General Motors used their G-Body platform, namely the Chevy Monte Carlo and Pontiac Grand Prix, for its NASCAR entries through the mid-1980s. The G-Body shape had some aerodynamic deficiencies, however, giving the advantage to the more slippery Ford Thunderbird. In pursuit of lowering the drag coefficient and thus becoming more competitive, GM introduced the Monte Carlo SS Aero Coupe and Grand Prix 2+2 for the 1986 model year. The Aero Coupe and 2+2 both received a 25-degree fastback-style sloping rear window, shortened rear deck lid (which made trunk access far less convenient due to a much smaller opening), flatter spoiler, and more aerodynamic nose.
For its first year, the Chevy Monte Carlo SS Aero Coupe production totaled a mere 200 copies, the minimum production for NASCAR homologation. Performance was glacial, with zero-to-sixty mph taking 9.4 seconds, and the quarter mile oozing by in 16.6 seconds at just 82 miles per hour. For comparison, a 2013 Porsche Cayenne V6 Diesel did zero-to-sixty in 6.8 seconds, with a 15.3 second quarter mile time.
For the 1987 model year, 6,052 Chevy Monte Carlo SS Aero Coupes were built. That isn’t a huge number by modern production standards, which makes the extant Aero Coupes most collectible.
Our feature 1987 Chevy Monte Carlo SS Aero Coupe is one of the 6,052 built for its second production year. It has covered just 10,000 miles from new. Repainted black under previous ownership, it is said to have had recent paint correction performed. It is equipped with glass removable T-Tops, a F41 Heavy Duty suspension with higher rate springs, heavier front and rear sway bars, power brakes with front discs, power windows, power locks, a power driver’s seat, remote control mirrors, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, air conditioning, a tilt steering column, cruise control, and a Delco AM/FM/cassette stereo with equalizer. The Aero Coupe is powered by the 180-horsepower, High Output 5.0-liter V8 backed by a four-speed automatic transmission and limited-slip rear differential. The Monte Carlo rolls on 15-inch factory alloy wheels shod in raised white-letter Goodyear Eagles that are due for replacement.
Included in the sale is the owner’s manual, window sticker, Chevy Monte Carlo literature, Chevy service manual and supplements, floor mats, T-Top storage bags, a hat, and a t-shirt.
This rare, low-mile 1986 Chevy Monte Carlo SS Aero Coupe is now up for auction on Bring a Trailer with the sale concluding Monday, June 17th.
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Comments
I understood the rationale behind these (NASCAR), but, being a fan of that-gen Monte Carlos, I just didn’t get it and certainly didn’t want one.
Same here. I’ve always found the Aero Coupe version to be a bit dorky.
Holy smokes that is by far the worst 0-60 and 1/4 mile times I have ever heard for any SS Monte. It must have been a super hot day or that test car was really green or perhaps out of tune. Any example I have driven was 7.8 to 8 seconds 0-60 and 15-15.5 1/4 mile times. I still have a copy of a C&D 1985 G-body comparison test of a 442, SS and GN and the SS ran 7.8 seconds to 60. Another Hot Rod article had the 1/4 mile time at 15.3 so my own tests seem to mirror those. Today that could be considered pretty slow but back in the 80’s that was reasonably quick acceleration.
Cars & Concepts – Brighton, Michigan. Builder of Monte Carlo AERO COUPE & Grand Prix 2+2. Also did the FOX BODY
Mustang Convertible conversion project – ’79-’83. ’88 Pontiac Banshee IV Concept. ’86 Pontiac Trans Sport Concept.
And many other Special Vehicles along with T-Top development projects. [Venting T-Roof] great, never released program.
Ah, back when NASCAR ran actual STOCK cars.
Where can I get a rear-drive Camry with track aerodynamics today?
I have owned an aero coupe now for almost 30 years now I got tired of 305 long ago in 1999 I installed a 350 but still made it look like the factory 305 was ok for awhile got tired of that an two years ago installed a 434 small block an tremec tkx close ratio 5-speed and an 8.5 Buick Grand National rear I did not cut it all up it’s semi pro Street now an it rips but I’m an engine builder so what do you expect it also in today’s market it really increased the value and I’m a Dale Earnhardt fan and he made that car famous