Car: Chevrolet Monte Carlo
Year: 1970
What makes it special: The styling of the 1970 model-year Monte Carlo is distinguished by its chromed rectangular grille having a fine grid pattern of 720 small squares with two horizontal dividers, and centered in it, a chrome and red crest emblem adorned by a Corinthian helmet, commonly referred to as the “knight’s crest”, a thin hood spear with no vertical hood ornament, round headlamps with rounded chrome bezels which appeared on a prototype 1970 Chevelle front end proposal which was rejected for the 4 headlight design, circular parking lamps inset into the front bumper directly below the headlamps, and tail lights with chrome trim around the perimeter of the lens, only.
What made it famous: The standard powertrain was the 350 cu in Chevrolet “Turbo-Fire” small-block V8 with a 2-barrel carburetor, rated at 250 hp, mated to a column-mounted 3-speed Synchro-Mesh manual transmission. Front disc brakes were standard equipment. The dashboard was basically identical to the Chevelle except for fake wood trim, and higher grade nylon or vinyl upholstery and deep-twist carpeting were used. Various options were available. A 2-speed Powerglide automatic transmission, 2-speed Turbo-Hydramatic, or a 4-speed manual. Variable-ratio power steering, power windows, air conditioning, power seats, “rally” wheels, bucket seats, center console, full instrumentation, and other accessories were also available. Optional engines included the 4-barrel carbureted Turbo-Fire 350 small block V8, rated at 300 hp, the Turbo-Fire 400 with a 2-barrel carburetor, rated at 265 hp, and the Turbo-Jet 400 with a 4-barrel carburetor, rated at 330 hp.
Why I would want one: It’s the “Posh Chevelle,” since it was basically on a Chevelle platform, and loaded with creature comforts.
Fun fact: The most sporty and powerful option was the Monte Carlo SS 454 package. It included a standard Turbo-Jet 454 of with a 4-barrel carburetor, rated at 360 hp. It also included heavy-duty suspension, wider tires, “SS 454” badging, and an automatic load-leveling rear suspension.
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