1970 Chevrolet Monte Carlo Hardtop
After six generations, nearly 40 years of production, dozens of special editions, Chevy ended the Monte Carlo line in 2007. It began in 1970 when GM decided to stretch the A-body platform in front of the firewall creating a long nose, which Pontiac had proven with its Grand Prix which outsold the larger B-body cars. This long hood layout would eventually become its own platform known affectionately and internally as G-bodies.
For consignment, a first year Monte, a 1970 Chevrolet Monte Carlo with a numbers matching drivetrain, HEI ignition, in wonderful condition and in a racy red exterior. It's amazing, but not surprising, just how many Classic Auto Mall patrons love this generation of Monte Carlo and its great proportions, muscular stance, and in a category and class of their own.
Exterior
Fifteen colors were available for the Monte in 1970 and this one is bathed in Cranberry Red and among the first gen Monte Carlo's we've seen, red is relatively uncommon. The rectangle grille, it turns out, has a grid composed of 720 small squares. There's some automotive trivia for your bowtie buddies! In the center is the Corinthian helmet, (similar to the Spartan helmet), and flanked by single round headlights with rounded bezels. The black vinyl top is in great condition and retains a border of red around the front and sides, set back from the metal window frame and having a frame of its own. The chrome bumpers, door handles, side mirror, and other metal trim are in excellent shape and the 15-inch Chevrolet Rally wheels need nothing. Simple vertical taillights are distinctive and canted forward, a field mark that eliminates confusion with any other car while the reverse lights and front parking lights are integrated into the chrome bumpers. Imperfections include quite a bit of rust below the rocker panels and another rusted gash on the body near the door seam as well as swirling of the paint on the hood and front fender tops.
Interior
Black vinyl patterned door panels on both doors present in excellent condition with a black armrest and door pull with silver accents blending with the silver window crank. Bucket seats continue the pattern of black vinyl stitched design and while the driver's seat is less robust due to usage, it's intact and clean as is the back bench which looks virtually untouched. Some cracks exist in the rim of the plastic steering wheel while the center horn begins the flow of burlwood applique which continues over the dashboard where gauges are neatly arranged with just a touch of haziness to the plastic faces. A JVC AM/FM/Cassette radio is in the dash below the climate controls topped by a pair of vents. The always enjoyable horseshoe shifter lives in the center console with large indicator numbers on the face in a greenish tinge. Black loop carpet covers the floor and is spotless and the perforated headliner with shoulder belts look factory fresh. A dirty gray mat is in the otherwise bare trunk along with a spare tire and vintage hubcap.
Drivetrain
Pop the red hood and we find a clean, numbers matching 350ci L48 V8 rated at a healthy 300 ponies and tapping an Edelbrock 4-barrel carburetor. That's the golden ticket made even brighter by the presence of the numbers matching TH350 3-speed automatic transmission mounted behind it and sending the horses running to the rear 12-bolt with 2.73 gears. Pulling the reins on the herd entails pumping the power brakes with discs on the front wheels and drums in the rear. Headers begin the process of dumping spent gas.
Undercarriage
Generally clean and driver quality underneath with some of the typical surface rust and consignor noted leaks putting oil drops on the oil pan and filter, flywheel cover, transmission pan, and rear differential. There's one spot of invasive rust on the belly pan. Dual exhaust comes off the headers and runs the length before entering a pair of Turbo mufflers, then exiting out straight, steel pipes in back. Coil spring suspension in front is matched with a four link with coils in the rear.
Drive-Ability
The 350 sounds thunderous through the dual exhaust as we throttle down onto the test loop. The clean interior provides a pleasant place from which to pilot this red rocket and it handles as expected, stops with assuredness, and has plenty of acceleration on tap. Happily, all of the functions operate as intended with the exception of an intermittent heater blower and the A/C which is inoperable.
54years after the car was built it still retains the engine and transmission it was born with. In the collector car world, that's a pretty big deal and quite astounding when you realize how many cars of this era have been modified, swapped, or simply no longer exist. Here's a great looking inaugural year Monte Carlo in a sharp color, a clean interior, and all the bragging rights afforded by "numbers matching". Monte Carlo is known for its casinos, but this car is no gamble, it's a sure bet!
138570B168100
1-Chevrolet
38-Monte Carlo V8
57-2 Door Hardtop
0-1970
B-Baltimore, MD Assy Plant
168100-Sequential Unit Number
TRIM TAG
ST 70 13857-1970 Monte Carlo Hardtop
BDY B094676-Baltimore Body #
TR 784-Green Vinyl Buckets
PNT 45G-Green Mist, Dark Green Vinyl Top
03C-3rd Week March
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8 acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy listening. You can also watch on YouTube!
