I think the point of the "'brothers' brothers, not...'bruthas'" was that they were, in fact, related, and white. Oh, yeah, and they both mentioned they were twins. 😏
Not everyone understands that we are merely stewards of the wonderful machines we may happen to own. Mr. Leno not only gets it, but he also opens his doors to share with all of us goons. Ive been watching faithfully for years. Thanks, Mr. Leno!
This is why I enjoy Jay's videos. No dull reporting and dry facts; just two knowledgeable friends having a friendly yet informative conversation. Kudos
Original owner of 1985 Monte Carlo SS here. I still have the window sticker and the temporary license tag to take it out of the dealer. I'm so happy to see Jay and Fluffy profiling this classic.
@@JohnBoyJoy The 70s and early 80s were weird. They went for more economical. Then built everything square like a kids drawing. Cars weren't square before that, and it's uneconomical. Kind of sounds like the design of the cyber truck. Aerodynamic as a Lego.
The Grand National, Monte Carlo SS and Iroc Z were the cars to lust for when I was kid (Graduated in '86). The fact he kept saying that was 40 years ago is still hard to process!!
Same year I graduated. Everyone I knew wanted a Monte SS, Foxbody 5.0 or a GNX in the late 80's. Nearly got a Monte SS but getting a loan at 18-19 was hard as hell. Finally I ended up with a 1990 Mustang 5.0. Still have it to this day actually(only car I ever bought brand new), along with a 2004 Monte Carlo Intimidator SS with the Supercharged 3800 V6. Basically the predecessor of the GNX engine.
The knowledge that Jay Leno possesses about cars is astounding. The man should be teaching at a university somewhere. This is what passion about a something looks like folks. His knowledge and skill set will never be repeated. Mr. Leno, as an entertainer, you are great. As a "car guy" you are unmatched. I thank and applaud you for teaching me, a "non-car guy" so much about cars. This is a great channel.
I so much hope Fluffy picks up so much car knowledge and carries that torch for the next generation. He's got such a great personality and loves the camera!
I graduated high school in 1987. The Monte Carlo SS and Buick Grand National were my favorite cars. I prefer a Monte SS over a Camaro. Another great Episode Jay thanks for the trip down memory lane. Gabriel congratulations on the purchase of those iconic 80's cars.
I was driving my first car till senior year. It was a 75 Buick Apollo with the Buick 350. It blew a head gasket and Dad talked me into buying a 78 Grand Prix. HATED that GP. It was a gutless wonder with a 305. It was actually a good little car, but I didn't like it.
1989 grad here - I had an 86 Monte with t-tops, but 86 was a terrible year for GM transmissions and that car was my love and my pain. Always wanted either an 88 SS or the 87 Grand National, I think Jay doesn’t get it here. These cars will age very well.
I had an 87ss i bought from a retired dentist. This was in 1999 when i was 21. It was very clean. White with burgundy interior. I absolutely loved that car. Also yes the backseat was very “useful”. Fluffy may have his own Mario but I had my own Maria.
I bought a black with maroon interior 1987 SS Monte Carlo brand new in February of 1987. Loved that car. He asked about the difference between the SS and a regular Monte Carlo suspension. They were night and day. The regular car was set up for a smooth ride. The SS was set up to handle. For as big and heavy as they were, they handled amazing! Every bit as good as a new IROC Z28. Great to see these two "new" SS cars!
This brings back fond memories. My first new car at 18 -I had the 87 SS brand new factory ordered took delivery in Queens NY October of 87. Mine was fully loaded black , burgundy interior, T tops, console and bucket seats. Loved that car. Drove it to CA in 1990. Had kids and it became my wife's daily driver till around 97. Sold it to a young kid who blew the engine and wanted to sell it back to me but those days were gone.
Thru the mid '80s, between myself and circle of friends, we had several Z-28's, IROCS, and Monte Carlo SS's. The Monte's did not handle anywhere near as well as the IROC Z's or even the "standard" Z-28s. The F41 suspension on the Monte's still had to deal with a higher center of gravity than the FE2 suspension on the IROC's. Also the 215/65R15 tires on the Monte had a higher profile and had more sidewall roll unlike the IROC with had the wider and lower profile 245/50R16 Goodyear Gatorbacks.
The part where Jay says Fluffy has a lot of experience standing in front of the refrigerator! That was good and quick! . Also, saying "what a lovely story" is a classic.
So nice to see Fluffy and Jay. I met Fluffy recently in NJ he was very nice and would really love to meet Jay -when my brother had cancer in LA we used to watch Jay a lot on TS, my brother sadly passed but I believe Jay's comedy made him cope much better. In my brothers memory I have built a 1968 Muscle Car taking a lot of Jay's comments on his show to heart and hope one day I can meet Jay and show him my car and tell him about my brother. Im sure he will not realize what his comedy has done for some people. My car will be at SEMA this year its my wish I meet Jay and show him our creation but I know wishful thinking :(
I felt it in my soul every time Fluffy said "it doesn't feel like a classic car because it's comfortable"... Growing up in a family in the 90's with a family car that was a 1952 Mercury 4-door, that thing was like a living room. We'd always fall asleep on long road trips in the back, between the soft seats and the gentle rumble.
I take my Resto-Mod 1996 Caprice Classic to the local car show sometimes, and no one even looks at it - for the same reason I think, tho' it's 30 yrs old !
My dad had an 85 SS back in the late 90s. My first car back in 2000 was a 65,000 mile 1984 regal limited with the plush pillow top velour interior, was like driving in grandpas easy chair lol. My HS friends all drove faster 70s/80s cars and didn't understand me liking the regal but I was more into cruisin on the weekends not drag racing.
I felt the same way! Older cars were definitely more plush than today's cars. I think the definition of comfort has changed now for some reason. People associate comfort with a silent interior, a large touchscreen dash, and heated/cooled seats. They apparently don't care that the seats now are very stiff. Car manufacturers have been trying to make every type of car handle and feel like a sports car inside. Why can't we just drive a couple sofas down the road like we used to? I sure miss those days.
I loved this episode. Great work as usual from Jay. I'm happy for Gabriel and I'm glad that he's driving the car. Enjoy it. That's what it was made for. You never know when your time is up. If you don't drive it and enjoy it when you die someone else will.
Gabriel is the sweetest guy in the World. Of all his friend, he picked Jay to break in his new twins. (that didn't sound right?) But you know what I mean! Jay: It's not my car! Had me rolling. My Uncle Buddy did that to me when I bought my 1988 Ford Taurus Wagon. "Now you want to take your time, and break this in right." Then I let him drive it, and he suddenly is Speed Racer, doing 110! lol! God bless you both, and thanks for sharing this with us.
My cousin bought a Cutlass Supreme coupe with white walls and spoked hubcaps and kept it for like 3 months. Came back with this Monte SS one day in black with the T-Tops open and that maroon interior, music blasting. He had the bucket seats and floor console and shifter. Big smile on his face as he drove up. Memories…
I'm between Gabriel and Jay's age. As an old guy, my thought on the plastic, after the story was, rip it outta there and drive the crap out of them.... Excellent.
I love jay been watching his garage shiw for as long as i can remember, but the guy is definitely showing his age. I hope he's taking care of himself to bring us many more shows to come.
@@bradleecaldor6567For 1988 they were ok. By today’s standards they are pretty slow. A little over 8 seconds 0-60. I had an Olds G-body from this era with a 260 V8. It was rated at 100 hp. Now that was a dog.
@@bradleecaldor6567 The Chevy 305 is a boat anchor and not really worth building up when you can make way more power for cheaper by dropping a 350 or LS in there.
My buddy had one. New, back then. I had a Shelby Charger. I thrashed his Monte Carlo, seriously....but looking back now I am fascinated. We graduated in 1984. Having cars like this put us at the top. I am stunned that these are "classics". I also had a 427 Chevelle at that time, that I had built up myself and it was a monster. Those were the days...
Absolutely loved this episode. We had a 72 Mont Carlo, then a 75 Monte Carlo and I tried to convince my mom to get this one but she went for a 4 door Pontiac Grand Prix instead. Broke my heart. That was the end of her cool mom phase.
I've owned dozens of new cars but have never gotten to tear the plastic off the interior. Totally living vicariously through Jay & Gabriel in this one!
What a great examples of 80’s cars in America. Love that het will drive them instead of just being investment. He really want Jay’s approval in a fathers son way. Nice to see.
I love the sense of humor between these two. It would be wonderful to see a video from Jay giving us an overall history review of his collection, how he got started, the team that helps him maintain them, and what he ultimately plans for the collection when he is no longer with us. We have seen bits and pieces of this over the years but I would love to watch a video describing all of above, I would be willing to sit for an hour listening to his car collection story.
Great find Gabriel... I was a manager for a Chevrolet dealer in southwest Ohio in the 80's. I always drove black Monte Carlos for my company car and they were great. Too bad there was not a close up of the window sticker, I would love to see if our dealership sold the cars. As for the key/headlight warning Jay spoke about, I ordered the Cadillac/Buick version of the chime and installed it in the Monte Carlos. Sounded so much better than the Chevy version. I still have one, if you want it, it's yours. You scored a great find... Enjoy
I'm originally from Middletown Ohio. One of my parents neighbors owned Pierson Chevrolet in Middletown. He had a large garage full of various year (1983-1988) brand new 21:12 Monte SSs. Don't know if he still has those cars or not. He was the first to come to mind at the beginning of the video.
One of the challenges with modern classics is that few of us were able to drive these cars as new. We don't know how they felt back then. Even restored cars can be a best guess. So cool to see these cars and to see them driven.
Well I can tell you. Cars like the Camaro and this Monte Carlo SS were fun. They had character. The steering to me was better than I expected it to be. They rode ok and handled well and were fast enough for their day. A 14 second car like a Z28 or Mustang was considered quite good. However. The build quality was laughable. Fit and finish, materials , panel gaps were all awful compared to the Germans and Japanese. Gas mileage was often very low double digits. There were pretty scary in the rain and useless in the snow. But fun. Normal American cars like a non SS Monte Carlo or an B Body GM car also had character but in addition to the negatives above, they were floaty and hilariously bad at handling and braking. We are taking squealing tires on modest curves and full wheel lock up slides at anything over 35 mph. And the styling and interiors were hopelessly outdated Driving same era Japanese or German car was like stepping into a different world. And I don’t mean a Mercedes. A Jetta or Corolla will do fine. Much smaller and far more basic, but they were light years ahead in quality, economy, handling, braking, styling, fit and finish, feel and responsiveness.
12:30 Jay trying to carefully remove the plastic reminds me of my great grandmother who would carefully unwrap presents so she could reuse the wrapping paper.
Amazing find! I bought my first car in 1991 and it was a 197 Monte Carlo, the Landau edition. Split front seats with the center console and console shift. It had the 305 and power everything! It wasn't "brand new" but it only about 40K miles on it. I turned it into a low rider. Thing is I always wanted one of these SS models. If I were in this situation, the one with the least miles, park it in a climate controlled garage and start it once in a while and drive it up and down the driveway just to circulate the fluids. The other one, drive that sucker! Not a daily driver a casual driver, weekends, holidays, going out to dinner, etc. Beautiful cars!
ive had an 88, still have an 87 SS in the garage. long long time since stock. watching this, they are pretty cars, and when you stomp the pedal sound fast, but are truly gutless. would luv to have 1 of those 2 bone stock virtually new cars to just cruise. they ride so nice, ultra comfortable seats, and for the day they didnt handle too badly.
I worked at Delco Moraine and made the brake booster for that car, and the majority of GM vehicles at that time. That’s before they sent the work to Mexico. I actually bought an 85 with 100,000 miles on it, put 50,000 more miles on it, then traded it in. This episode took me back in the day, Cheers!
I was in HS when Grandma called and said she wanted to show off her new car Grandpa just bought her. Grampa was truck guy. Our jaws dropped when she showed up with a SS !!!! She loved her old Monte Carlo and her new SS wow! I she had a perma~grin on her face for months.
It makes me SO happy to see this video! I am a child of the 80s and an Earnhardt\Chevy guy through and through. I bought an '88 white\burgundy SS with T-Tops brand new, still have it with less than 5k miles on it. To drive I have a blue\blue '83 SS which is so much fun. In the stable I also have an '87 SS black\gray interior just like Gabriel's except it has the aero rear glass. And I also have a 1-of-200 '86 Aero Coupe. Can't help it, I enjoy these cars.
Awesome. My first car is a nothing is original’72 Monte Carlo with bucket seats and center console in 85. I still have it (restored 96) and that beautiful girl I dated in high school (wife now). I am a very blessed guy. I really loved those late 80’s Monte Carlos. You picked all the good ones my friend. Those Blue/blue SS were very unique.
@@MOE-db8oc Sounds like you've done quite well for yourself! I'd love to have a 72 model. I do have a few other original 80s MCs too but didn't list; already felt like I was bragging,
@@doninwv Might be addicted. I saw the SS front end on a couple of El Camino that Choo-Choo customs did back then. To me, that is what the 80’s El Co should have been.
That’s so CQQL!! I had a 1986 SS burgundy in color with power windows , electric door locks , and T-Tops!! I also put in a Oldsmobile Bravada (from the 90’s)rear view mirror with the digital navigation indicator lol !! Lots of fun and thanks for memory lane guys !! 😎👍🏻🇺🇸🦅😇🙏
I was 8 in 88. I was into muscle cars and hot rods. Those g bodies were the best looking cars of the decade. They were dogs engine wise but they had the look. They are also easy to bypass all the smog junk and hop up if you don't mind that g body shuffle. My heart still goes to the el caminos if I had to pick a favorite g body. I had one with a mild 400 under the hood. Had to get rid of it for personal reasons but i regretted it the minute I handed the keys over. Had to pick it or my ls powered nova and i went for the 69 nova.
I saw him a few months ago in LA with Matt Rife and me and everyone else there were completely stunned that he was there but it was a honor to see him live love ya fluffy 🫡❤️
I had a 86 5.0 5-speed LX no air radio delete Mustang. Brand new 2.73 axles ran 14.4. Wasn't a rocket, but fast in it's day. Loved running these and almost any stock 80's cars. Once modified with 3.55 gears, intake, exhaust and nitrous. It was low 13's high 12's on street tires (Mickey Thompson SS). I did see a few MC SS with built 350's and nitrous that were pretty fast and of course modified Grand Nationals were often top dogs. Barry Grant turbos were hot. Lots of sleepers on the South Side of Chicago then...now cars are crazy fast right from the factory. I worked for an Oldsmobile dealer in 87 and had a Cutlass Supreme with the 307. I used to call it my "Guttless". Driving it back to back with my Mustang was funny. Having air and an auto was nice on the highway though.
In the 80's you were top dog in a Fox body Mustang, the LX being the fasted because it was lighter IIRC. The Grand Nationals weren't common so you never really got a chance to race one. I think I saw one GNX in the 80's but most likely someone slapped a GNX badge on their Grand National. Surprisingly the fastest factory vehicle I saw street racing back then was a Chevy 454 SS pick up truck. That thing was spanking all of us. I was driving an 84 Firebird 305 that was originally ordered with some performance tweaks by the original owner. It would wax any other 305 but it was still a struggle against 350 equipped cars. Awesome video, I love your new cars Gabriel!!!
My parents had a Celebrity Euro Sport from this same era for years. I swear, when I saw the interior of this car, I felt that velor seat and smelled the interior immediately. These cars weren't built the greatest but they served their roles well.
That was my first car, 1987 4 door Chevrolet Celebrity Eurosport with the 2.8 multiport FI. Still have it, just waiting to finish my other projects cars to start that project.
I had only been in the Army for about a year when this body style came out. I thought it was the coolest thing I'd ever seen. (Of course, I was only 20 y/o at the time) Great episode, very cool cars!
Monte Carlo SS 305 was 180hp/240 lbs torque. Regular V8 was 140hp. Bigger Qudrajet 4bbl carb, different camshaft 9-to-1 compression ratio, Used the bigger Corvette Catalytic converter, with single bigger inlet and dual outlet. 40HP was a BIG DIFFERENCE. Rear-end gearing was 3.35 vs. 2.87 stock. Higher rate coil springs stiffer rubber bushings, larger front and rear sway bars and bigger, wider, 15" alloy wheels...And real gauges !! This was THE BEGINNING of the modern muscle car era...the official end of malaise era cars. Yes a "dog" today, but this car sounded GREAT...was one of the 1st times, in many years a new car had MORE HP. than the year before !!
U r wrong about rear axle ratio this car is 3.73 84 and 85 were 3.42 the difference is early ones had th350 Trans 86 and 87 and 88 were 2004r Trans which is a od Trans
In the 80's I owned a white with blue trim 1983 Monte Carlo SS. I miss that car. At that time my best friend owned a blue one with black trim. We thought we were hot stuff back then but were actually just a couple of happy knuckleheads. Good times.
I own a 1970.Momte Carlo, serial number 178. This era is the only other version I loved. Love the fact Enrique is going to enjoy this machine. We were showing our 1970 Monte and someone got onto me because the kids were eating McDonald's in the car. I told him it was to enjoy, not save for someone else. So kudos my friend for knowing how to live.
Jay, thank you for this wonderful video! It’s true that older cars may have less horsepower and aren’t as fast as modern ones, but the thrill of driving them is truly unmatched!
Because they put plastic on the seats like grandma and you can eat in them???? There are very few cars from the 80's that anyone should want....These are not it....
Great video. Brings back lots of memories. The second new car my dad ever bought in his life was a black 85 SS with the burgundy interior and center console. I was lucky that he still had it when I got my license and would let me drive it from time to time. What a great cruiser. I wish I had been in a position to buy it from him when he sold it.
I've been voting since 1988 and just about anyone would be better than the choices from 88 to current day. Really cool to see these cars brand new again.
My first car was a Monte of this era. It was the most beige car in existence. Beige paint, beige velour interior, beige landau vinyl roof... I miss that car so much.
The day something happens to Jay the world will be heart broken. I know I will. He’s one man I wish would never get old… watching celebrities I look up too get old just a reminder that nothing last forever and I’m getting old also. Remembering being at my grandparents house watching the late night show with them. I’ll never forget it. Love ya Jay! 💪
Test drove one of these in 1988 when I was shopping for a new car. The one I drove was maroon with the red and orange stripes. Beautiful car, very comfortable, decent amount of interior space, the handling was maybe a little better than the standard Monte because of the firmer suspension, but it was absolutely gutless with that 305 and automatic. Ended up buying a 5.0 liter 5 speed Mustang, and LOVED pulling up next to the Monte Carlo SS or the Olds 442 cars at the stoplight. I'd rev my engine and most of them would ignore me. The ones who did give it a try ended up in my rear view mirror before I was halfway through first gear. Nowadays, most new cars, and minivans, would smoke an 88 5 liter Mustang with no trouble. Times have changed...
@@ssmith4013 Yeah, the GNX would smoke the 5.0 Mustang in a straight line. I was messing with one on the interstate on the way to work one morning. The GNX would out pull me on the highway BAD, but when he tried to follow me thru the exit ramp he skidded and nearly wrecked. I had 50 series tires on my Mustang and took the same ramp every day so I knew it well. Went around a 30 MPH exit ramp at 70 MPH with the GNX right on my bumper. I glanced in the mirror just in time to see him lock up his brakes and slide all over the pavement.
Two brothers or two "brothers' lmfao Jay is so funny unintentionally sometimes
I heard they lost the shootout to Hank Schrader
@@frankbergmanIIWaltuhhh
Take my like. Lmao
@@frankbergmanIIThey were homies, as opposed to "brothers"
Or am I getting my American street lingo mixed up? 🤔
I think the point of the "'brothers' brothers, not...'bruthas'" was that they were, in fact, related, and white.
Oh, yeah, and they both mentioned they were twins. 😏
Not everyone understands that we are merely stewards of the wonderful machines we may happen to own. Mr. Leno not only gets it, but he also opens his doors to share with all of us goons. Ive been watching faithfully for years. Thanks, Mr. Leno!
This is why I enjoy Jay's videos. No dull reporting and dry facts; just two knowledgeable friends having a friendly yet informative conversation. Kudos
👌👌
??? he starts rattling off specs a couple minutes into every video
Original owner of 1985 Monte Carlo SS here. I still have the window sticker and the temporary license tag to take it out of the dealer. I'm so happy to see Jay and Fluffy profiling this classic.
Ugly year for the carlo
@ARDG89 going to have to disagree personally. i find them beautiful, but then again, taste is subjective
What I like more than cars is a real good pig roast
I still have my 85 SS from high school. I’ll never part with my car.
@@JohnBoyJoy The 70s and early 80s were weird. They went for more economical. Then built everything square like a kids drawing. Cars weren't square before that, and it's uneconomical. Kind of sounds like the design of the cyber truck. Aerodynamic as a Lego.
I never thought I would witness Jay doing an unboxing video
😅😅😅😅
"you are use to standing in front of refrigerators you know" 🤣 Jay doesn't miss a beat!
I could not believe he said that LOL
@@fty-ys4niyou can tell they’re close friends 😂
The Grand National, Monte Carlo SS and Iroc Z were the cars to lust for when I was kid (Graduated in '86). The fact he kept saying that was 40 years ago is still hard to process!!
Very true. I'm not a Ford guy but the Fox body Mustang's were sought after too in that era you mentioned.
"IROC"🏁🏎️
The Avanti was still around, and the C4 even looks good today. I wouldn't mind a C4 with an LT
Same year I graduated. Everyone I knew wanted a Monte SS, Foxbody 5.0 or a GNX in the late 80's. Nearly got a Monte SS but getting a loan at 18-19 was hard as hell. Finally I ended up with a 1990 Mustang 5.0. Still have it to this day actually(only car I ever bought brand new), along with a 2004 Monte Carlo Intimidator SS with the Supercharged 3800 V6. Basically the predecessor of the GNX engine.
My list is GNX, 86 Mercury Capri RS and then the 88 Monte Carlo
The knowledge that Jay Leno possesses about cars is astounding. The man should be teaching at a university somewhere. This is what passion about a something looks like folks. His knowledge and skill set will never be repeated. Mr. Leno, as an entertainer, you are great. As a "car guy" you are unmatched. I thank and applaud you for teaching me, a "non-car guy" so much about cars. This is a great channel.
I so much hope Fluffy picks up so much car knowledge and carries that torch for the next generation. He's got such a great personality and loves the camera!
This is his classroom and we are his students. 🤓
why teach at a university? He's doing these videos. He's already reached 500k people
Fuck university. He good where he is bro chill
I graduated high school in 1987. The Monte Carlo SS and Buick Grand National were my favorite cars. I prefer a Monte SS over a Camaro. Another great Episode Jay thanks for the trip down memory lane. Gabriel congratulations on the purchase of those iconic 80's cars.
I was driving my first car till senior year. It was a 75 Buick Apollo with the Buick 350. It blew a head gasket and Dad talked me into buying a 78 Grand Prix. HATED that GP. It was a gutless wonder with a 305. It was actually a good little car, but I didn't like it.
1989 grad here - I had an 86 Monte with t-tops, but 86 was a terrible year for GM transmissions and that car was my love and my pain. Always wanted either an 88 SS or the 87 Grand National, I think Jay doesn’t get it here. These cars will age very well.
i Grad in 1986 . was lucky enough to drive my Folks 85 SS to school Sr Year. Still own it. was fun getting asked about at my 20 year reunion
I have a 87 grand national and a 87 monte Carlo SS aerocoupe both with ttops
I had an 87ss i bought from a retired dentist. This was in 1999 when i was 21. It was very clean. White with burgundy interior. I absolutely loved that car.
Also yes the backseat was very “useful”. Fluffy may have his own Mario but I had my own Maria.
Nice👍🏻😝
They're the same person
Immaculately clean G bodies. Imagine finding 2 brand news cars from 1988, back to the future.
And you didn't even need a time machine 😂.
@@billyshay7207 the delorean wouldnt start..................
I'd love to find an '88 Fiero GT like that.
I bought a black with maroon interior 1987 SS Monte Carlo brand new in February of 1987. Loved that car. He asked about the difference between the SS and a regular Monte Carlo suspension. They were night and day. The regular car was set up for a smooth ride. The SS was set up to handle. For as big and heavy as they were, they handled amazing! Every bit as good as a new IROC Z28. Great to see these two "new" SS cars!
This brings back fond memories. My first new car at 18 -I had the 87 SS brand new factory ordered took delivery in Queens NY October of 87. Mine was fully loaded black , burgundy interior, T tops, console and bucket seats. Loved that car. Drove it to CA in 1990. Had kids and it became my wife's daily driver till around 97. Sold it to a young kid who blew the engine and wanted to sell it back to me but those days were gone.
Thru the mid '80s, between myself and circle of friends, we had several Z-28's, IROCS, and Monte Carlo SS's. The Monte's did not handle anywhere near as well as the IROC Z's or even the "standard" Z-28s. The F41 suspension on the Monte's still had to deal with a higher center of gravity than the FE2 suspension on the IROC's. Also the 215/65R15 tires on the Monte had a higher profile and had more sidewall roll unlike the IROC with had the wider and lower profile 245/50R16 Goodyear Gatorbacks.
" You're wearing the same clothes as you did back then". Says Jay lol.
Lol i liked that too.
😅😅
Yeah, I was like wtf, look who’s talking.
Unlike Jay constantly taking cheap shots at him, Gabriel was kind and didn’t make jokes at Jay’s expense.
The part where Jay says Fluffy has a lot of experience standing in front of the refrigerator! That was good and quick! . Also, saying "what a lovely story" is a classic.
@@AFTER_MIDNITEhave you ever watched the tonight show? he’s always been like this…
So nice to see Fluffy and Jay. I met Fluffy recently in NJ he was very nice and would really love to meet Jay -when my brother had cancer in LA we used to watch Jay a lot on TS, my brother sadly passed but I believe Jay's comedy made him cope much better. In my brothers memory I have built a 1968 Muscle Car taking a lot of Jay's comments on his show to heart and hope one day I can meet Jay and show him my car and tell him about my brother. Im sure he will not realize what his comedy has done for some people. My car will be at SEMA this year its my wish I meet Jay and show him our creation but I know wishful thinking :(
I felt it in my soul every time Fluffy said "it doesn't feel like a classic car because it's comfortable"...
Growing up in a family in the 90's with a family car that was a 1952 Mercury 4-door, that thing was like a living room.
We'd always fall asleep on long road trips in the back, between the soft seats and the gentle rumble.
I take my Resto-Mod 1996 Caprice Classic to the local car show sometimes, and no one even looks at it - for the same reason I think, tho' it's 30 yrs old !
Remember floating thousands of miles in a 70s something Mercury wagon. Comfort? Zzzzz.
My dad had an 85 SS back in the late 90s. My first car back in 2000 was a 65,000 mile 1984 regal limited with the plush pillow top velour interior, was like driving in grandpas easy chair lol. My HS friends all drove faster 70s/80s cars and didn't understand me liking the regal but I was more into cruisin on the weekends not drag racing.
uwu
I felt the same way! Older cars were definitely more plush than today's cars. I think the definition of comfort has changed now for some reason. People associate comfort with a silent interior, a large touchscreen dash, and heated/cooled seats. They apparently don't care that the seats now are very stiff. Car manufacturers have been trying to make every type of car handle and feel like a sports car inside. Why can't we just drive a couple sofas down the road like we used to? I sure miss those days.
I loved this episode. Great work as usual from Jay. I'm happy for Gabriel and I'm glad that he's driving the car. Enjoy it. That's what it was made for. You never know when your time is up. If you don't drive it and enjoy it when you die someone else will.
Gabriel is the sweetest guy in the World.
Of all his friend, he picked Jay to break in his new twins. (that didn't sound right?)
But you know what I mean!
Jay: It's not my car! Had me rolling.
My Uncle Buddy did that to me when I bought my 1988 Ford Taurus Wagon.
"Now you want to take your time, and break this in right."
Then I let him drive it, and he suddenly is Speed Racer, doing 110! lol!
God bless you both, and thanks for sharing this with us.
My cousin bought a Cutlass Supreme coupe with white walls and spoked hubcaps and kept it for like 3 months. Came back with this Monte SS one day in black with the T-Tops open and that maroon interior, music blasting. He had the bucket seats and floor console and shifter. Big smile on his face as he drove up. Memories…
Pure, honest, clean entertainment with a couple of cars thrown in!!
Love that 80s stuff! Blast from the past in more simple times. I need a time machine.
I'm between Gabriel and Jay's age. As an old guy, my thought on the plastic, after the story was, rip it outta there and drive the crap out of them.... Excellent.
I love jay been watching his garage shiw for as long as i can remember, but the guy is definitely showing his age. I hope he's taking care of himself to bring us many more shows to come.
His wife sadly has dementia and is taking care of
Loved my 86 Monte SS. G Bodies with T-Tops are a blast.
slow crap tho right
@@bradleecaldor6567 had some work done - crate 350, full exhaust, shift kit and 3:73 gears helped wake it up. 🤘🏻
@@bradleecaldor6567For 1988 they were ok. By today’s standards they are pretty slow. A little over 8 seconds 0-60. I had an Olds G-body from this era with a 260 V8. It was rated at 100 hp. Now that was a dog.
@@bradleecaldor6567 The Chevy 305 is a boat anchor and not really worth building up when you can make way more power for cheaper by dropping a 350 or LS in there.
My buddy had one. New, back then. I had a Shelby Charger. I thrashed his Monte Carlo, seriously....but looking back now I am fascinated. We graduated in 1984. Having cars like this put us at the top. I am stunned that these are "classics". I also had a 427 Chevelle at that time, that I had built up myself and it was a monster. Those were the days...
Tugging at my heart strings with this one. I've always lusted after one of these. Just like this...clean & stock. 🔥
Absolutely loved this episode. We had a 72 Mont Carlo, then a 75 Monte Carlo and I tried to convince my mom to get this one but she went for a 4 door Pontiac Grand Prix instead. Broke my heart. That was the end of her cool mom phase.
The end of the cool mom phase is inevitable.
I've owned dozens of new cars but have never gotten to tear the plastic off the interior. Totally living vicariously through Jay & Gabriel in this one!
My buddy’s mom had one and she let us take it out on Friday nights. The chicks loved this car:)
Poor Jay is getting old, God Bless you JAY!!!!!!
Time comes for us all
He is not. Wtf are you talking about?
That’s an amazing story with just one 1988 Monte Carlo. But Two never owned. Brand new 36 year old cars! Great story Jay. 💯👍👊💕
What a great examples of 80’s cars in America. Love that het will drive them instead of just being investment. He really want Jay’s approval in a fathers son way. Nice to see.
So much fun. Gabriel needs to "guest host" a couple of episodes of Lay Leno's garage. It would be a hoot!
One of the best guests Jay has invited to the show.
I love the sense of humor between these two. It would be wonderful to see a video from Jay giving us an overall history review of his collection, how he got started, the team that helps him maintain them, and what he ultimately plans for the collection when he is no longer with us. We have seen bits and pieces of this over the years but I would love to watch a video describing all of above, I would be willing to sit for an hour listening to his car collection story.
Great find Gabriel... I was a manager for a Chevrolet dealer in southwest Ohio in the 80's. I always drove black Monte Carlos for my company car and they were great. Too bad there was not a close up of the window sticker, I would love to see if our dealership sold the cars. As for the key/headlight warning Jay spoke about, I ordered the Cadillac/Buick version of the chime and installed it in the Monte Carlos. Sounded so much better than the Chevy version. I still have one, if you want it, it's yours. You scored a great find... Enjoy
I'm originally from Middletown Ohio. One of my parents neighbors owned Pierson Chevrolet in Middletown. He had a large garage full of various year (1983-1988) brand new 21:12 Monte SSs. Don't know if he still has those cars or not. He was the first to come to mind at the beginning of the video.
@@stevegillen-x9d We were almost neighbors... A few miles north on I-75
Joseph Chev?
Gabriel, glad you allowed Jay help you with that plastic... you definitely put a smile in my face... thank you.😁
Flipping the air cleaner lid over so you can hear that Quadrajet 4 barrel carburetor is the best!
the 'ol quadrabroken
When you gunned it, people would dive off the sidewalk onto the lawn. And old people would shake their fists at you.
@@zelashizzz1278haha! Yeah, the 'quadrajunk' as my dad would say.
Jay's videos are always fantastic.
Jay Leno is the acme of motor-car History.
One of the challenges with modern classics is that few of us were able to drive these cars as new. We don't know how they felt back then. Even restored cars can be a best guess. So cool to see these cars and to see them driven.
You're right. In my 20s then, I only remember the floatie suspensions & nothing else....
A lot of us Gen Xers were lucky enough to drive these as slightly used cars.
Well I can tell you. Cars like the Camaro and this Monte Carlo SS were fun. They had character. The steering to me was better than I expected it to be. They rode ok and handled well and were fast enough for their day. A 14 second car like a Z28 or Mustang was considered quite good.
However. The build quality was laughable. Fit and finish, materials , panel gaps were all awful compared to the Germans and Japanese. Gas mileage was often very low double digits. There were pretty scary in the rain and useless in the snow. But fun.
Normal American cars like a non SS Monte Carlo or an B Body GM car also had character but in addition to the negatives above, they were floaty and hilariously bad at handling and braking. We are taking squealing tires on modest curves and full wheel lock up slides at anything over 35 mph. And the styling and interiors were hopelessly outdated
Driving same era Japanese or German car was like stepping into a different world. And I don’t mean a Mercedes. A Jetta or Corolla will do fine. Much smaller and far more basic, but they were light years ahead in quality, economy, handling, braking, styling, fit and finish, feel and responsiveness.
12:30 Jay trying to carefully remove the plastic reminds me of my great grandmother who would carefully unwrap presents so she could reuse the wrapping paper.
my grandpa would do the same thing. Depression era kid.
Amazing find! I bought my first car in 1991 and it was a 197 Monte Carlo, the Landau edition. Split front seats with the center console and console shift. It had the 305 and power everything! It wasn't "brand new" but it only about 40K miles on it. I turned it into a low rider. Thing is I always wanted one of these SS models. If I were in this situation, the one with the least miles, park it in a climate controlled garage and start it once in a while and drive it up and down the driveway just to circulate the fluids. The other one, drive that sucker! Not a daily driver a casual driver, weekends, holidays, going out to dinner, etc. Beautiful cars!
I love this! DRIVE IT! They have waited all these years for this moment!
They look amazing - must have been stored really well all those years. What a treat to have _two_ like that.
ive had an 88, still have an 87 SS in the garage. long long time since stock. watching this, they are pretty cars, and when you stomp the pedal sound fast, but are truly gutless. would luv to have 1 of those 2 bone stock virtually new cars to just cruise. they ride so nice, ultra comfortable seats, and for the day they didnt handle too badly.
G body is peak 80s GM. These things are sweet.
I worked at Delco Moraine and made the brake booster for that car, and the majority of GM vehicles at that time. That’s before they sent the work to Mexico. I actually bought an 85 with 100,000 miles on it, put 50,000 more miles on it, then traded it in.
This episode took me back in the day, Cheers!
I had a new Silver 85 SS .
I actually miss it
jay couldn’t help himself with that refrigerator joke😂😂😂
it was so good. Fluffy walked right into that one though, perfect setup.
Nah that's crazy 😂
@@bobbyb69
It was a cheap shot.
Same amount of power as a fridge too, abysmal.
I was in HS when Grandma called and said she wanted to show off her new car Grandpa just bought her. Grampa was truck guy.
Our jaws dropped when she showed up with a SS !!!! She loved her old Monte Carlo and her new SS wow! I she had a perma~grin on her face for months.
It makes me SO happy to see this video! I am a child of the 80s and an Earnhardt\Chevy guy through and through. I bought an '88 white\burgundy SS with T-Tops brand new, still have it with less than 5k miles on it. To drive I have a blue\blue '83 SS which is so much fun. In the stable I also have an '87 SS black\gray interior just like Gabriel's except it has the aero rear glass. And I also have a 1-of-200 '86 Aero Coupe. Can't help it, I enjoy these cars.
Awesome. My first car is a nothing is original’72 Monte Carlo with bucket seats and center console in 85. I still have it (restored 96) and that beautiful girl I dated in high school (wife now). I am a very blessed guy.
I really loved those late 80’s Monte Carlos. You picked all the good ones my friend. Those Blue/blue SS were very unique.
@@MOE-db8oc Sounds like you've done quite well for yourself! I'd love to have a 72 model.
I do have a few other original 80s MCs too but didn't list; already felt like I was bragging,
@@doninwv
It ain’t bragging if it’s true.
@@MOE-db8oc It's true. More like a confession lol. I have a total of 13 80s MCs and El Caminos, almost all showroom new. What can I say?
@@doninwv
Might be addicted. I saw the SS front end on a couple of El Camino that Choo-Choo customs did back then. To me, that is what the 80’s El Co should have been.
One of the last absolutely beautiful domestic cars. Still want one!
That’s so CQQL!! I had a 1986 SS burgundy in color with power windows , electric door locks , and
T-Tops!! I also put in a Oldsmobile Bravada (from the 90’s)rear view mirror with the digital navigation indicator lol !! Lots of fun and thanks for memory lane guys !! 😎👍🏻🇺🇸🦅😇🙏
I love the psa about enjoy the car. Agreed. Love every thing about this episode. The jokes were on point 😂😂😂😂😂
I was 8 in 88. I was into muscle cars and hot rods. Those g bodies were the best looking cars of the decade. They were dogs engine wise but they had the look. They are also easy to bypass all the smog junk and hop up if you don't mind that g body shuffle. My heart still goes to the el caminos if I had to pick a favorite g body. I had one with a mild 400 under the hood. Had to get rid of it for personal reasons but i regretted it the minute I handed the keys over. Had to pick it or my ls powered nova and i went for the 69 nova.
I don’t watch too many of these videos but Jay was on one in this video. I loved it. He was cracking all kinds of jokes 😂
Quite enjoyable & the elimination of the factory protective plastic was the perfect touch!
I saw him a few months ago in LA with Matt Rife and me and everyone else there were completely stunned that he was there but it was a honor to see him live love ya fluffy 🫡❤️
I had a 86 5.0 5-speed LX no air radio delete Mustang. Brand new 2.73 axles ran 14.4. Wasn't a rocket, but fast in it's day. Loved running these and almost any stock 80's cars. Once modified with 3.55 gears, intake, exhaust and nitrous. It was low 13's high 12's on street tires (Mickey Thompson SS). I did see a few MC SS with built 350's and nitrous that were pretty fast and of course modified Grand Nationals were often top dogs. Barry Grant turbos were hot. Lots of sleepers on the South Side of Chicago then...now cars are crazy fast right from the factory. I worked for an Oldsmobile dealer in 87 and had a Cutlass Supreme with the 307. I used to call it my "Guttless". Driving it back to back with my Mustang was funny. Having air and an auto was nice on the highway though.
For sure my favorite car in high school. Recently bought an 84 LS Monte myself. Love that car.
In the 80's you were top dog in a Fox body Mustang, the LX being the fasted because it was lighter IIRC. The Grand Nationals weren't common so you never really got a chance to race one. I think I saw one GNX in the 80's but most likely someone slapped a GNX badge on their Grand National. Surprisingly the fastest factory vehicle I saw street racing back then was a Chevy 454 SS pick up truck. That thing was spanking all of us. I was driving an 84 Firebird 305 that was originally ordered with some performance tweaks by the original owner. It would wax any other 305 but it was still a struggle against 350 equipped cars.
Awesome video, I love your new cars Gabriel!!!
Man, this was so damn cool to watch. Watching Gabriel peel that plastic off was ultra-satisfying.
My parents had a Celebrity Euro Sport from this same era for years. I swear, when I saw the interior of this car, I felt that velor seat and smelled the interior immediately. These cars weren't built the greatest but they served their roles well.
That was my first car. An 86 Eurosport. Nice car.
My parents had a Eurosprt wagon, which became mine for work. It was a nice car to drive and the V6 lasted well
My first car was an 86 Celebrity Eurosport sedan, 2.8L carbureted lol. I know what you mean about remembering the interior.
That was my first car, 1987 4 door Chevrolet Celebrity Eurosport with the 2.8 multiport FI. Still have it, just waiting to finish my other projects cars to start that project.
I had only been in the Army for about a year when this body style came out. I thought it was the coolest thing I'd ever seen. (Of course, I was only 20 y/o at the time) Great episode, very cool cars!
Monte Carlo SS 305 was 180hp/240 lbs torque. Regular V8 was 140hp. Bigger Qudrajet 4bbl carb, different camshaft 9-to-1 compression ratio, Used the bigger Corvette Catalytic converter, with single bigger inlet and dual outlet. 40HP was a BIG DIFFERENCE. Rear-end gearing was 3.35 vs. 2.87 stock. Higher rate coil springs stiffer rubber bushings, larger front and rear sway bars and bigger, wider, 15" alloy wheels...And real gauges !! This was THE BEGINNING of the modern muscle car era...the official end of malaise era cars. Yes a "dog" today, but this car sounded GREAT...was one of the 1st times, in many years a new car had MORE HP. than the year before !!
The SS had a quick ratio steering box that the non didn't. Getting them from the junkyard and putting them in a 60s muscle car was a thing
U r wrong about rear axle ratio this car is 3.73 84 and 85 were 3.42 the difference is early ones had th350 Trans 86 and 87 and 88 were 2004r Trans which is a od Trans
@@franciscojdavalos still is a thing
Now this was a GREAT VIDEO ❤
In the 80's I owned a white with blue trim 1983 Monte Carlo SS. I miss that car. At that time my best friend owned a blue one with black trim. We thought we were hot stuff back then but were actually just a couple of happy knuckleheads. Good times.
My first car was a 1985 Monte Carlo SS... still own her! This is amazing to see on Jay Leno's Garage!!
I love Jay and his dedication
I own a 1970.Momte Carlo, serial number 178. This era is the only other version I loved.
Love the fact Enrique is going to enjoy this machine. We were showing our 1970 Monte and someone got onto me because the kids were eating McDonald's in the car. I told him it was to enjoy, not save for someone else. So kudos my friend for knowing how to live.
Beautiful cars. All show no go, but the ladies loved them.
Jay, thank you for this wonderful video! It’s true that older cars may have less horsepower and aren’t as fast as modern ones, but the thrill of driving them is truly unmatched!
7:25 Finally Jay Leno understands why people keep 80s cars!
Because they put plastic on the seats like grandma and you can eat in them???? There are very few cars from the 80's that anyone should want....These are not it....
@@ragtopdeluxezl1 kid talk
I love both of these guys so much. Two people that I’d be truly honored to meet, although I’ve been lucky enough to see Gabriel live once before.
Jay roasted him. He told him he’s used to standing in front of an open refrigerator. 😂😂☠️☠️
Great video. Brings back lots of memories. The second new car my dad ever bought in his life was a black 85 SS with the burgundy interior and center console. I was lucky that he still had it when I got my license and would let me drive it from time to time. What a great cruiser. I wish I had been in a position to buy it from him when he sold it.
Mario cracks me up. Gabriel's version of Alexa.
Beautiful cars! Well preserved! Buckets and a console would have been a big +++
Fluffy always on point
This is my favorite episode of Jay’s Garage so far. Great story on an amazing find of two cool cars. Love Iglesias and Jay-great guys.
Bravo J&G《☆》My Son's in the process of putting a 383 Stroker in his 87 MonteCarlo SS with T-Tops✌🏼😎☯️
lol glad I found this video. favorite car, my brother was born in 1988. More reason to want this car.
Fluffy for president
President of the buffet maybe
I've been voting since 1988 and just about anyone would be better than the choices from 88 to current day. Really cool to see these cars brand new again.
AMEN TO THAT IDEA
And a stretch Volkswagen tour bus.👍
Speechless. My face hurts from the smile. Soooooooooo awesome
My first car was a Monte of this era. It was the most beige car in existence. Beige paint, beige velour interior, beige landau vinyl roof... I miss that car so much.
Classy couches with V8s strapped to them. Such a comfortable ride!! Love that Fluff's gonna drive them.
I had a white 1988 Monte Carlo SS. I loved and miss that car.
I really enjoyed this episode. My first car was a 1976 Monte Carlo.
My first car at 16 was a 1981 Monte Carlo. Had the v6 but me and some buddies put a 305 in it. I thought it was the coolest thing in 1993
Seen you driving a hellcat at in and out yesterday, your a legend !
Thinking 🤔 that was a cop 👮♀️ pulling them over in the background lol 😂!!!!
Love these two comedian car guys showing us great stuff.
LOL its.his and his, "Thats right its LA".
jay funny af😂
The day something happens to Jay the world will be heart broken. I know I will. He’s one man I wish would never get old… watching celebrities I look up too get old just a reminder that nothing last forever and I’m getting old also. Remembering being at my grandparents house watching the late night show with them. I’ll never forget it.
Love ya Jay! 💪
Test drove one of these in 1988 when I was shopping for a new car. The one I drove was maroon with the red and orange stripes. Beautiful car, very comfortable, decent amount of interior space, the handling was maybe a little better than the standard Monte because of the firmer suspension, but it was absolutely gutless with that 305 and automatic. Ended up buying a 5.0 liter 5 speed Mustang, and LOVED pulling up next to the Monte Carlo SS or the Olds 442 cars at the stoplight. I'd rev my engine and most of them would ignore me. The ones who did give it a try ended up in my rear view mirror before I was halfway through first gear. Nowadays, most new cars, and minivans, would smoke an 88 5 liter Mustang with no trouble. Times have changed...
I liked embarrassing Fieros in my Mustang. The only car faster was a GNX. One walked me so fast, I thought I stalled the engine.
@@ssmith4013 Yeah, the GNX would smoke the 5.0 Mustang in a straight line. I was messing with one on the interstate on the way to work one morning. The GNX would out pull me on the highway BAD, but when he tried to follow me thru the exit ramp he skidded and nearly wrecked. I had 50 series tires on my Mustang and took the same ramp every day so I knew it well. Went around a 30 MPH exit ramp at 70 MPH with the GNX right on my bumper. I glanced in the mirror just in time to see him lock up his brakes and slide all over the pavement.
fluffy was like a kid on christmas unwrapping the interior!
Only Jay Leno and Fluffy could do a 1988 unboxing in 2024
😅😅😅
Two of my favorite guys!!!!! Worship Leno, he is so humble!
Man if i could have seen my 82 monte carlo when it sat at a dealership back in the day
Wow what a beautiful Monte Carlo SS!!
IMO square bodied coupes/sedans/trucks/SUV's look so much better than curved/round bodied vehicles.
LOL. The gum chewers line is about double mint gum commercials that featured twins.
Love ❤️ your cars!!! They are so beautiful, Do you ride them? I sure do LOVE ❤️ them!