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Photo of a Chevrolet Monte Carlo

Chevrolet Monte Carlo

A luxury coupe with a 454: the 1970 SS delivered 360 gross hp.123

Researched November 2, 2026 from 31 sources

Also called

  • ConcoursDevelopment name before Monte Carlo was selected just ahead of the public debut.2
  • dinner-jacketed ChevelleCar and Driver's quip comparing the Monte Carlo to a domestic intermediate dressed in exaggerated, formal styling.3

At a glance

Engine
SS 454: 7.4 L; 2004 Supercharged SS: 3.8 L V6; 2006 SS: 5.3 L V8141011
Layout
Front-engine; early cars RWD, 1995–2007 cars FWD1812
Gearbox
1970: 3/4-speed manual, 2/3-speed auto; 1985–88 SS: 4-speed overdrive19
Built at
Oshawa, Ontario, Canada (1971–72; 1995 model)113
Units built
More than 4.4 million4

The story

Named for the city in Monaco, Chevrolet's first personal luxury coupe arrived for 1970 to rival the Pontiac Grand Prix and Ford Thunderbird. Its six generations ran through 2007, with a 1989–94 hiatus.14

1969: DeLorean introduces the 1970 coupe19691973: Colonnade: 1973 Car of the Year19731978: V6 power and 363 kg less weight19781983: SS returns: Cd 0.375, down 15%19831986: Aerocoupe: 200 road cars for NASCAR19861995: Monte Carlo returns with front-wheel drive19952000: Sixth generation borrows Impala bones20002006: V8 returns: 303 hp and cylinder shutdown20062007: 2007 closes a six-generation run2007 Pontiac Grand Prix (1969) (A-Special): 1969Monte Carlo (first generation) (A-Special): 1970–1972Monte Carlo (second generation) (A-body): 1973–1977Monte Carlo (third generation) (A-body): 1978–1980Monte Carlo (fourth generation) (A-body / G-body): 1981–1988Chevrolet Lumina coupe (W-body): 1990–1994Monte Carlo (fifth generation) (W-body): 1995–1999Monte Carlo (sixth generation): 2000–2007 197019801990200020102020
GenerationsBefore and afterMilestones13459101113
Show the numbers
YearWhat happened
1969Pontiac Grand Prix (1969) (A-Special)
1970–1972Monte Carlo (first generation) (A-Special)
1973–1977Monte Carlo (second generation) (A-body)
1978–1980Monte Carlo (third generation) (A-body)
1981–1988Monte Carlo (fourth generation) (A-body / G-body)
1990–1994Chevrolet Lumina coupe (W-body)
1995–1999Monte Carlo (fifth generation) (W-body)
2000–2007Monte Carlo (sixth generation)
1969DeLorean introduces the 1970 coupe
1973Colonnade: 1973 Car of the Year
1978V6 power and 363 kg less weight
1983SS returns: Cd 0.375, down 15%
1986Aerocoupe: 200 road cars for NASCAR
1995Monte Carlo returns with front-wheel drive
2000Sixth generation borrows Impala bones
2006V8 returns: 303 hp and cylinder shutdown
20072007 closes a six-generation run
  1. 1969

    DeLorean introduces the 1970 coupe

    Conceived by Pete Estes and David Holls, the two-door hardtop debuted in September 1969 under John Z. DeLorean for the 1970 model year.12

  2. 1973

    Colonnade: 1973 Car of the Year

    The second generation gained a pillared Colonnade body and double-wall roof, then took Motor Trend's 1973 Car of the Year award.145

  3. 1978

    V6 power and 363 kg less weight

    The third generation lost about 363 kg, gained cabin and trunk room, and made a V6 standard. A 5.7 L Olds diesel also joined the options.4

  4. 1983

    SS returns: Cd 0.375, down 15%

    On the fourth generation, introduced for 1981, a NASCAR-inspired nose brought Cd down to 0.375, 15% below the regular coupe.4678

  5. 1986

    Aerocoupe: 200 road cars for NASCAR

    NASCAR homologation brought a sloping rear window: just 200 SS Aerocoupes in 1986, then 6,052 in 1987.9

  6. 1995

    Monte Carlo returns with front-wheel drive

    After the 1989–94 hiatus, the fifth generation replaced the Lumina coupe. Its V6s used four-speed automatics.14

  7. 2000

    Sixth generation borrows Impala bones

    The sixth generation moved to the larger Impala's platform, revived 1970s styling cues and offered 180-hp LS or 200-hp SS V6s.410

  8. 2006

    V8 returns: 303 hp and cylinder shutdown

    The SS gained a 5.3 L V8 that could shut down four cylinders. LS/LT 3.5 V6s made 211 hp; LT 3.9/LTZ V6s made 242 hp.411

  9. 2007

    2007 closes a six-generation run

    The 3.9 L V6 disappeared for the final model year; Chevrolet ended the Monte Carlo after the 2007 model year as sales declined.111

Every generation

  • Pontiac Grand Prix (1969)
    A-Special1969
  • Monte Carlo (first generation)
    A-Special1970–1972
  • Monte Carlo (second generation)
    A-body1973–1977
  • Monte Carlo (third generation)
    A-body1978–1980
  • Monte Carlo (fourth generation)
    A-body / G-body1981–1988
  • Chevrolet Lumina coupe
    W-body1990–1994
  • Monte Carlo (fifth generation)
    W-body1995–1999
  • Monte Carlo (sixth generation)
    Monte Carlo (sixth generation)2000–2007

Power over the years

From 360 hp to 365 hp in 1 year.

0100200300400 19701975198019851990199520002005 hp 1970 · 360 hp · SS 454 (gross)1971 · 365 hp · SS 454 (gross; 285 hp net)1972 · 270 hp · 454 (net)1983 · 175 hp · SS: 3-speed auto, 3.42 axle1984 · 180 hp · L69 SS: 3-speed auto, 3.42 axle1985 · 180 hp · SS: overdrive, 3.73 axle2000 · 180 hp · LS: 3.4 L V62000 · 200 hp · SS: 3.8 L V62004 · 240 hp · Supercharged SS: 3.8 L V62006 · 303 hp · SS: 5.3 L V8, cylinder deactivation 365 hp SS 454 (gross; 285 hp net) 360 hp SS 454 (gross)
12348910111214
Show the numbers
YearHorsepowerModel
1970360SS 454 (gross)
1971365SS 454 (gross; 285 hp net)
1972270454 (net)
1983175SS: 3-speed auto, 3.42 axle
1984180L69 SS: 3-speed auto, 3.42 axle
1985180SS: overdrive, 3.73 axle
2000180LS: 3.4 L V6
2000200SS: 3.8 L V6
2004240Supercharged SS: 3.8 L V6
2006303SS: 5.3 L V8, cylinder deactivation

Versions

10 versions worth knowing, with their power.

  • Standard

    Monte Carlo 350

    1970

    250 hp

  • Standard

    S / Landau

    1973

  • Standard

    LS / SS V6 range

    2000–2005

  • SS V8

    Performance

    SS V8

    2006–2007

    303 hp

  • Special

    Custom

    1972

  • Pace Car editions

    Special

    Pace Car editions

    2000–2003

  • NASCAR driver editions

    Special

    NASCAR driver editions

    2002–2005

  • SS Aerocoupe

    Racing

    SS Aerocoupe

    1986–1987

    180 hp
  • Z34 Brickyard 400 Pace Car Edition

    Limited

    Z34 Brickyard 400 Pace Car Edition

    1995

    400 built

  • Special

    Mexican-market SS

    1984

How to spot one

Look for

  • 1973 Colonnade: small fixed rear quarter windows sit in thick roof pillars.5
  • 1986–87 Aerocoupe: bubble rear glass sweeps well into the trunk area.9
  • 2000 redesign: retro-style taillights recall the early Monte Carlos.4

Year by year

  1. 1970

    Two horizontal grille dividers, round bumper parking lamps and a hood spear without a stand-up ornament.1

  2. 1971

    Squarer headlight surrounds, rectangular parking lamps and an upright hood ornament; the grille emblem displays 1971 in Roman numerals.1

  3. 1972

    Parking lamps move to the grille's outer edges; the grille turns egg-crate and the upright hood ornament disappears.1

  4. 1976

    Four rectangular headlights appear in stacked pairs, accompanied by a larger front bumper.4

  5. 1983–1988 SS

    15-inch steel Rally wheels become alloys for 1986. Blue stripes mark 1983–84; 1987–88 add gold and gray choices.914

  6. 1987–1988 SS

    The notchback SS switches from an upright to a flatter rear spoiler during 1987; 1988 cars use the flat design.9

Don’t confuse it with

  • Photo of a Chevrolet Monte Carlo
    Monte Carlo
    Photo of a Chevrolet Chevelle (1970)
    Chevrolet Chevelle (1970)

    Chevrolet Chevelle (1970)

    The 1970 Monte Carlo has one headlight per side and a jutting grille; the 1970 Chevelle uses four lamps.134

  • Pontiac Grand Prix

    The original cars share roof sail panels; look for the Monte Carlo’s helmet crest in its broad rectangular grille.34

  • Photo of a Chevrolet Monte Carlo
    Monte Carlo
    Photo of a Chevrolet Lumina LTZ
    Chevrolet Lumina LTZ

    Chevrolet Lumina LTZ

    It shares the fifth-generation Monte Carlo's front end, trunk lid and taillights; count doors: Lumina is a sedan, Monte Carlo a coupe.113

Against its rivals

  • Ford Mustang GT (2002)

    Monte Carlo vs Ford Mustang GT (2002)

    0–97 km/h lower is better

    Monte Carlo8.6 s
    Ford Mustang GT (2002)6.3 s
    16

  • Monte Carlo vs Dodge Stratus R/T (2002)

    0–97 km/h lower is better

    Monte Carlo8.6 s
    Dodge Stratus R/T (2002)8.7 s
    16

  • Monte Carlo vs Honda Accord Coupe EX V6

    Quoted price lower is better

    Monte Carlo$27,895
    Honda Accord Coupe EX V6$26,990
    12

Prices

Value today $2.6K–$13.0K1011

Price when newAuction saleValue today
$0$10K$20K$30K$40K 197019801990200020102020 Value today: $2,600–$13,000 1970 · $3,123 · US base1973 · $3,415 · US base1983 · $10,249 · US base, SS1983 · $12,091 · US as tested, SS2002 · $23,860 · US base, SS2002 · $28,930 · US as tested, SS2004 · $27,895 · US base, Supercharged SS2004 · $31,155 · US as tested, Supercharged SS 1970 · US$3,123 · US base price, 1970 model year 2015 · $6,875 · 1973 350ci V8 automatic, Auburn Spring2020 · $24,750 · 1970 factory four-speed, build sheet, Palm Beach2024 · $14,000 · 2007 SS, 26k miles, BaT2024 · $13,553 · 1995 Z34 Brickyard 400 Pace Car, 401 miles, BaT2024 · $16,750 · 1986 SS Sport Coupe, 73k miles shown, BaT2025 · $27,500 · 1987 SS Aero Coupe, 22k shown; rollover flagged, Bring a Trailer2025 · $29,000 · 1976 350ci V8, 51k miles shown, BaT2025 · $24,000 · 1972 replacement 350ci V8, 60k miles shown, BaT2025 · $9,000 · 2002 SS Dale Earnhardt Signature Edition, 54k mi, BaT2026 · $17,000 · 1972 350ci V8, 82k shown; fluid leaks, Bring a Trailer2026 · $5,850 · 2004 SS, 87k miles, BaT $29.0K BaT, 2025
135812151622232425262728293031
Show the numbers
YearPriceAmountDetail
1970Launch price$3,123US base price, 1970 model year
1970Price when new$3,123US base
1973Price when new$3,415US base
1983Price when new$10,249US base, SS
1983Price when new$12,091US as tested, SS
2002Price when new$23,860US base, SS
2002Price when new$28,930US as tested, SS
2004Price when new$27,895US base, Supercharged SS
2004Price when new$31,155US as tested, Supercharged SS
2015Auction sale$6,8751973 350ci V8 automatic, Auburn Spring
2020Auction sale$24,7501970 factory four-speed, build sheet, Palm Beach
2024Auction sale$14,0002007 SS, 26k miles, BaT
2024Auction sale$13,5531995 Z34 Brickyard 400 Pace Car, 401 miles, BaT
2024Auction sale$16,7501986 SS Sport Coupe, 73k miles shown, BaT
2025Auction sale$27,5001987 SS Aero Coupe, 22k shown; rollover flagged, Bring a Trailer
2025Auction sale$29,0001976 350ci V8, 51k miles shown, BaT
2025Auction sale$24,0001972 replacement 350ci V8, 60k miles shown, BaT
2025Auction sale$9,0002002 SS Dale Earnhardt Signature Edition, 54k mi, BaT
2026Auction sale$17,0001972 350ci V8, 82k shown; fluid leaks, Bring a Trailer
2026Auction sale$5,8502004 SS, 87k miles, BaT
2026Value today$2,600–$13,000

The rest of the story is in the app

The full file tells why each version matters, the legend behind the car and what to check before buying one.

  • Versions

    • Why each of the 10 versions matters

  • Legend

    • 14 stories from its legend
    • “99 wins, then 77 more”
    • “1983 SS: 15% less drag to fight the Thunderbird”

  • Generations

    • The story of each of the 8 generations

  • Market

    • 6 things to check before buying one
    • Where prices are heading, and why
Read the full file in SPOT

SPOT is free on iPhone. Full car files come with SPOT Plus.

Sources

Every fact on this page links to the source it rests on.

See all 31 sources
  1. Chevrolet Monte Carlo - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  2. Throwback Thursday: Chevrolet's 1970 Monte Carlo chevyhardcore.com
  3. Disco-Era Darling: The Chevrolet Monte Carlo < Ate Up With Motor ateupwithmotor.com
  4. History of Chevy Monte Carlo, Chevy’s Overlooked Muscle Car hotrod.com
  5. 1973 Chevrolet Monte Carlo: The Dawn of the Colonnade Era - Mac's Motor City GarageMac's Motor City Garage macsmotorcitygarage.com
  6. Monte Carlo SS FAQ - Production Figures montecarloss.com
  7. Monte Carlo SS Buyer's & Restoration Guide (1983-1988) mrkeithsautoparts.com
  8. 1983 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS Hits the Gym caranddriver.com
  9. Monte Carlo SS FAQ - Options montecarloss.com
  10. 2000-05 Chevrolet Monte Carlo | Consumer Guide Auto consumerguide.com
  11. 2006-07 Chevrolet Monte Carlo | Consumer Guide Auto consumerguide.com
  12. Tested: 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo Supercharged SS caranddriver.com
  13. Chevrolet Lumina - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  14. Monte Carlo SS FAQ - Basic montecarloss.com
  15. No Reserve: 1987 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS Aero Coupe for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $27,500 on September 16, 2025 (Lot #210,156) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  16. Tested: 2002 American Sports Coupe Comparison caranddriver.com
  17. Chevrolet Monte Carlo (NASCAR Gen 3) — racing history, drivers and results autosportworld.info
  18. Chevrolet Monte Carlo (NASCAR Gen 4) — racing history, drivers and results autosportworld.info
  19. Ford Mustang & Chevy Monte Carlo - Fast and the Furious Tokyo Drift - Hot Rod Magazine hotrod.com
  20. The Car From Training Day - Alonzo Harris' Chevrolet Monte Carlo | CarThrottle carthrottle.com
  21. Forza Motorsport Initial Car List forza.net
  22. 1973 Chevrolet Monte Carlo | Auburn Spring 2015 | RM Sotheby's rmsothebys.com
  23. 1970 Chevrolet Monte Carlo | Palm Beach 2020 | RM Sotheby's rmsothebys.com
  24. No Reserve: 48-Years-Family-Owned 1972 Chevrolet Monte Carlo for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $17,000 on September 16, 2026 (Lot #263,272) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  25. No Reserve: 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $5,850 on July 21, 2026 (Lot #253,425) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  26. 1976 Chevrolet Monte Carlo Coupe for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $29,000 on November 24, 2025 (Lot #220,952) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  27. 1972 Chevrolet Monte Carlo for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $24,000 on September 5, 2025 (Lot #208,735) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  28. No Reserve: 2002 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS Dale Earnhardt Signature Edition for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $9,000 on July 17, 2025 (Lot #200,882) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  29. No Reserve: 26k-Mile 2007 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $14,000 on December 20, 2024 (Lot #174,864) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  30. No Reserve: 401-Mile 1995 Chevrolet Monte Carlo Z34 Brickyard 400 Pace Car for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $13,553 on December 4, 2024 (Lot #173,079) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  31. 1986 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $16,750 on September 28, 2024 (Lot #164,613) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  • en.wikipedia.org
  • chevyhardcore.com
  • ateupwithmotor.com
  • hotrod.com
  • macsmotorcitygarage.com
  • montecarloss.com
  • mrkeithsautoparts.com
  • caranddriver.com
  • consumerguide.com
  • bringatrailer.com
  • autosportworld.info
  • carthrottle.com
  • forza.net
  • rmsothebys.com

Photo credits

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