1972 Chevy Monte Carlo Custom 402 Big Block Barn Find Survivor 54k Miles Buckets on 2040-cars

Before we begin, I want you to know that like you, I'm a classic car fanatic. I've also been an eBayer since 1998 and take pride in only receiving positive feedback over the last 16+ years.  I've owned dozens of cars over the years and have made many sight unseen deals (many here on eBay) to acquire or sell cars across the country.

In addition, I strongly believe in the saying "a picture is worth a thousand words." The Internet has allowed us in our hobby to search for cars nationwide and it's my hope to make you as comfortable as possible with this purchase. I've owned this truck for the last two years and I personally took all of the photographs and video.

Some of you may look at the following photos and videos and not understand why I didn't paint the engine and spray the frame rails black. Please know that great lengths have been taken to keep this car as unrestored as possible. Anyone can have a car restored , but the nice survivors are only original once. Please sit back with your favorite beverage and enjoy the lengthy description, video links, and 325+ photos of this incredibly special, highly optioned, documented, and unrestored, 1972 Chevy Monte Carlo Custom.

History

In January 1972, Jearl Bryan drove to Wood Chevrolet in Harrison, Arkansas to order himself a new "weekend" car. This wasn't going to be a car that was driven every day, but something special to take out on weekends and to family events. Mr. Bryan wasn't looking for a Camaro, or even a Chevelle; he had the best of both worlds in mind.

Right from the start, Jearl had something different in mind for his new car. Chevrolet's Monte Carlo had been out for two years and was receiving rave reviews as an extremely comfortable car, that when ordered correctly, could keep up with 396, or even 454 Chevelles. When Jearl sat down to order his new Monte Carlo, he had these things in mind and started checking a host of unusual option boxes.  Jearl special ordered his new 1972 Monte Carlo with the rather unusual "Custom" option package. This package gave him the handling he desired from the car with the F41 suspension, along with other visually appealing options. His new Monte Carlo was also ordered with all sorts of other hard to find options too, from the incredibly rare Midnight Bronze Metallic paint, to the 402 big block engine, to AM FM stereo radio, Power Windows, Bucket Seats with Console, and even factory Cruise Control.

In March, the Bryans received word that their Monte Carlo had arrived from the Kansas City assembly plant. Jearl learned that his car was delayed slightly, as a "ZP2 Trim and Color" override from the assembly plant was necessary to get his car ordered in the color combination he requested. But, the car arrived as he ordered it, and how you see it in the photos below.

Over the years, the Big Block Monte Carlo saw just 2,500 miles or so each year and it remained well cared for by the Bryans. By early 1990, the Monte showed just 52,000 miles (via registration sticker on windshield) and was only being driven on occasion each year. Over the next 23 years, just 2,000 more miles would be put on the car, as other vehicles were driven more frequently.

When I finally purchased this gorgeous Monte Carlo from Jearl Bryan's family in early 2014, it showed just over 54,000 miles. 54,000 miles in 42 years. 42 years. In 42 years, this car managed to hang onto its original Custom option group hubcaps, the big block 402 and 400 tranny remained in the car, and the interior was never "updated" with '70s plush seat covers. None of Mr. Bryan's kids put Cragar SS rims on the car, or added air shocks with traction bars in the rear.  Even most of the original exhaust is still intact, including the incredibly rare GM resinators just before the tailpipes. This survivor has remained true to its heritage and is nearly the same as it was when Jearl Bryan took delivery of this beauty in March, 1972.

The original title is still with the car, along with the canceled check for $4,443.93, the dealer invoice, dealer check in sheet, and car shipper paperwork from the Kansas City assembly plant. Finally, TWO build sheets were found in the car to support its unique history. I have included photos of the rear end and transmission tag.  If engine block numbers are needed by a serious buyer, I will get photos of the pad on the passenger side. I need to get the car on a lift to photograph any visible VIN numbers by the oil filter. I wanted to get the car listed and recognize I may need to provide those photos to prove the born-with drivetrain.

Can I Drive This Car or Does It Just Look Nice?

You bet you can drive it! To honor the survivor status of this car, it was brought back on the road after several years of hibernation. First, it was treated to a complete tune-up, including plugs, wires, cap, rotor, condenser, points, and radiator hoses.

The radiator was getting weak and began leaking, so it was sent out for a recore. No worries, the original tanks with factory tags are still in place. Even the leaky factory radiator cap was sent out for a $90 mechanical restoration, rather than buying an aftermarket cap.

Sometime prior to my ownership, the water pump was also replaced. I do not believe the original was rebuilt, so it does not match the car.

The 2nd set of tires on the car had ok tread, but they were dry rotten. An early photo of the car in June, 1972 show it wearing Firestone Wide Oval tires, so it was an easy decision to call Coker and have reproduction G70 15 Wide Ovals put back on the Monte.  All tires have just a couple hundred miles on them.

The original Quadrajet operated properly, so the car was treated to high quality carburetor cleaning and professionally dialed back in.

The original brakes are still in excellent shape and the car stops well. I drive the car weekly and consider it road worthy at this time.

Exterior

This 1972 Monte Carlo Custom has made it 42 years without a restoration, which is pretty remarkable. As I mention in the videos, I suspect that at least the fenders and hood were painted very early on, noted by hints of paint shrinkage in those areas before the paint was professionally polished. When I received the car, its Midnight Bronze finish needed to be brought back to life, but all body panels had the same level of fade, supporting the notion of original paint. The original owner's grandson also believes the paint to be original, never remembering the car going in for paintwork over the years. So, with that said, I am presenting the car with a VERY EARLY repaint. However, we all know that strange things happen, so  for all we know, maybe the car had touchup work done at the dealer, or even the factory. I'm not going to speculate further, as  we simply don't know, but if you talk to former assembly line workers, all sorts of things happened at these factories.

I've taken great care to take large photos of every panel on the car. Please note the various nicks, small scratches, door dings, lacquer checking, and stains in the paint. If the entire car was indeed painted, the vintage appearance also supports it being an incredibly early repaint.

Please note the rust on the lower passenger fender, below the trim. Although it was a lifelong Arkansas car, this is an incredibly common area for rust on these Monte Carlos. Also note the rocker panel damage on this side as well. The driver's side lower fender also shows a little bubbling that is seen in the photos, but that is all the rust on this car.

The trim and bumpers are in fantastic condition and in my opinion, are as clean as any originals are going to get.

All glass is original and also shows VERY well.

The hubcaps look terrific, with minimal bruising from installation over the years.

The vinyl top is tear free and is original. It is dry, though, and needs to be wiped with conditioner regularly to stay looking the way it does in the photos.

Interior

I will let the interior photos speak, as the interior is in fantastic shape. The driver's side seat bottom has a couple flaws shown in the photos and the carpet shows MILD wear, but that's about it.

All four power windows work, the gas gauge works, the radio works (new 10 ohm speakers installed in rear. It sounds great!), the key buzzer works, and all interior lights work. The horn works, but one of the tones isn't working properly. The Fasten Seat Belt light isn't working, but I haven't checked the sensor in the seat to see if there's a problem. Headlights, marker lamps, and even the backup lights work!

As mentioned in the video, the AC compressor runs. I only had about two pounds of R12 here at the house and can get the air to blow semi-cool. I will try to get a couple more pounds of R12 to get it to the proper 3.75 lb level.

Engine Compartment and Undercarriage

As mentioned in the videos, I purposely did not paint items under the hood. My intention is to present the car as a survivor and keep it as is. To mask off the engine block and paint it would not be difficult and would give the car a more restored look, if that's the route you'd like to go.

The radiator hoses and belts have been replaced with nice reproductions. To the best of my knowledge, most or all other items under the hood are original. Please note the number of markings on items under the hood, this car is as untouched as they get!

Underneath, the survivor status of the car can really be seen. Please note that just the mufflers have been replaced on an otherwise factory exhaust!  The GM resonators are even still intact and quiet! Also note how dry and rust free the floors are on this car. It's never been undercoated, so what you see is what you get with this car! GM tags and paint dabs are everywhere on the car and have been carefully preserved as the car was cleaned.

The Bottom Line

I'm proud to list this incredibly special Monte Carlo for sale. I've included 325 photos, 8 videos and a lengthy description to help you out the best I can. BUT, don't hesitate to give me a call before 9:00 p.m. central time with any questions you might have. My name is Jeff  and you can reach me at 414-940-8848. Thank you for taking the time to take a peek at my car, I appreciate it.

Sale Terms and Conditions

Please let the 325+  photos of this incredibly gorgeous Chevy Monte Carlo make you comfortable with a purchase. However, don’t hesitate to call me with a specific question. Please remember that your bid is a COMMITMENT TO BUY this car. Because opinions of vintage cars and trucks can vary, please have the truck inspected or inspect the truck in person PRIOR to bidding. Any inspection fees are the responsibility of the bidder. I cannot stress enough that I am asking bidders to follow through on their commitment if you bid.

A $500 non-refundable deposit and communication from the high bidder is due within 3 days of the auction's end. The deposit can be paid via Paypal or cash, and I will eat any Paypal fees. The balance is due in full within 7 days of the auction's end, paid via cashier's check (must be verified), wire transfer, or cash in person.  

Because of its age and mileage, this vehicle is sold strictly as-is-as shown, with no warranties expressed or implied. If you haven't owned a classic car, please remember that this isn't a 2014 Honda Civic. Older cars, even those with low miles, require an increased level of maintenance and attention.

When you place a bid on a vehicle, you are entering into a legal and binding contract to purchase the vehicle. This arrangement is outlined in the eBay User Agreement. We also reserve the right to cancel bids at our discretion.

We will not be liable for any cancellation of this auction for any reason. We reserve the right to cancel bids from bidders with negative feedback or a bid retraction history and members with zero (0) feedback need to contact us for approval to bid. As with all bids, bidders need to be 18 years or older.

As stated above, shipping charges are buyer's responsibility. We will assist a buyer with shipping the car anywhere in the United States or Canada from zip code 53154, but will not be responsible in any way for claims arising from shipping damage. We assume no responsibility for damages incurred after the vehicle leaves our possession. We are not affiliated with any shipping carrier. Any claims or other communication regarding shipment of vehicles will be between you and the shipper, not with the seller.

The terms of sale shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Wisconsin without regard to any conflict of laws or provisions thereof that might indicate the applicability of laws of any other jurisdiction. The venue for all legal proceedings shall be in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin.

High Definition Videos

Interior Photos

Engine Photos

Undercarriage

Documents