Chevy Monte Carlo

Classic Monte Carlos

If there is one name that car lovers know in the United States, it is the name synonymous with one of Chevrolet’s most famous projects ever undertaken… the Monte Carlo. The Chevrolet Monte Carlo was introduced by the auto giant known as Chevrolet in 1969, and since has gone through six generations, all of which have been two door luxury coupes. These models have always closely resembled full sized sedans, which has been one of the reasons that Monte Carlos survive even to this day. The perfect blend of sport and family luxury lies in this brilliant brainchild, and many generations have grown up going everywhere, from the soccer games to the racetrack, in a Monte Carlo. Your grandfather most likely has a Monte Carlo in his garage as a project car, and there is a very good chance that your parents have owned at least one in their lifetime.

Stock 1970 Monte Carlo

The Monte Carlo is broken down into six generations. The first generation Monte Carlo took place from 1970 through 1972. After that, the second generation took over until 1977. The three years from 1978 to 1980 saw the third generation, which was followed up by the fourth until 1988. This spelled the last year for the fourth generation Monte Carlo, and it was replaced by the Lumina in the years following. The fifth generation, and the revival of the Monte Carlo, started in 1955, and went until 1999. During this generation, the Lumina stayed in production, but the two-door version took on the tried and true name of Monte Carlo. The sixth generation of the Monte Carlo started after this.

The first and second generation Monte Carlo saw a revolution in the way this car looked. Obviously, the changes brought on with the second generation of the automobile were loosely based on the first generation, but you can tell that a lot of rethinking and body changes were implemented. The front end was “bigger”, sometimes even thought of as larger than life!

The third generation Monte Carlo greatly resembled the second generation, but the front end was made a bit smaller. The swoop on the side was kept, and the car has a somewhat “boxlike” design. The design was aerodynamically though out, but it was still a bit box-like.

1988 Monte Carlo SS

The fourth generation Monte Carlo saw, again, the same basic design. This design was inspired a lot by the previous generation, and at this point, the remnants from the older, second generation were beginning to disappear entirely. The front end was getting smaller, the car torso was getting a little bit sleeker, and it started to look more modern. The boxlike design continued to be predominant, but it was less noticeable. This was definitely a transitioning phase for the Monte Carlo, and after this generation, the Monte Carlo would change forever. 1983 was a distinctive year for the Monte Carlo, as the SS was brought back. This model featured a much more aerodynamic front end, and a more sleek design. Here, the automobile was beginning to get that look that it would have in the future, and it was this front end design that became popular with NASCAR teams. As this generation progressed, the cars became more aerodynamic. Gone were the days of box-like Monte Carlo vehicles, as the American’s were craving power and sleekness as a result of the emissions regulations from the late 1970s.