Chevy Monte Carlo

The Second Generation Monte Carlo

Posted on 31. Aug, 2009 by admin in Second Generation

1973 saw the first year of the second generation for the Monte Carlo, and some changes were definitely noticeable. First of all, it was no longer a hardtop. Second, it included dual headlights, lined up on the outside of the new egg crate grille on which Monte Carlo was displayed as an emblem. Also, the large bumper on this model was a federally mandated 5 mph bumper that was required as a result of the 1973 federal safety standards overhaul for motor vehicles that had passed. The standard engine to ship on the 1973 Monte Carlo was the 145 horsepower 350 Turbo Fire V8. There was also an optional 175 horsepower V8 with a four barrel, as well as a 454 V8 rated at 245 horsepower. This model set a new record for Chevrolet sales, selling nearly 250,000 models.

The 1974 Monte Carlo was pretty much the same as the previous year’s model, though the larger bumper was also added to the back and slimmer vertical tail-lights spruced up the back end. A three speed manual transmission was pretty much the stable equipment shipped on these Monte Carlos, though there was an automatic transmission option with the larger 400 and 454 engines. Official records show, however, that most Monte Carlos of this year shipped with the Turbo Hydra Matic Transmission. It is interesting to note that, despite the oil embargo on Arab oil in 1974, which made lines at the gas station long and prices high, the Monte Carlo managed to set a new record for Chevrolet with 300,000 units sold.

1975 saw the arrival of the Catalytic converter which was needed to meet the new California emissions requirements, which cost consumers more in the way of lower octane unleaded gasoline, but helped out with fuel economy, spark plug life, and also muffler life. The engines in 1975 were basically carried over from the previous year, except that GM’s high energy electronic ignition was made standard equipment. Also, the 454 V8, due to California regulations, was no longer sold in California. For this part of the country, the 400 four barrel was the most powerful engine available in a Monte Carlo. 1975 also saw a plusher interior, and swiveling strato bucket seats were optional.

1976 Monte Carlo

1976 saw a new 140 horsepower 305 two barrel V8 ship as the standard on the Monte Carlo, though the 145 horsepower V8 350 two barrel and the 175 horsepower 400 V8 were both optional. California vehicles got a 165 horsepower 350 with a 4 barrel carburetor as the base engine, but this engine was not available in the other states. The Turbo Hydramatic transmission became standard on all 1976 Monte Carlos, and the big block 454 V8 was discontinued.

1977 saw the last year of the 1973 vintage design, as the next year would see a downsized 1978 Monte Carlo. Only two engines were offered in 1977 for the Monte Carlo, and these were the 140 horsepower 305 2 barrel V8 and the 170 horsepower 350 with a four barrel. This year, the 400 V8 was dropped as an option, and the Turbo Hydramatic transmission was included as standard.

Tags: 1973 Monte Carlo, 1974 Monte Carlo, 1975 Monte Carlo, 1976 Monte Carlo, Second Generation Monte Carlo