These first gen Monte Carlos were bullet proof. We had these cars back in 70's high school days and beat the snarts out of them. We were teens! They never broke down "never" and were so easy to tune up. Same goes for Impala's-Caprice's and the Malibu's of the early to mid 70's era.
It seems like half of my friends had these cool "old" 70s personal luxury coupes that their parents gave up in the 80s for smaller more fuel efficient imports... Which means the kids got big comfortable cars but it also kept us under control because gas was so expensive and they got horrible gas mileage, it limited our driving and how far away from home we could get. So often we cruised to a mall parking lot or dead end road and shut them off because we couldn't afford to drive to any place else LOL. It seems like half of the people had Monte Carlos, Cutlass Supremes, Chevelles, Malibu coupes, Thunderbirds, Cougars etc, which had been their dad's "nice" car in the 70s that got handed down. Unfortunately my practical parents always had a four-door and I inherited a Mercury Montego MX Brougham, which wasn't nearly as cool as the Torino it was based on, and never felt nearly as cool as the big coupes with two doors that were focused more towards young singles than my family car boat with Lincoln trim on a midsized Ford derived car lol
Agree completely!!! The '73-'75 Montes with the round headlights were a lot more beautiful just for that reason alone. Adam felt the '74 back end wasn't as nice due to the bumpers. To me that didn't take away anything. It (and the '75) had a slightly longer look which added to the sleekness. Very much of a sexy "Rolls Royce" for the average guy to buy and enjoy. As far as the '76-'77 Montes go, they were entering their 4th and 5th model years and so they felt a new look somewhere on the car was needed, so they gave the Monte the ugly Chevelle stacked headlights. I basically hated the Chevelle's looks period starting with the '73 anyway. It did not make the attractive transition to the Colonnade style (at all) the way the Monte did. This was true for the ugly Pontiac LeMans staring in '73 also, vs. the beautiful Grand Prix. I liked the GP front end of the '73-'76, but not the 'separated '77 headlights.
I had a midnight blue 75 with a white vinyl roof. Had a rebuilt engine 350 out of a 71 Monte Carlo. You're right, the square headlights ruined the looks of that generation.
The rectangular headlights looked good on rectangular cars like the '76 Seville and most of the downsized '77s and '78s, but the '76-'77 A-bodies were just a mess, trying to graft squared on details on cars that were still pretty bulbous overall. The quad rectangular headlights on the '76 B and C cars worked a lot better, usually appearing to be part of a wrap-around stripe that included the parking and cornering lights. I guess they had more space to work with on those cars.
My neighbor had a '73 Monte Carlo, triple white, 454, swivel buckets, fully loaded. It was stunning and rode and drove beautifully. He was very kind and let me drive it once, even though I was too young for a learner's permit. Thanks for the memories!
13:32 That's like the one I bought used in 1977. 454 (with a Holley dual feed I think) that got 10 mpg. Gas prices had doubled during the previous 5 years from 36 cents to 62 cents, so it hurt at the time.
I remember one of my dad's friends showing up at our house to show off one of the first '73 Monte Carlos sold in our local area - I thought it was one of the most beautiful car designs I had ever seen, especially the sculpted flowing sides.
I had a buckskin 77 Monte with rally wheels, power windows & Locks, swivel buckets, tilt wheel, cruise, rear window defogger and other extras. Bought it at the end of 77 it had been one of the dealer manager's cars ordered fully loaded.
The blue 73 base model was my first car. Bought it used in 1980 for $750. It would seem to float at 120 MPH. Great car and great to see it again. Thanks!
My first car was a 1973 Monte Carlo... was dark red with matching vinyl roof and still remains one of the smoothest riding cars I've owned... and was fast for its time with 350 4-bbl... loved it!
My 69 GP SJ was a honey, but they sure like to suck fuel, but they were kind of a slug for 400 ci., get it rollin and your riding on air. Paid new a little over $4K.
Great Video. I always wanted a 2nd generation Monte but could not find one in really good condition, here in Germany. So I ended up lucky with a pretty close 75 Buick (Century) Regal in great condition with zero rust. A gorgeogus car too... but in fact, deep inside, I am still dreaming of a Monte Carlo.
I recall riding in the back seat of one of these in the 1970s, with my friend and his little sister. It was their dad's car (their mom had a Pinto). I recall the rear window had a sharp crease in the center, and the front bucket seats *_swiveled._* That is the first and last car I ever saw with swivel front seats. Not sure if it was 1973, 1974 or 1975, but the taillights did look like that, so it might have been a 1973.
My dad got a new 1973 Monte Carlo when I was three. I remember how beautiful it looked. I still think that. As for the 78, it was the right car, but they got it right for 1981.
73-74 the best ones ,yes 81 was a good refresh , the 78-80 bumper, rub strips fell off in a few yrs.saw them when new and quality wasn't that great , opened drivers door and could hear it rub against the fender, large dasd pad ,what will it look like after sitting in the Arizona sun for 5 yrs? ,my aunt had a carport but she always covered up the dash , cloth int rear seat top to protect it from the sun and #1 always cover the metal seat belt buckles
Agreed. I did not like the downsized '78s. They looked out of proportion and too small. The '81 re-skin really fixed that, and somehow the proportions were once again right on.
Thanks Adam for putting out yet more great content on your channel; I honestly don't know where you find the time to produce so many of these informative and well-researched videos. Keep up the great work!
A close friend had a 72 Monte. I liked that body stye the best back then. We were probably just out of high school and Tony would turn the air cleaner lid upside down so you coild hear the Quadrajet go "wwhhaaa" when you got on it! We took turns driving that Monte everywhere...his family owned a gas station. I didn't really care for the 73 and newer styling then but now I seem to like them much better. I've found that to be true of many things as I get older!
did the same with my moms 70 chevelle flip the air cleaner lid upside down to hear the 4 bl open up ,my dad put on dual exhaust so it had a nice rumble.
My buddy in the Marines had a 72 w/ a 402 4 bolt main cap motor. I had a Trans Am but I always had a thing for that car. He let me drive it & it had the best blend of sporty luxury ever.
Great point around 8:50 about the Eldo/Monte Carlo release, vs. the '85/'86 Somerset/Skylark/Riviera debacle. Another good example would be how the Chrysler LeBaron coupe and convertible hit the market before the "TC by Maserati". In general everyone thought the more expensive car was just another LeBaron, but if I remember, it was nearly twice the price!
I used to own The 72Monte Carlo It was a big block car with a turbo 400And also owned77 It Had a 350 in it I really love these carsThey had a wonderful ride.
I had two '72s and a '82. Dad had a Brand New '76 Hard top with the swivel bucket seats and console. Mom had a New '77 Landau. The whole family loved them.
My favorite generation Monte! I especially like the ‘73 model before the 5mph rear bumper regulations took effect. Thanks for another winning video Adam!
I love the '73, especially the tail lights. When I was 16 back in '76, I had a buddy who frequently used his sister's '70 Monte with a big block. That thing would melt both back tires without brake torquing it. Good times...
had a 76 in oxblood red with a red vinyl interior and a white landau top - 350/4bbl and it ran and drove like a cadillac - loved that car , body on frame cars ride like a dream
I remember in '72 my father bought a 72 Monte Carlo "custom" Corvette wheel covers, 4 spoke wheel 400 4bbl. Dual exhaust. Loved it. Then word on the '73 came out. Car magazines said it had a Mercedes suspension. My father ordered his.they were on back order they were so popular. Swivel buckets. Landau model. 350 4bbl with dual exhaust. Guage package. Loved the 73
I had one these beasts! Mine was a 1973 . 2 door 350 4 barrel carb., It floated like a luxury car and always wanted to burn rubber! Solid car car, but at that time just like the other car companies, it suffered from the dreaded rust disease! Still my favourite car!!😊
I graduated high school in 1977 . In 78 I was looking at a beautiful 1974 Monte Carlo. Man I loved that car and I could've bought it but something else caught my eye instead. 1972 Riviera GS got my money.
I had a green on green 73 Monte Carlo with the 350 and I loved that car 😊 It handled great on twisty roads and I even drove it into sand next to a creek and it didn't get stuck like my 66 Chevrolet long bed truck did😮 I had an accident and it was totaled unfortunately 😢... I'm just glad the other person wasn't hurt getting hit by that big car😊
In 1990, I bought a '73 Monte Carlo with a swapped 307 4bbl for a college mechanics class, and we as a class rebuilt the engine. Come to find out through GM service manuals, the 307 churns out 300hp with the 4bbl manifold and carb. We finished with a premium highway car which zoomed the highways with ease and joy, and it looked damn good doing it.
I remember reading consumer reports used car buyer guide and marveling at the available engine options the 454 was available in 73-74 according to that source. Wow imagine a big block! This was when I was 15 or so in the mid 80s dreaming about getting my first car.
Dick Balch Chevrolet supplied our school disrict drivers ed with 78 - 79 Monte Carlo's I loved driving that car so when I got a job, I bought one with bucket seats with the console and a T-Shifter. The 305 was terrible so later on I put a 350 ZZ1 Performance Parts in it with some additional handling mods!
When I was four years old, my family went on a trip to Florida. We went to DisneyWorld and saw an Apollo launch. Not just any launch, but the Apollo 17 night launch. I remember none of this. However, I recall our rental car was a beige '73 Monte Carlo. This memory is distinct, even the shape of the taillight on the car.
Thanks for showing the design proposals, I always wondered what these cars would have looked like without the 5mph impact bumpers , aka "chrome-plated cross ties" that were mandated for '73 and later. Wonderful content on your channel as always 😁
Had a 76 Monte Carlo. 350 2bbl. Had the swivel bucket seats, cruise, A/C and rear defog fan behind the rear seat. Loved that car but got married and then kids. Needed a car with rear doors so traded it in for a 4 dr. Chev impala. Loved the steering on the Monte. Had the stabilizer shock on the linkage. Had to replace it a couple of times and sure made a difference. Now in my 60's and wish I had that car. Thanks Adam for posting this!!
A friend of mine's older brother had a 75 Monte Carlo when we were back in high school. He was older and working a "real" job so he had a car where we didn't yet. His just had the 350 and didn't have any fancy options on it but it was still a cool car.
I had a 73 Monte, Landau, loaded, center console with Velour Captains seats that swiveled 180 degrees so the back seat would turn into a big playground. I loved that car...
Dad had a 70 when I was a kid. Then he gave me a 78 for my 18th birthday. I still have it. 78 (3rd gen) is by far my favorite generation of Monte Carlo
I like the 3rd gen too. It was put in the difficult position of maintaining the fancy 2nd gen styling on a drastically smaller body, and did a great job. Personally, my favorite is the 4th starting in 1981. It had the efficient size of the 3rd gen, the back end (style) of the 2nd, and the simple styling on the 1st along the sides.
A neighbor around the corner, she's a widow now, has a 1970 Monte Carlo with its original 454cid/th400 with only around 60,000 miles on it...! She will not sell it...!!! It just sits in her garage and hasn't moved outta the driveway in at least ten years and hasn't come outta the garage in the last four years...! She had been backing it down her driveway once a week, but that stopped during covid... She has no living children, so who knows what will happen to it when she passes, but someone will get a mint condition Monte Carlo...!!! Thanks for sharing... Keep up your awesomeness...
What a waste for a car like that to sit around & basically get old. If she had a family mechanic to drive it 20 miles per week & do oil changes it'd be a much better car. But its hers!
My brother had a 1970 Monte, dark green, black vinal top. I wasnt old enough to drive, but made a deal with him. If I washed it, he would let me drive it around the block! Man, was i trilled!
Had a last year 1977 Monte that body style with the 4 rectangler head lights,305ci engine, firethorne red exterior and red interior throughout. Bought new in 77 my first new car, I thought I made a excellent choice then ,I was 18yrs old. I still have Polaroid pictures of that car and look at them every now and then. Always liked that body style, and wish I still had it😊
I got to ride in a 73 454 Monte Carlo when I was just starting to drive. My friend and I were tasked with washing his Mom's boss' car, when we got in...whoo hoo! What a nice car! It took us 4 hours to wash...at least that's what we said...
Similarities (aka copying) of the design forms by Chrysler for the Cordoba big time, although the 'doba was two years later. In late winter, 1973, Uncle John came up with his brand new Monte Carlo in green with a white landau top (matching interior) with the 350 4BBL. He let mom take us to school the following day, and it was ice cool arriving in the 'new car'. Great video. Tons of memories.
The Cordoba went for the "luxury" look which was blander than the Chevy (although the front end was kind of cool), but the interiors were much nicer. I remember loving the look of the Monte Carlo as I walked up to one, then being let down by how cheap the interior looked...
@mraudio the interiors were so CHEAP. In one model year, GM bean counters made Fisher Body cut costs dramatically. Chrysler always had lavish interiors with chintzy dashboards.
@@douglasb.1203 I thought the dashboard in the Cordoba was pretty decent, at least it had a full gauge package, unlike most Ford and GM cars at the time. But, yeah, the plastic they used in the dashes in some of their models was pretty terrible. The trucks in particular come to mind...
@@douglasb.1203 Yes they were strange, and usually in a weird location. I had a Cordoba for a few years back in the day, and I never knew you could pull back on the buttons...
Thank you Adam. This car had themes that they would carry on the Monte Carlo for years with the exception of the 1995-1999 version. They had lost their way but came back in grand style is 2000. The most popular one would have to be 1981-1987. I liked that one the best. I liked 1976-1977 with the stacked headlights too. This car has a strong heritage and history. I had issues with 1978-1979 version. Something was lost. My Aunt had one. At least they updated the front end for 1980. I enjoyed seeing the design sketches/proposals. That was interesting hearing the story as well. As far as the interior it shared its interior with Malibu and El Camino back then and well into the 1980's. Chevrolet was not the only GM brand to do that. They used what they had( economies of scale). I also recall the Turbo Monte Carlos and the SS versions and more. They tried to recapture that past glory at the end by offering a V8. The issue with the very last one was the Impala front end styling. I recall the late 80's Monte Carlo LS too. I know so many people at one time or another who had a Monte Carlo. Thank you Adam.
I purchased a used 1973 in 1974. The taillight treatment was absolutely beautiful. And it handled and rode beautifully. Mine was medium red metallic, 350 ci and Turbo Hydramatic.
When I was stationed in the Philippines in '75-'77 I had a shipmate that had a '73 Monte Carlo. It was tan. That car was so nice. Smooth really describes that car. When I got stationed in San Diego in October 1977 I bought a brand new 1978 Monte Carlo. I liked that car. That was the most reliable American car I ever owned. I remember some people when they first saw it thought it was a two door Seville. Well kinda sort of. Thanks for posting such great informative videos.
To me, the instrument panel with gauges and tachometer looked pretty good! I always loved how these cars drove. They rode smooth, were quiet, and handled very well. In addition to the rear sway bar, these cars had 15X7 wheels, a steering stabilizer, different alignment settings, and probably a few more things that I have forgotten. @20:40 I seem to remember the area under the outside mirror adjuster is a slot for your road maps?
The instrument panel would have looked a lot better if there were gauges instead of idiot lights. The tach and full gauge complement were options, while the standard panel had only a speedometer and big mechanical fuel gauge. If I remember correctly, for the 1973 model year, GM designed the suspensions on the Cutlass/Monte Carlo/Lemans/etc. to compete with the Mercedes Benz sedans of the time. Either Motor Trend of Car & Driver did a full story comparing the handling of the GM intermediates to the Benz and concluded GM came very close to the mark with cars costing thousands less than the German sedan.
Excellent video. I was more of a Grand Prix fan having owned 4 over the years (69-77). The inclusion of the design and factory photos along with your well informed commentary made a great presentation. My brother had a black '75 Monte Carlo. Other colonade cars I owned included a '73 442, '73 Gran Sport, '76 Le Mans Sport coupe
73-77 all nice cars liked the same cars , part of our child hood ,cool when we could ride in the front seat with dad or older brother driving . my fav is the 1973 hurst olds , 73 gto, 73 grand am , 77 can am , 73-77 do like the 1/4 windows choices . Luxury la mans could have fender skirts
The 1970 - ‘72 Monte Carlo has aged so gracefully. I almost swooned at the first sight of the 1973 Monte Carlo as the body shaping echoed my favorite Silver Ghost! They also drive very well, cornering belies their size. I now drive a 1973 Eldorado by Cadillac, as they used to say it in their print advertising, and yes, you called that comparison correctly.
Dude I used to work with had a '76 Monte, I had a '78 Dodge Monaco, and we were racing home from work one day from Newark airport. Suffice it to say he smoked me lol, that Monte had a rear stabilizer bar and that rear end stayed solid as I watched his taillights get smaller in front of me 🤣
I've never seen a 1973 Monte Carlo like mine that was totally white on the outside along with a maroon-red interior with a matching half-vinyl roof...thanks for sharing...it brings back great memories!
Must have been a beautiful ride you had. Have you been a first owner from back in the days ? The colour scheme you described sounds similar to my 75 Regal. Havent seen many classic cars with that scheme either.
Frank...WOW!! I saw your 75 Regal and it looks almost the same as my 73 Monte Carlo, but with the entire roof in vinyl. Yes...this was one of the 1st cars out at the time....saw it and fell in love instantly...too bad they went away as nothing else today even comes close IMHO.
My family had a 77 Malibu Classic station wagon that shared what was essentially the same dasboard and steering wheel. These chevrolets were good looking cars but the bodies just weren’t very good. I remember the sag in the doors most of the montes had. Our Malibu’s hood creased one day when being closed because it had dry hinges. I also remember even as an eleven year old being surprised at the washers used to bolt the front fenders to the cowl.
My mother had this exact car. She went to work for the first time as a secretary in 1973. At the time she had a 1972 Chrysler Newport that my father had bought her and she hated it. It was baby poop green. So, after she had been at work for about a year, on the way home from work one day she stopped at a Chevrolet dealer and bought this car used with cash she had saved up. She left the 72 Chrysler at the dealership and told my dad when she got home with the new-to-her car that he could go and pick up the old car and do whatever he wanted with it because she was done with it and this Monte Carlo was now her car. I thought my dad was going to have a stroke. But he went and picked up the car and she kept that Monte Carlo for the next five years.
I bought a 73 for 200 dollars that had very little power. I replace the cam and built that car into a winning stock car that dominated the class in 1997. Really solid car.
I had a 73" Monte Carlo, 454, swivel buckets, posi traction, It was beautiful....................... I sold it to pay for my family's Christmas that year (1983)
I really liked the tilt and telescoping steering column and swivel buckets seats of my '73 Monte Carlo. It was just cool and nobody else had that on their ride. :D
My parents had one when I was a kid, that sucker was a 5 ton beast. I remember all the space I had in the back to play with my toys when I was a kid. Would love to find one in decent shape.
Knowing now that the 73 was actually designed to be released in 71, makes me wished that it had been released in 71, without the impact bumpers. That marred the looks of the 73. But I was super excited back in the day when the 73 was released bec😢 the overs design was so compelling that you simply ignored the bumpers
I had a 75 with the standard 350 2bbl. I miss that car. It was a mobile couch. very comfy. 18 mpg with the cruise set to 60 mph. The emission system caused 'run on' or dieseling after turning it off. The only problem I ever had was a radiator leak that I found before a weekend trip. It was a piece of cake to swap a radiator back then.
My Parents had the 1973 and 1977 second generation Chevy Monte Carlos. Learning from this video, it seems that this 2nd gen Monte Carlo played a big role even as far back to 1971 making major designs for the Cadillac Eldorado! 😮😮😮😮😮
My sister's boyfriend flew for Piedmont....circa 73....Ron ordered a loaded 73 landau version.....but Gandy white "landau " top....swivel buckets....454-4 special turbine wheels.....she was a class act....a real headturner.
In the early 80s, I remember one of my high school upperclassman friends having a '73 Monte Carlo. Still a nice car even though it was about 7-8 years old.
I had the 1974 Monte Carlo which was almost identical to the 73. However, I had bucket seats and the shifter in the center console. The bucket seat's were so much nicer. The driver side and passenger side bucket seats also swiveled outward so you can get in and out of the car much easier. I owned that car from 19 86 until 1990.. I miss her so much
Thank you for making this video. I can tell that are not old enough to of been a car guy when this car came out. The fan shroud was 100 percent functional at least you did not complain about the tread pattern on the tires. The cruise control kept the speed with in a plus or minus two MPH. GM was big at that time that everything was in the driver view and reach not like today with touch screen controls. Around the eight minute time you can see in the background the square stack headlight design. Over all I did enjoy the video .It gets me that people don’t keep in mind the price point the designers had to stay in. I remember going with my brother when he picked his new 1975 Monte first car in our house to have factory air. I was 23 at that time Thanks
I had a ‘71 with swiveling buckets. Those things were so awesome! Always had an extra set of hood hinges and springs in the trunk too! Those things would buckle in so often because the hood was way too heavy for stock ones.
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These first gen Monte Carlos were bullet proof. We had these cars back in 70's high school days and beat the snarts out of them. We were teens! They never broke down "never" and were so easy to tune up. Same goes for Impala's-Caprice's and the Malibu's of the early to mid 70's era.
Yep 😊
My brother had a 74 for four years while he was in college. It never let him down.
This is a second gen. First was 70-72 I think.
That's because they were built right!😊
It seems like half of my friends had these cool "old" 70s personal luxury coupes that their parents gave up in the 80s for smaller more fuel efficient imports...
Which means the kids got big comfortable cars but it also kept us under control because gas was so expensive and they got horrible gas mileage, it limited our driving and how far away from home we could get.
So often we cruised to a mall parking lot or dead end road and shut them off because we couldn't afford to drive to any place else LOL.
It seems like half of the people had Monte Carlos, Cutlass Supremes, Chevelles, Malibu coupes, Thunderbirds, Cougars etc, which had been their dad's "nice" car in the 70s that got handed down.
Unfortunately my practical parents always had a four-door and I inherited a Mercury Montego MX Brougham, which wasn't nearly as cool as the Torino it was based on, and never felt nearly as cool as the big coupes with two doors that were focused more towards young singles than my family car boat with Lincoln trim on a midsized Ford derived car lol
I like the 73-75 Montes much more with the round headlights than the last 2 years of this generation with the rectangular ones.
Agree completely!!! The '73-'75 Montes with the round headlights were a lot more beautiful just for that reason alone. Adam felt the '74 back end wasn't as nice due to the bumpers. To me that didn't take away anything. It (and the '75) had a slightly longer look which added to the sleekness. Very much of a sexy "Rolls Royce" for the average guy to buy and enjoy. As far as the '76-'77 Montes go, they were entering their 4th and 5th model years and so they felt a new look somewhere on the car was needed, so they gave the Monte the ugly Chevelle stacked headlights. I basically hated the Chevelle's looks period starting with the '73 anyway. It did not make the attractive transition to the Colonnade style (at all) the way the Monte did. This was true for the ugly Pontiac LeMans staring in '73 also, vs. the beautiful Grand Prix. I liked the GP front end of the '73-'76, but not the 'separated '77 headlights.
Also agree 100%. No sooner than car manufacturers get something right than they turn around and mess it up.
I had a midnight blue 75 with a white vinyl roof. Had a rebuilt engine 350 out of a 71 Monte Carlo. You're right, the square headlights ruined the looks of that generation.
The rectangular headlights looked good on rectangular cars like the '76 Seville and most of the downsized '77s and '78s, but the '76-'77 A-bodies were just a mess, trying to graft squared on details on cars that were still pretty bulbous overall. The quad rectangular headlights on the '76 B and C cars worked a lot better, usually appearing to be part of a wrap-around stripe that included the parking and cornering lights. I guess they had more space to work with on those cars.
same here , liked the bucket seat opt
My neighbor had a '73 Monte Carlo, triple white, 454, swivel buckets, fully loaded. It was stunning and rode and drove beautifully. He was very kind and let me drive it once, even though I was too young for a learner's permit. Thanks for the memories!
13:32 That's like the one I bought used in 1977. 454 (with a Holley dual feed I think) that got 10 mpg. Gas prices had doubled during the previous 5 years from 36 cents to 62 cents, so it hurt at the time.
My neighbor had the 73 black on black version. Beautiful Automobile. I was to young to drive it too.
We had a maroon 74 with the swivel bucket seats. Many a road trip was spent in that beast!
I remember one of my dad's friends showing up at our house to show off one of the first '73 Monte Carlos sold in our local area - I thought it was one of the most beautiful car designs I had ever seen, especially the sculpted flowing sides.
I had a buckskin 77 Monte with rally wheels, power windows & Locks, swivel buckets, tilt wheel, cruise, rear window defogger and other extras. Bought it at the end of 77 it had been one of the dealer manager's cars ordered fully loaded.
I loved the 73 Monte Carlo. It was so beautiful. Great car
I put it ahead of the early Eldorado but just behind the 67 Riviera for style. But they were all nice.
The blue 73 base model was my first car. Bought it used in 1980 for $750. It would seem to float at 120 MPH. Great car and great to see it again. Thanks!
Every year of the Monte Carlo was very well designed . Classic with Style and Power .
I miss my 81 Monte.
I miss my 79 Monte@@TiborRoussou
@@stevegordon5243 or my 71 Cutlass, or my 71 Duster or for that matter, my 69 Mustang.
I have a few others also but my Monte was my favorite@@TiborRoussou
"most comfortable ride" @@stevegordon5243
My first car was a 1973 Monte Carlo... was dark red with matching vinyl roof and still remains one of the smoothest riding cars I've owned... and was fast for its time with 350 4-bbl... loved it!
One of the hottest interiors when you’re comparing Grand Prix and Montecarlo was the Grand Prix with that wraparound - consul
I bought the GP
My 69 GP SJ was a honey, but they sure like to suck fuel, but they were kind of a slug for 400 ci., get it rollin and your riding on air. Paid new a little over $4K.
Great Video. I always wanted a 2nd generation Monte but could not find one in really good condition, here in Germany. So I ended up lucky with a pretty close 75 Buick (Century) Regal in great condition with zero rust. A gorgeogus car too... but in fact, deep inside, I am still dreaming of a Monte Carlo.
I recall riding in the back seat of one of these in the 1970s, with my friend and his little sister. It was their dad's car (their mom had a Pinto). I recall the rear window had a sharp crease in the center, and the front bucket seats *_swiveled._* That is the first and last car I ever saw with swivel front seats. Not sure if it was 1973, 1974 or 1975, but the taillights did look like that, so it might have been a 1973.
My dad got a new 1973 Monte Carlo when I was three. I remember how beautiful it looked. I still think that. As for the 78, it was the right car, but they got it right for 1981.
454, check. Rally wheels, check. I'll take mine with a console w/floor shifter, swivel buckets, and full instrumentation. 1973 Monte Carlo perfection
73-74 the best ones ,yes 81 was a good refresh , the 78-80 bumper, rub strips fell off in a few yrs.saw them when new and quality wasn't that great , opened drivers door and could hear it rub against the fender, large dasd pad ,what will it look like after sitting in the Arizona sun for 5 yrs? ,my aunt had a carport but she always covered up the dash , cloth int rear seat top to protect it from the sun and #1 always cover the metal seat belt buckles
Agreed. I did not like the downsized '78s. They looked out of proportion and too small. The '81 re-skin really fixed that, and somehow the proportions were once again right on.
A friend had a '73 back in school days. Buckets, console and a 454. Helluva fun car for cruising...... when we could afford to keep gas in it!
Thanks Adam for putting out yet more great content on your channel; I honestly don't know where you find the time to produce so many of these informative and well-researched videos. Keep up the great work!
Ditto
Monte, Cutlass, I liked them all.
Monte Carlo or Grand Prix?
@@MasterMalrubius yes.
Monte Carlo Cutlass Regal Grand Prix
Better than the Thunderbird of the time and years prior to Cordoba!
My favorite car I've owned was a '73 GranPrix, back in '90. Wish I still had it now😥
I always liked and wanted a Chevy Monte Carlo I still would Love to have one Beautiful Car A Classic
A close friend had a 72 Monte. I liked that body stye the best back then. We were probably just out of high school and Tony would turn the air cleaner lid upside down so you coild hear the Quadrajet go "wwhhaaa" when you got on it! We took turns driving that Monte everywhere...his family owned a gas station. I didn't really care for the 73 and newer styling then but now I seem to like them much better. I've found that to be true of many things as I get older!
the 1973 had much better handling than the 1972, DeLorean had the engineers take elements for the new suspension from Mercedes
@@stanmarcusgtvsuch as?
did the same with my moms 70 chevelle flip the air cleaner lid upside down to hear the 4 bl open up ,my dad put on dual exhaust so it had a nice rumble.
My buddy in the Marines had a 72 w/ a 402 4 bolt main cap motor. I had a Trans Am but I always had a thing for that car. He let me drive it & it had the best blend of sporty luxury ever.
Me too,71 Grand Prix w/400 4 bl. That car had legs!!
I liked the 73 Monte Carlo since it’s introduction, lovely design and beautiful styling.😊😊❤
Great point around 8:50 about the Eldo/Monte Carlo release, vs. the '85/'86 Somerset/Skylark/Riviera debacle. Another good example would be how the Chrysler LeBaron coupe and convertible hit the market before the "TC by Maserati". In general everyone thought the more expensive car was just another LeBaron, but if I remember, it was nearly twice the price!
My uncle bought a 1970 and a 1972 both with the 454. They were smooth and quick
70 ss 454 Monte Carlo bet it would cruise at 75 all day . Drank gas
Gas was $0.37¢ p.gal.
that's 37 cents per gallon
Nice cars, remember them well. My favorite Monte, though, is the original 1970 car, black with no vinyl top, with the slightly peaked wheel covers.
I used to own The 72Monte Carlo It was a big block car with a turbo 400And also owned77 It Had a 350 in it I really love these carsThey had a wonderful ride.
My dream car was a 1976
Monte Carlo and my parents
Bought one. I loved that car more than anything. Had it for ten years.
Love that first blue MC with the fender skirts. One of my all time favortie cars.
I definitely remember that. I brought my first car the summer before my 9th grade school year started. A 1974 Cutlass Supreme Salon.
I had two '72s and a '82. Dad had a Brand New '76 Hard top with the swivel bucket seats and console. Mom had a New '77 Landau. The whole family loved them.
Jesus, look at the background designs of concept cars in the 70s. 10:26 Including one at the far left that look like the next Camaro. Stunning.
They look like HotWheels cars.
My favorite generation Monte! I especially like the ‘73 model before the 5mph rear bumper regulations took effect.
Thanks for another winning video Adam!
I love the '73, especially the tail lights. When I was 16 back in '76, I had a buddy who frequently used his sister's '70 Monte with a big block. That thing would melt both back tires without brake torquing it. Good times...
had a 76 in oxblood red with a red vinyl interior and a white landau top - 350/4bbl and it ran and drove like a cadillac - loved that car , body on frame cars ride like a dream
I had two of these 73's. I had the swivel bucket front seats. Loved these! In my opinion, the best looking of that body style.
I remember in '72 my father bought a 72 Monte Carlo "custom" Corvette wheel covers, 4 spoke wheel 400 4bbl. Dual exhaust. Loved it.
Then word on the '73 came out. Car magazines said it had a Mercedes suspension. My father ordered his.they were on back order they were so popular. Swivel buckets. Landau model. 350 4bbl with dual exhaust. Guage package. Loved the 73
I had one these beasts! Mine was a 1973 . 2 door 350 4 barrel carb., It floated like a luxury car and always wanted to burn rubber! Solid car car, but at that time just like the other car companies, it suffered from the dreaded rust disease! Still my favourite car!!😊
I graduated high school in 1977 . In 78 I was looking at a beautiful 1974 Monte Carlo. Man I loved that car and I could've bought it but something else caught my eye instead. 1972 Riviera GS got my money.
Wise choice
I had a green on green 73 Monte Carlo with the 350 and I loved that car 😊 It handled great on twisty roads and I even drove it into sand next to a creek and it didn't get stuck like my 66 Chevrolet long bed truck did😮 I had an accident and it was totaled unfortunately 😢... I'm just glad the other person wasn't hurt getting hit by that big car😊
Really like the way you present the development of these vehicles.
In 1990, I bought a '73 Monte Carlo with a swapped 307 4bbl for a college mechanics class, and we as a class rebuilt the engine. Come to find out through GM service manuals, the 307 churns out 300hp with the 4bbl manifold and carb. We finished with a premium highway car which zoomed the highways with ease and joy, and it looked damn good doing it.
I remember reading consumer reports used car buyer guide and marveling at the available engine options the 454 was available in 73-74 according to that source. Wow imagine a big block! This was when I was 15 or so in the mid 80s dreaming about getting my first car.
Dick Balch Chevrolet supplied our school disrict drivers ed with 78 - 79 Monte Carlo's I loved driving that car so when I got a job, I bought one with bucket seats with the console and a T-Shifter. The 305 was terrible so later on I put a 350 ZZ1 Performance Parts in it with some additional handling mods!
When I was four years old, my family went on a trip to Florida. We went to DisneyWorld and saw an Apollo launch. Not just any launch, but the Apollo 17 night launch. I remember none of this. However, I recall our rental car was a beige '73 Monte Carlo. This memory is distinct, even the shape of the taillight on the car.
Thanks for showing the design proposals, I always wondered what these cars would have looked like without the 5mph impact bumpers , aka "chrome-plated cross ties" that were mandated for '73 and later. Wonderful content on your channel as always 😁
GM knocked it out of the park with these Monte Carlos. Absolutely beautiful lines with great performance and luxury appointed interiors.😇
Please keep sharing those interviews of prior executives. I never tire of it. Nice video!
Had a 76 Monte Carlo. 350 2bbl. Had the swivel bucket seats, cruise, A/C and rear defog fan behind the rear seat. Loved that car but got married and then kids. Needed a car with rear doors so traded it in for a 4 dr. Chev impala. Loved the steering on the Monte. Had the stabilizer shock on the linkage. Had to replace it a couple of times and sure made a difference. Now in my 60's and wish I had that car. Thanks Adam for posting this!!
I had the same car,red on white,bought it second hand & it had transmission issues. Beautiful car,wished I had it new!
A friend of mine's older brother had a 75 Monte Carlo when we were back in high school. He was older and working a "real" job so he had a car where we didn't yet. His just had the 350 and didn't have any fancy options on it but it was still a cool car.
My first and only Chevrolet Monte Carlo was 1978. It was a very popular. So was Oldsmobile Cutlass.
I had a 73 Monte, Landau, loaded, center console with Velour Captains seats that swiveled 180 degrees so the back seat would turn into a big playground. I loved that car...
Dad had a 70 when I was a kid. Then he gave me a 78 for my 18th birthday. I still have it. 78 (3rd gen) is by far my favorite generation of Monte Carlo
Isn't that the one Denzel drove in Training Days?
It is the one in training day, and it had a very large factory sunroof option. My favorite Monte Carlo
I like the 3rd gen too. It was put in the difficult position of maintaining the fancy 2nd gen styling on a drastically smaller body, and did a great job. Personally, my favorite is the 4th starting in 1981. It had the efficient size of the 3rd gen, the back end (style) of the 2nd, and the simple styling on the 1st along the sides.
Adam, Your blue Monte Carlo was overdue for an appearance. 😁
These were an absolute pleasure to drive.
My aunt had a 77 MC. Loved everything about that car. She drove it for about 12 years. Beige with brown top.
The first gen MC was a lean understated car that could be optioned with powerful engines and good handling. Essentially a up-scale muscle car.
saw one 1970 a4speed Ohio car so by 1980 was a rust bucket
A neighbor around the corner, she's a widow now, has a 1970 Monte Carlo with its original 454cid/th400 with only around 60,000 miles on it...! She will not sell it...!!! It just sits in her garage and hasn't moved outta the driveway in at least ten years and hasn't come outta the garage in the last four years...! She had been backing it down her driveway once a week, but that stopped during covid... She has no living children, so who knows what will happen to it when she passes, but someone will get a mint condition Monte Carlo...!!! Thanks for sharing... Keep up your awesomeness...
What a waste for a car like that to sit around & basically get old. If she had a family mechanic to drive it 20 miles per week & do oil changes it'd be a much better car. But its hers!
@@richardmorris7063 Yep, reminds her of her husband... she never even drove it until after he passed away...!!! But yeah, I agree...!
It kills me to read stories like this...
My brother had a 1970 Monte, dark green, black vinal top. I wasnt old enough to drive, but made a deal with him. If I washed it, he would let me drive it around the block! Man, was i trilled!
Had a last year 1977 Monte that body style with the 4 rectangler head lights,305ci engine, firethorne red exterior and red interior throughout. Bought new in 77 my first new car, I thought I made a excellent choice then ,I was 18yrs old. I still have Polaroid pictures of that car and look at them every now and then. Always liked that body style, and wish I still had it😊
I got to ride in a 73 454 Monte Carlo when I was just starting to drive. My friend and I were tasked with washing his Mom's boss' car, when we got in...whoo hoo! What a nice car! It took us 4 hours to wash...at least that's what we said...
Similarities (aka copying) of the design forms by Chrysler for the Cordoba big time, although the 'doba was two years later. In late winter, 1973, Uncle John came up with his brand new Monte Carlo in green with a white landau top (matching interior) with the 350 4BBL. He let mom take us to school the following day, and it was ice cool arriving in the 'new car'. Great video. Tons of memories.
The Cordoba went for the "luxury" look which was blander than the Chevy (although the front end was kind of cool), but the interiors were much nicer. I remember loving the look of the Monte Carlo as I walked up to one, then being let down by how cheap the interior looked...
@mraudio the interiors were so CHEAP. In one model year, GM bean counters made Fisher Body cut costs dramatically. Chrysler always had lavish interiors with chintzy dashboards.
@@douglasb.1203 I thought the dashboard in the Cordoba was pretty decent, at least it had a full gauge package, unlike most Ford and GM cars at the time. But, yeah, the plastic they used in the dashes in some of their models was pretty terrible. The trucks in particular come to mind...
@mraudio the HVAC push/pull knobs were strange in the Cordoba and virtually every MOPAR. The chronometer, though? Ice cool.
@@douglasb.1203 Yes they were strange, and usually in a weird location. I had a Cordoba for a few years back in the day, and I never knew you could pull back on the buttons...
That original clay model Monte Carlo resembles a lot of Aussie Holden architecture of the era to it.
Thank you Adam. This car had themes that they would carry on the Monte Carlo for years with the exception of the 1995-1999 version. They had lost their way but came back in grand style is 2000. The most popular one would have to be 1981-1987. I liked that one the best. I liked 1976-1977 with the stacked headlights too. This car has a strong heritage and history. I had issues with 1978-1979 version. Something was lost. My Aunt had one. At least they updated the front end for 1980. I enjoyed seeing the design sketches/proposals. That was interesting hearing the story as well. As far as the interior it shared its interior with Malibu and El Camino back then and well into the 1980's. Chevrolet was not the only GM brand to do that. They used what they had( economies of scale). I also recall the Turbo Monte Carlos and the SS versions and more. They tried to recapture that past glory at the end by offering a V8. The issue with the very last one was the Impala front end styling. I recall the late 80's Monte Carlo LS too. I know so many people at one time or another who had a Monte Carlo. Thank you Adam.
I purchased a used 1973 in 1974. The taillight treatment was absolutely beautiful. And it handled and rode beautifully. Mine was medium red metallic, 350 ci and Turbo Hydramatic.
When I was stationed in the Philippines in '75-'77 I had a shipmate that had a '73 Monte Carlo. It was tan. That car was so nice. Smooth really describes that car. When I got stationed in San Diego in October 1977 I bought a brand new 1978 Monte Carlo. I liked that car. That was the most reliable American car I ever owned. I remember some people when they first saw it thought it was a two door Seville. Well kinda sort of. Thanks for posting such great informative videos.
I had a 73 Monte that I painted flat black and devyniled. A great cruiser and super stylish. I loved the swivel seats.
To me, the instrument panel with gauges and tachometer looked pretty good! I always loved how these cars drove. They rode smooth, were quiet, and handled very well. In addition to the rear sway bar, these cars had 15X7 wheels, a steering stabilizer, different alignment settings, and probably a few more things that I have forgotten. @20:40 I seem to remember the area under the outside mirror adjuster is a slot for your road maps?
I recall distinctly-patterned tread OEM tires on this generation of Monte Carlo. Introduced circa 1973?
The instrument panel would have looked a lot better if there were gauges instead of idiot lights. The tach and full gauge complement were options, while the standard panel had only a speedometer and big mechanical fuel gauge.
If I remember correctly, for the 1973 model year, GM designed the suspensions on the Cutlass/Monte Carlo/Lemans/etc. to compete with the Mercedes Benz sedans of the time. Either Motor Trend of Car & Driver did a full story comparing the handling of the GM intermediates to the Benz and concluded GM came very close to the mark with cars costing thousands less than the German sedan.
Excellent video. I was more of a Grand Prix fan having owned 4 over the years (69-77). The inclusion of the design and factory photos along with your well informed commentary made a great presentation. My brother had a black '75 Monte Carlo. Other colonade cars I owned included a '73 442, '73 Gran Sport, '76 Le Mans Sport coupe
73-77 all nice cars liked the same cars , part of our child hood ,cool when we could ride in the front seat with dad or older brother driving . my fav is the 1973 hurst olds , 73 gto, 73 grand am , 77 can am , 73-77 do like the 1/4 windows choices . Luxury la mans could have fender skirts
The 1970 - ‘72 Monte Carlo has aged so gracefully.
I almost swooned at the first sight of the 1973 Monte Carlo as the body shaping echoed my favorite Silver Ghost!
They also drive very well, cornering belies their size.
I now drive a 1973 Eldorado by Cadillac, as they used to say it in their print advertising, and yes, you called that comparison correctly.
I've always been a big fan of the gen 1 Monte Carlo, thought the design was clean and elegant, loved the taillights.
Dude I used to work with had a '76 Monte, I had a '78 Dodge Monaco, and we were racing home from work one day from Newark airport. Suffice it to say he smoked me lol, that Monte had a rear stabilizer bar and that rear end stayed solid as I watched his taillights get smaller in front of me 🤣
I've never seen a 1973 Monte Carlo like mine that was totally white on the outside along with a maroon-red interior with a matching half-vinyl roof...thanks for sharing...it brings back great memories!
Must have been a beautiful ride you had. Have you been a first owner from back in the days ? The colour scheme you described sounds similar to my 75 Regal. Havent seen many classic cars with that scheme either.
Frank...WOW!! I saw your 75 Regal and it looks almost the same as my 73 Monte Carlo, but with the entire roof in vinyl. Yes...this was one of the 1st cars out at the time....saw it and fell in love instantly...too bad they went away as nothing else today even comes close IMHO.
I really appreciate seeing the artist renderings and clay mock ups contrasted against the actual design.
As a foreigner I approve very much of these early '70's Monte Carlo's.
I have to say, the pics with these red brick homes, gorgeous old homes.
My first car...I loved it then and still love it today!
My family had a 77 Malibu Classic station wagon that shared what was essentially the same dasboard and steering wheel. These chevrolets were good looking cars but the bodies just weren’t very good. I remember the sag in the doors most of the montes had. Our Malibu’s hood creased one day when being closed because it had dry hinges. I also remember even as an eleven year old being surprised at the washers used to bolt the front fenders to the cowl.
My mother had this exact car. She went to work for the first time as a secretary in 1973. At the time she had a 1972 Chrysler Newport that my father had bought her and she hated it. It was baby poop green. So, after she had been at work for about a year, on the way home from work one day she stopped at a Chevrolet dealer and bought this car used with cash she had saved up. She left the 72 Chrysler at the dealership and told my dad when she got home with the new-to-her car that he could go and pick up the old car and do whatever he wanted with it because she was done with it and this Monte Carlo was now her car. I thought my dad was going to have a stroke. But he went and picked up the car and she kept that Monte Carlo for the next five years.
Good for mom
These cars were everywhere 😊
Grand Prix was introduced in 1962 but stayed on the Full Size Platform until 69 and yeah it was a hit. Very popular
I bought a 73 for 200 dollars that had very little power. I replace the cam and built that car into a winning stock car that dominated the class in 1997. Really solid car.
Remember the Custom Cloud? A Monte Carlo converted nto a Rolls Royce
... my '74 Monte had swivel bucket seats and was the easiest car I ever re-sold it was so cool ..!
My friend also had a 74 with swivel seats. They were great for putting our ski boots on in the ski slope parking lot.
... and date night ..!
@@peterfranke3118
I had a 73" Monte Carlo, 454, swivel buckets, posi traction, It was beautiful....................... I sold it to pay for my family's Christmas that year (1983)
So pretty face and cool design. I love them！
I really liked the tilt and telescoping steering column and swivel buckets seats of my '73 Monte Carlo. It was just cool and nobody else had that on their ride. :D
Loved all these personal luxury coupes from the big 3..Love the Monte, Ford's Elite, and Chrysler's Cordoba...Those long hoods were awesome.
Mine was a 1976, fully loaded. 400 quadrojet. It was the perfect car. Hands down.
My parents had one when I was a kid, that sucker was a 5 ton beast. I remember all the space I had in the back to play with my toys when I was a kid. Would love to find one in decent shape.
It was metallic gold...
Knowing now that the 73 was actually designed to be released in 71, makes me wished that it had been released in 71, without the impact bumpers. That marred the looks of the 73.
But I was super excited back in the day when the 73 was released bec😢 the overs design was so compelling that you simply ignored the bumpers
I had a 75 with the standard 350 2bbl. I miss that car. It was a mobile couch. very comfy. 18 mpg with the cruise set to 60 mph. The emission system caused 'run on' or dieseling after turning it off. The only problem I ever had was a radiator leak that I found before a weekend trip. It was a piece of cake to swap a radiator back then.
My Parents had the 1973 and 1977 second generation Chevy Monte Carlos. Learning from this video, it seems that this 2nd gen Monte Carlo played a big role even as far back to 1971 making major designs for the Cadillac Eldorado! 😮😮😮😮😮
I love these cars. Had a 75 and a 77. The 75 even had the swivel buckets.
My sister's boyfriend flew for Piedmont....circa 73....Ron ordered a loaded 73 landau version.....but Gandy white "landau " top....swivel buckets....454-4 special turbine wheels.....she was a class act....a real headturner.
I remember the original ad tagline, "A whole new field of one."
When they stacked the rectangle headlights in 1976 that was a looker.
In the early 80s, I remember one of my high school upperclassman friends having a '73 Monte Carlo. Still a nice car even though it was about 7-8 years old.
Such a sweet design
I had a 76 MC... loved it.
It was stolen in front of the house I lived in in 1985 .... Someone else loved it...😢
The 78 MC? one word- Barf !
I had the 1974 Monte Carlo which was almost identical to the 73. However, I had bucket seats and the shifter in the center console. The bucket seat's were so much nicer. The driver side and passenger side bucket seats also swiveled outward so you can get in and out of the car much easier. I owned that car from 19 86 until 1990.. I miss her so much
Thank you for making this video. I can tell that are not old enough to of been a car guy when this car came out.
The fan shroud was 100 percent functional at least you did not complain about the tread pattern on the tires.
The cruise control kept the speed with in a plus or minus two MPH.
GM was big at that time that everything was in the driver view and reach not like today with touch screen controls.
Around the eight minute time you can see in the background the square stack headlight design.
Over all I did enjoy the video .It gets me that people don’t keep in mind the price point the designers had to stay in.
I remember going with my brother when he picked his new 1975 Monte first car in our house to have factory air.
I was 23 at that time
Thanks
Adam was born in the 1980s so he has a lot of catching up to do . 😉
I had a ‘71 with swiveling buckets. Those things were so awesome! Always had an extra set of hood hinges and springs in the trunk too! Those things would buckle in so often because the hood was way too heavy for stock ones.
It's hard to believe it's been 50 years. My wife had a '76 and my Mom had a '75. Both were great cars and trouble free.
I remember these were everywhere!
First car i ever drove, brand new 73 monte 454 with the swivel buckets!. I was 8yrs old, uncles car.