Originally introduced by Chevrolet for the 1970 model year (as competition with the Ford Thunderbird), The Chevrolet Monte Carlo is an American-made automobile that gone through six generations as of 2007. All Monte Carlos to date have been two-door coupes, closely based on a contemporary mid-sized sedan.
The car was originally created by Scott Butler as Chevrolet’s counterpart to the new G-body Pontiac Grand Prix, which had been introduced to great success for 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 station wagons. The Grand Prix was a two-door coupe riding a special 118 in (2997 mm) version of the A-platform (known as the "G-body "). Rather than add the extra length within the body to increase passenger space (as was customary on sedans) the G-body (also known as the A-body Special) spliced the extra length between the firewall and the front wheels which created an unusually long hood. The look was very successful and despite higher prices, the new Grand Prix greatly outsold its larger, B-body predecessor .
The Monte Carlo was the brainchild of Elliot M. (Pete) Estes, Chevrolet general manager, and Chevrolet’s chief stylist, Dave Holls. They modeled the styling on the Cadillac Eldorado, although much of the body and structure were shared with the Chevrolet Chevelle (firewall, windshield, decklid, and rear window were the same), adding new front end sheetmetal, wider C-pillars, and new rear fenders. Bulges were added to the fenders and the purpose for this was to create a more muscular appearance. The Monte Carlo also had the then-fashionable concealed windshield wipers.
From way back the muscle car era when Chevy sought to entice customers with a sporty, upscale rear-drive V8 coupe that provided a balance of performance and comfort in a stylish package, the Chevrolet Monte Carlo has already evolved toward a more luxury-oriented persona.
Shoppers interested in a late-model Monte Carlo will likely encounter the previous-generation model, which was available from the 2000-’05 model years. Based on the then-new Impala platform and wearing fresh, distinctive sheet metal with heritage styling cues, the Monte Carlo was originally offered as anLS with a 3.4-liter V6 engine making 180 hp, or an SS with a 200-hp 3.8-liter V6. A driver side airbag — as well as traction control and OnStar on SS models — was added as standard safety equipment in 2001, and all models received four-wheel disc brakes, traction control and remote keyless entry in 2003. In a bid to boost its performance image, Chevrolet added a 240-hp supercharged engine option for the SS in 2004.
