The third-generation Chevrolet Monte Carlo debuted for the 1978 model year, offering buyers a thick slab of American luxury at a time when rising fuel standards put the hurt on U.S.-spec passenger vehicles. One particularly well-preserved example just recently sold on eBay with a mere 8,506 original miles on the odometer, proving that these old-school throwbacks are still very much appreciated.
The 1978 Chevrolet Monte Carlo in question started life as a daily driver, but the owner managed to keep the vehicle in “immaculate condition,” storing it off and on for some 36 years.
While new fuel standards forced the third-generation Chevrolet Monte Carlo to shed upwards of 800 pounds and 15 inches in length compared to the preceding second-generation models, this coupe is still as big as a modern full-size luxury vehicle, measuring in at 108 inches for the wheelbase, over 200 inches in overall length, and nearly 72 inches in overall width.
One look will confirm: this is a big, boxy, boat of a vehicle, with just two doors and what appears to be miles of metal. There are new tires in the corners, and no rust on the body, with the polished chrome trim playing well with the burgundy paint.
The original engine looks mighty clean as well thanks to a recent detailing. Under the hood, this Chevrolet Monte Carlo mounts the optional 305 engine, which offers more punch compared to the standard 231 cubic-inch V6. The 305 mates to the optional automatic transmission, and according to the seller, it drives “like a new car.”
Moving inside, we find one-piece wall-to-wall carpeting, which was offered as standard with the third-gen changeover. Decked out in bright red, the interior of this Chevrolet Monte Carlo shows nearly no wear or fading, from the bench seats to the dash.
“Last year the car was taken to five car shows, it received four trophies,” the seller writes in the description. We believe it.
It’s rare to find an unmolested third-gen Chevrolet Monte Carlo with such low miles, and we’re happy to see others appreciate it as well. The final selling price for this particular 1978 Chevrolet Monte Carlo was set at $10,100.
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Comments
It’s a NO- A/C car. That’s pretty rare. Note the blanks in the dash where the A/C vents should be next to both Driver and Passenger doors as well as no Compressor Unit under the hood with only hoses for heat. I love the Bench Seat and Crank Windows.
The forerunner of the ’84 SS.
These were not that big really, much smaller than the “long hood” cars they replaced. The SS’s with the H.O. 305 were decent runners for the day.
Ah, fond memories of those days. Super nice old Monte!
This brings back old memories. In 1978, just before I turned seven, my dad purchased a 1978 Chevrolet Malibu, a four-door platform mate to the Monte Carlo referenced in this article. Like this red and white Monte Carlo, our ’78 Malibu–painted a light blue–had the 305 V-8 with the three-speed automatic, and a single chrome pedestal mirror on the driver’s door. Dad bought that Malibu with a V-8 for trailer towing. That engine packed a good punch, and my parents enjoyed driving it. In many ways, that ’78 Malibu triggered my love for cars, and that love has stayed with me ever since.
Alas, our ’78 Malibu, like this Monte Carlo, lacked air conditioning. We paid dearly for that lack in the summer months, when the Malibu’s interior turned into an oven on hot days. The airlessness of the cabin was made worse by the fixed rear door windows. To compensate, we travelled to and from our family cottage in the evenings, when it was cooler. We withstood it for seven years, but that Malibu was the last non-AC car we ever bought.
That said, I’m glad this beautiful 1978 Monte Carlo found a home. As much as it pains me to say it, I wouldn’t have bought the car. In the years since we had our old Malibu, I’ve grown to appreciate GM cars with creature comforts, air conditioning chief among them. My parents are in their eighties now, and they wouldn’t go back to a non-AC car, either. Still, I appreciate seeing this article on that old beauty. It’s a poignant reminder of the way things were when I was a boy. Happy motoring!
I ALSO HAVE A WHITE MONTE CARLO WITH ORIG PAINT,RED VALOUR INTERIOR. SPORT CP WITH A 305 ALL ORIG. WITH 45,090 MILES RALLY WHEELS . TS, AC , BETTER THAN NEW FAMILY OWNED FOR SALE 13,500 COLORADO
Contact information? I am in the market for a mint Monte Carlo. Thanks !
The G Body cars are getting real popular with the street rod and muscle car enthusiasts.
I own what I believe is the best looking of the G bodies. A rust free (Idaho) 1978 Pontiac Grand Prix SJ. The 301 engine was not the greatest motor Pontiac ever produced by a long shot. Thus why Mine has a 454 ci engine and a 700R4 overdrive transmission. many other modifications and more to come. I think they are very good cars and I’m glad to see there are still some montecarlo’s out there like that one. $10,100 is a pretty good deal I think.
They’ve been popular for 35 years here. Since the mid 80’s the 78/79 Malibu’s in particular. The only thing that’s changed is you used to be able to buy one for next to nothing, now they’re worth 10 times that. They didn’t need to drop the Chevelle nameplate when the 78 came out either. Most guys I know loved the 64-72 Chevelle Malibu’s, skipped right over the 73-77’s and returned to loving them again from the 78 until the end of rwd production. They were kind of squared off like the 64/65 & 66/67’s. Most hot rodders consider them the final Chevelle that never was.
A boat! LOL apparently you haven’t ever seen a 1970-76 Cadillac Deville or a 1970’s Town Car. Those are boats. This is a downsized mid size car and a dwarf in comparison. Too bad the original owner didn’t order more desirable options on this car like bucket seats or A/C or the factory rally wheels. Its also interesting to note that the 305 in these cars was only equipped with a 2 BBL carburetor for Chevy and Pontiac and Olds and Buick got the option of a 4BBL. For 1979 the 4BBL was offered on the Monte and Malibu with 160 HP which was quite impressive for the time considering most 302 Ford’s could only muster 130-140 horses and Chrysler’s 318 was down to 135 for this year.
I have a 4 speed version 1978 , i bought it for the classic lines of its predecessor yet with a down sized chassis, the G-body when lowered w/polygraphite bushings and F-41 suspension can handle like its on a rail , absolutely beautiful to drive. I repowered with a 383 Vortec and gave it 10 inch wide wheels, paint finish is Satin Black which really shows off the swoopy look. Because the B pillar is mounted so far back you can cruise at 90 miles an hour with the windows rolled down and you don’t get blowin out of the car. yup great car ta just cruise in for hours.
I just bought a 1978 Monte Carlo with 34k original miles on it. It comes out of Daytona Beach , FL. White with blue interior. Paid 11k with shipping to Washington State. Super stoked , it hasn’t even arrived yet. I plan to garage it , drive it minimally. BEAUTIFUL CARS !