First appearing as part of the 1970 model year, the Chevy Monte Carlo was the first personal luxury car from the Bow Tie brand. Developed under the watchful eye of Chevrolet General Manager Pete Estes, the Monte Carlo was built on General Motors’ A-Special platform, along with the Pontiac Grand Prix, with a 116-inch wheelbase, courtesy of stretching the platform’s front end. This also positioned the engine well back from the radiator. The Monte Carlo shared a number of components with the Chevy Chevelle, including the firewall, windshield, decklid, and rear window. The dash was nearly identical to the Chevelle, save for the wood trim.
The 1970 Chevy Monte Carlo could be had with a standard 350 cubic-inch Turbo-Fire Small Block V8 fed by a two-barrel carb rated at 250 horsepower, a 350 with a four-barrel carb that made 300 horsepower, the Turbo-Fire 400 Small Block, two-barrel carb engine that cranked out 265 ponies, the Turbo-Jet 400 Big Block (really a 402, or a slightly larger 396) producing 330 horsepower. But the most powerful option was the hairy-chested Monte Carlo SS 454, with the Turbo-Jet 454 rated at 360 horsepower. This version was also equipped with a heavy-duty suspension, automatic load-leveling rear suspension, wider tires, and “SS 454” badges.
For all Chevy Monte Carlos, front disc brakes were standard. Some of the available optional equipment included power steering, power windows, full gauge package, a center console, bucket seats, Rally wheels, and air conditioning. A fully loaded Monte Carlo sticker price could easily exceed $5,000. Pretty heady stuff when you consider a new Corvette convertible had a base price of $4,849.
Our feature 1970 Chevy Monte Carlo is finished is a beautiful, glossy Tuxedo Black. It is equipped with a 454 cubic-inch Big Block V8, power steering, power disc brakes, tachometer, bucket seats, console, Rally wheels, and a black vinyl top. It appears to have had either exquisite care or a loving restoration.
The Chevy Monte Carlo’s paint presents quite well, with only slight swirl noted. Chrome bumpers and brightwork all appear to have been refinished or replaced. The glass also presents well, with no nicks or tracks. The vinyl roof looks to have been professionally replaced.
Inside the Chevy Monte Carlo appears showroom fresh, with no fading observed. Seats show no real sign of use, with none of the outside bolster wear that usually frequents these cars. Carpet likewise shows no wear or scuffs. Door sills are in fine nick, with no drag marks present. The factory AM pushbutton radio is still fitted in the dash.
Under the hood of the Chevy Monte Carlo is lurks the brutish 454 Big Block. It is dressed with factory chrome air cleaner cover and valve covers. A deep radiator shroud covers the gap between the radiator and the set-back 454. The engine bay is tidy and correct. Backing the beastly Big Block is what appears to be a four-speed manual transmission, although this powertrain combination wasn’t available from the factory during the 1970 model year.
This exceptional 1970 Chevy Monte Carlo will be on offer at the Mecum Auctions Las Vegas event going on October 7th-9th.
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Comments
What may be funny is someone may have turned a 402 4 speed into an SS.
They made over 4000 SS 454 Autos but only made 589 402 4 speed 1970 Monte Carlos. They are more rare than an SS auto.
Is there documentation of any manual transmission small block Monte’s being built? Thanks
GM Authority
Do some investigative research before posting .
Some unsuspecting buyer will end up with a clone because they read this .
It might just be the camera angles, but she appears to list a bit to portside.
I don’t see a CLUTCH PEDAL only a wide brake pedal??????? 4 speed?????
Oh, yes, the factory DID make a 70 Monte Carlo. I had ordered a new hugger orange Z28 and was awaiting it’s delivery when the dealership got in a very black on black 1970 454 4 speed Monte Carlo in. It sat on the show room floor. Someone had special ordered it but no longer wanted it. The dealer gave me a choice, keep waiting or get this Monte right now! I wanted the Monte but I didn’t like the black color so much so I did have to wait. SO, the factory DID put a 4 speed (M22 rock crusher) in a 70 454 Monte Carlo…I saw it with my own eyes!!!
The text mentions the placement of the engine being well back in the engine compartment. The reason for that is the Monte Carlo frame was also used by Pontiac and Pontiac offered an inline six cylinder engine as the base engine option. The inline six being a much longer engine than any GM V8 necessitated the engine being placed at the back of the engine bay. As a consequence there is a fan shroud extension that is used on all V8’s installed in this 116 inch frame.
Though Monte Carlo never offered a 6 cylinder engine option all Monte Carlo’s have this Fan Shroud extension which makes the engine bay look a little strange and begs the question why is the radiator placed so far in front of the engine?