Chevy Monte Carlo

1973 Monte Carlo

Posted on 28. Nov, 2009 by admin in Second Generation

1973 saw the first year of the second generation Monte Carlo, and it was definitely different than it had been in previous years. First of all, this Monte Carlo had no hard top. Second of all, it had frameless glass doors and rear side opera windows. Third, it had dual headlights and an egg crate style grille. The front bumper of the 1973 Monte Carlo was a 5 mph bumper, which was now a federal mandate on the highway. It was bigger and heavier, but was considered a lot safer for driving. The new roof was a double shell roof, which was changed with the intent to lower noise and to add increased rollover protection. This model also featured exterior door handles that were flush mounted pull ups, which were first seen on the Camaro back in 1970.

1973 Monte Carlo

To improve the handling and the overall smoothness of the ride in the new Monte Carlo, Chevrolet shipped them with new radial ply tires, high caster steering, pliacell shocks, and front & rear roll bars. There was also a new model Monte Carlo introduced this year, and it was called the Monte Carlo Landau. The main difference between the Landau and other Monte Carlo models was that the Landau had an “S”, a rear quarter Landau vinyl roof, passenger and driver side sport mirrors, and turbine II wheel covers.

As far as the engine went on the 1973 Monte Carlo, here is what was available. The standard engine shipped with the Monte Carlo was the 145 HP 350 Turbo fire V8. But available as options were the 175 HP 350 V8 four barrel, or the carbureted 454 Turbo Jet V8, which was rated at 245 HP. Because of all the new styling, and also because of its focus on Euro-style handling and the smooth ride it offered, this Monte Carlo was named Motor Trend’s Car of the Year in 1973. Monte Carlo also set a new record for model year sales for Chevrolet, shipping almost 250,000 units in just that year alone! It was a huge success for Chevrolet. In fact, the success of the Chevrolet Monte Carlo, as well as the success of Pontiac’s Grand Prix (which was very similar), led to a new line of luxury vehicles on the part of Chevy’s competition. The Mercury Cougar, the Chrysler Cordoba, and even the Ford Torino Elite were all a result of this push to compete, not to mention the new restyled Dodge Charger.

1973 Monte Carlo

1973 Monte Carlo with Swivel Seats

Tags: 1973 Monte Carlo, Second Generation Monte Carlo