, an electric sunroof and the  OnStar mobile communications system.