The Chevrolet Monte Carlo is an American-made two-door coupe introduced for model year 1970, and manufactured over six generations through model year 2007.
The Monte Carlo endured five design generations. The first three (1970€”72, 1973€”77, 1978€”80 and 1981€”88) were of a rear wheel drive, V8-powered (V6 available beginning in 1978) coupe style, utilizing separate body-on-frame construction. The later rear wheel drive generations bucked the trend of unit body construction, along with smaller engines, that became more prevalent in the early 1980s as automakers downsized their vehicle lines to meet increasing stringent fuel economy regulations in the aftermath of two energy crises that led to gasoline shortages and skyrocketing pump prices in 1973-74 and 1979-80. Despite those trends, the Monte Carlo remained a popular seller and even regained the SS version (initially offered for 1970-71 with 454 cubic-inch V8) from mid-1983 to 1988 with a high performance 305 cubic inch V8.
Following a several year hiatus following the discontinuation of the rear drive Monte Carlo after 1988, the nameplate was revived for 1995 on a front drive, V6-powered coupe based on the Chevrolet Lumina sedan. It was succeeded by the fifth and final generation Monte Carlo in 2000 that was built along side of the Chevrolet Impala, which succeeded the Lumina as Chevy’s mid sized sedan. The Monte Carlo SS was revived from 2000 to 2007, initially powered by 3.8-liter V6 (supercharged in 2004-2005), which was replaced by a 5.3-liter V8 for 2006-2007.
The Monte Carlo was originally created as Chevrolet’s counterpart to the then new G-body Pontiac Grand Prix, which had been introduced for model year 1969. For the 1968 model year, GM had instituted a split-wheelbase policy for its A-body intermediate cars: 112 in (2845 mm) for two-door models, 116 in (2946 mm) for sedans and 121in for station wagons. The Grand Prix was a two-door coupe riding a special 118 in (2997 mm) version of the A-platform.
Rather than add the extra length within the body to increase passenger space (as was customary on sedans) the G-body spliced the extra length between the firewall and the front wheels, creating an unusually long hood. The look was very successful, and the new Grand Prix greatly outsold its larger, B-body predecessor despite higher prices.
The Monte Carlo was conceived by Elliot M. (Pete) Estes, general manager of Chevrolet, and Chevrolet’s chief stylist, Dave Holls. They modeled the styling on the contemporary Cadillac Eldorado, although much of the body and structure were shared with the Chevrolet Chevelle (firewall, windshield, decklid, and rear window were the same). New exterior styling featured concealed windshield wipers.
