1971 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS 2-dr Hardtop

Designer: William "Bill" Mitchell

Estimate: $25,000 - $40,000 Without Reserve

Chassis Number: 138571B138017

Decoded: 1=Chevrolet; 38=Monte Carlo; 57=Formal 2-dr Hardtop; 1=1971; B=Baltimore, MD Assembly; 138017=Unit Seqeunce

Engine: 454 cid "LS5" OHV V8

Rochester 4-bbl Carburetor/360 bhp

3-Speed Hydramatic Automatic Transmission

Power Assisted Front Disc and Rear Drum Brakes

Odometer: 945 Miles Showing

The Model - Introduced in 1970 as a personal luxury coupe, one usually doesn't think of the Chevrolet Monte Carlo as a performance vehicle. You could still get a muscle-car icon with the Chevelle SS in 1971, but for someone who wanted something a little out of the ordinary, there was the Monte Carlo SS. Just a scant 1,919 customers opted for this model, and what they received was a luxury coupe that could deliver quite a punch of which no one was able to see coming their way, it was the ultimate sleeper. Included in the package was the 365 HP 454 cid big-block V8, bucket seats separated by a console with a horseshoe shifter to control the Turbo-Hydramatic 400 transmission, Rally wheels, a blacked-out rear panel plus proper SS badging. This was still at a time when one could custom-order their production car, and Chevrolet catered to the crowds with a menu that offered convenience, appearance and performance options to titillate even the most conservative car buyer. With a base price starting at around $4,000, loaded with the SS package and other appointments of the day, the out-the-door price was most often well north of the $5,000 mark, which was still a fair price for what was received.

The Car - This beautiful example of the Monte Carlo SS represents the end of an era for the American car industry. Presented in Nevada Silver, its original paint color in a two-stage urethane finish, this hardtop features the comfortable black vinyl bucket seats complete with a center-shift console. Restored several years ago this car looks like it just came off the showroom floor. All of the Super Sport components are in place either using the finest replacement or NOS parts available. A modern more responsive steering wheel sits atop the factory tilt-column, and the interior is trimmed to the same level of fit and finish as the factory supplied. It does feature an upgraded audio system and R134A eco-friendly air-conditioning that is reported to be ice-cold even on the warmest days. All of the pages are clean, clear and easy to read including the factory install tachometer. Even the burled walnut applique is in place and looks so much like the real thing it could fool a hungry termite. Under the hood is the numbers matching 454 V8, tuned and ready to go, wearing all the right parts including the hard-to-find air cleaner. With power transferred to the rear wheels through the original 12-bolt rear end, the B.F. Goodrich T/A radial tires grip the road. This is a great opportunity to own a true personal luxury muscle car that can earn the respect of others who meet it on the road.