How Do I Identify a 1970 Monte Carlo?
Although Chevy introduced the first Monte Carlo in 1969, the first generation (out of six) of this line began in 1970 and lasted through 1972. Although it wasn't as popular with the muscle car enthusiasts, buyers who were interested in four-person luxury coups snatched the Monte Carlos up. These models have always resembled full-sized sedans, which has been one of the reasons why they've survived even to this day.
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Instructions
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Look for a two-door body frame with round headlights, long hood, and Monte Carlo insignia: 1970 Monte Carlos were actually based on the Chevelle, but rode on a 116-inch wheelbase and had the longest hood ever fitted onto a Chevrolet.
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Look at the engine: All Monte Carlos came with at least a 350-cubic-inch V8, but you could get one with a big-block Chevelle engine. This Chevy turbo-fire small block V8 engine was rated at 250 horsepower and had a two-barrel carburetor. It had 345 ft-lb of torque at 2800 RPMs, with a column mounted 3-speed manual transmission.
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Check to see if it is the SS package: The Monte Carlo SS was the sportiest option. Also called the Z20, it included the 454 big-block engine, a heavy duty suspension, "SS 454" insignia on the rocker panels and deck lid, remote-controlled mirror, black rocker panel stripes, heavy-duty battery, automatic level control suspension, air shocks, dual chrome exhaust, and 15x7 inch Rally wheels. Most had the LS-5 454 engine, rated at 350 BHP; however, there were 10 made with the LS-6 454 engine, rated at 450 BHP.
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Check for bulges on the fender, which gave it a more "muscle car" appearance.
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Look for the fake wood trim on the dash. This trim differentiated it from the almost identical dash of the Chevelle.
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Tips & Warnings
The Monte Carlo was mostly modeled after the Cadillac Eldorado. It was created, originally, as a counterpart to the Pontiac Grand Prix.
References
- Photo Credit Car's wheel image by Fenia from Fotolia.com
