1976 Chevy Monte Carlo Landau / Showroom Condition / 8k documented miles / time capsule / factory A/C / stunning!

You are viewing a gorgeous 1976 Chevrolet Monte Carlo Landau, with an amazing 8,265 original miles.  I recently acquired it from the grandson of the 2^nd owner, who purchased it at a Chevy dealer (C.R. Motors in Blairsville, PA) in the late 1980’s.  According to the grandfather (who I also spoke to), the car was originally purchased by an older gentleman in the area but the car was too big to drive, so roughly 10 years later he either traded or sold it back to the GM dealer at which point he (the 2^nd owner) bought it.  He saved the car for his grandson, to whom he gave it about 10 years ago.  During both periods of ownership they kept the car under many blankets in their barn, which was how I found it.  According to them, they would usually start it a couple times a year, and obviously drove on a very limited basis.  They kept the car registered and inspected until 2009, at which point in 2010 they let the inspection expire.  From all appearance and indication, the mileage seems correct.  The body, chrome, and interior are absolutely stunning.  I tried (with limited success….see picture) to get a snap shot using a close up lens at the oil fill opening to show the inside of the valve cover, just to see how clean the valve train looks.  It is incredible.  The mileage is documented as “actual” on the title.  Everything about the car, right down to the stitching in the vinyl top, is in beautiful, amazing shape. She is dressed with the genuine Monte Carlo wire discs, and has AM radio, ice cold A/C (still R-12), factory floor mats, and remote trunk release.  Overall the car is immaculate.  The title is clear and has no liens.  This is an extremely comfortable car, and next to the last year for the colonnade styling.  This is equipped with the tried-and-true reliable 5.7 liter (350) Chevy engine.  The car runs and drives beautifully.

Exterior:

The original paint is a beautiful Firethorn Red metallic with black vinyl top.  No bondo or rust repair ANYWHERE.  The paint and chrome are EXCELLENT and reflects the fact it was garage kept – it appears to be mostly original.  There are a couple touch ups where there were “nicks” in the paint here and there, but nothing very noticeable.  The exterior is almost like brand new.  There are no rips or tears in the vinyl top, and NO RUST bubbles underneath the vinyl. The only noticeable flaw that stands out to me is the stainless steel trim around the rear window… the stainless steel molding was painted (from the factory) with a very thin layer of black paint to match the vinyl top….however, because these moldings were painted thin when new, some of the paint on this simply flaked off, over time (see pics).  Not noticeable until you get up close .  I put the car up on a lift and my mechanic was very impressed as to the condition of the undercarriage.  Although not detailed, the underbody & frame is extremely solid and in great shape.  I noticed only minor “surface scale” in certain spots here and there…..with some minor effort the underbody could be detailed if you like to use mirrors for underneath at a car show.  The trunk is also like brand new…especially under the trunk mat and the cardboard inserts!  If you are familiar with these cars, they tend to leak water in the trunk, but this one has no rust nor was it ever repaired.  It had been undercoated when new and they used a thick translucent coating behind the wheel wells, on the inside of the fenders to prevent rust.  Absolutely amazing!  No rust under the trunk lid, doors, or door jambs.  Overall, the exterior is consistent with the mileage and in excellent condition.  So here are the flaws:  a few minor touch ups with a brush for small nicks, as mentioned above.  From what I can tell, the paint is all original, except the area around the grill.  It was not noticeable, but upon very close inspection I could see a small amount of overspray on the side of the chrome headlight bezel.  I also think the area around the license plate may have been repainted at some point in time, since the “Unleaded Fuel Only” label is missing and it appears to have a little overspray behind the plate.  I never noticed the difference until I saw it under certain light.  It could very well be that these repairs were done when the car was new, if there were any scratches coming off the car carrier.  I see no evidence of the car ever being in an accident, and as stated earlier, I could find no bondo anywhere.  Lastly, I replaced the 2 rear plastic bumper fillers, because, out of nowhere, the plastic began to crack.  When I bought the car in February they were almost perfect, and in just that little bit of time they began to crack.  If you know these GM cars from the mid 70’s through 80’s they almost all had this issue….even ones stored in climate controlled facilities.  The new rear plastic fillers look great and one may never know the difference unless it is pointed out.  The paint is absolutely gorgeous – no fading, checking, or large scratches.  I should note there are 3 or 4 small parking lot dings, and also 2 tiny dimples on the hood, but neither are noticeable in the pictures.  There is also a very small spot on the hood which appears to have minor discoloration, perhaps from some sort of chemical getting on it, but is barely noticeable, and certainly not enough for the camera to show.  The wire discs are free of curb rash.  The tires are old but surprisingly not original – the grandfather said he replaced them when he bought the car, because he didn’t like original ones.  So they were replaced when he bought the car in the late 1980’s.  No doubt, the rubber is dry rotted and should be replaced if you have any plans of driving the car at highway speeds. However, surprisingly, the car rides well.  Overall, the exterior is absolutely gorgeous and is obvious of the care it has received.

Interior:

The interior is in unbelievably excellent condition, and everything appears to be original.  The seats feel and look brand new.  The vinyl is soft and supple and not cracked.   It was obviously NEVER smoked in.  There are no rips, stains or holes anywhere.  The original floor mats are like new and have preserved the carpets well.  The headliner, sun visors, and sail panels are spotless and do NOT sag.  The dash is beautiful.  Arm rests on the doors are like new….no cracks, etc.  The stitching in the seats are like brand new.  The A/C was recently serviced and works great.  I also had a new heater core installed.  When you sit in this car you feel like you’re in a time capsule!

Mechanical:

The motor purrs like a kitten and is nice and smooth.  The engine fires up almost instantaneously even on a cold start!  As mentioned earlier, the motor is the old school Chevy 350 engine which is both economical and reliable.  The transmission shifts smooth and the fluid still seems good.  I have driven the car about 150 miles since I acquired it, without issue.  My mechanic performed a safety inspection (but no sticker, since it is not registered).  The only thing that it needs to pass the PA inspection would be new tires, due to the dry rot.  I believe the spark plugs, plug wires, belts and hoses are ORIGINAL and appear to be in good shape.  As mentioned earlier the A/C works well and should be good for a long time.  Unlike many cars from this era, it still has the old R-12 refrigerant which makes for better cooling.  The car does not have any leaks to speak of.  You can let it sit for days without a drop of anything on the garage floor.  The car drives like a new car from 1976!  The steering and suspension are tight, and brakes are silk smooth. The engine purrs like a Chevy engine should.  I should point out that the engine paint has chipped in various places due to age (and likely being stored in a barn didn’t help) so when I cleaned the engine compartment more paint came off.  So for judging purposes, one may also want to touch up the engine compartment, but I didn’t want to repaint it since it’s all original.  Regardless, this baby runs beautifully and is ready for show!

Overall:  

You just have to see it to believe it.  This is by far one of the most interesting cars I have purchased.  It is truly amazing.  I will probably kick myself for selling it someday.  Although I am not a dealer, mechanic or a body-man, I enjoy buying and selling older cars in my home area.  I enjoy the old car hobby and have a good eye for antique automobiles, and am a member of the AACA.   If you are looking for a spectacular example of a very low mileage Monte Carlo, this one’s for you.  The car is gorgeous and gets lots of compliments.  I have yet to see another Monte Carlo just like it.  This car is so nice, that most people selling on eBay might say the car is “perfect” or “flawless”.  The average person may describe it as such-- but for a car collector, there’s never anything 100% perfect unless it was restored or literally never driven.  As such, this car was never restored, and has a little over 8,250 miles and may have some trivial flaws, but this car is 99% in my opinion.  I have sold numerous cars on eBay and in all situations I had positive feedback.  I attempt to describe each vehicle as accurately and honestly as possible and I do not think you will be disappointed.  As with anything, if you desire to bid on the vehicle, I would encourage you to see it physically and drive it for yourself before you bid.   With new tires, I would not be afraid to drive this car across the country.  It runs and drives excellent and will make a very nice classic for you.   If you get the winning bid and are not completely satisfied upon your physical inspection, you can walk away from the vehicle, less $125 of your deposit (to pay for the cost of having to relist on eBay).  

This vehicle is being sold as is, where is with no warranty, expressed written or implied. The seller shall not be responsible for the correct description, authenticity, genuineness, or defects herein, and makes no warranty in connection therewith. No allowance or set aside will be made on account of any incorrectness, imperfection, defect or damage. Any descriptions or representations are for identification purposes only and are not to be construed as a warranty of any type. It is the responsibility of the buyer to have thoroughly inspected the vehicle, and to have satisfied himself or herself as to the condition and value and to bid based upon that judgement solely. The seller shall and will make every reasonable effort to disclose any known defects associated with this vehicle at the buyer's request prior to the close of sale. Seller assumes no responsibility for any repairs regardless of any oral statements about the vehicle.

First of all, let me say I am NOT a registered dealer.  I am a private individual who enjoys collecting, buying, and selling old cars as a hobby.  I may sell a few of my own cars in a year's time, and I also list vehicles for other individuals needing help selling on eBay.  I have excellent feedback with the numerous cars I have sold and am committed to honesty and integrity.  No monkey business.