1970 Chevy Monte Carlo

This first-year Monte Carlo helps Steve demonstrate how Chevrolet added 4-inches to the Chevelle wheelbase to achieve the ultimate in long hood / short deck proportions. And is there really a hidden “Easter egg” that tells a Monte Carlo’s exact model year…in ROMAN NUMERALS? Watch and see!

[@sircrunch80]

Steve, my name is Kevin Wiles. In 2002 i began to build a 1972 Bobby Allison Coca-Cola Monte Carlo. By 2007 it was finished. The car was in both Super Chevy and Hot Rod Magazine. You probably remember seeing it. I kept the car until a few years ago. The Coca Cola Company in Atlanta GA bought the car from me.

[@johnhewitt8235]

I had a 1972 in the early 1980s for driving to school and I just loved it.

[@boblongdickder6178]

I bought a brand new SS 454 Back in 1970 I still have it it's been sitting in my garage for at least 35 years these are very nice cars

[@dane-xxx-8713]

Nice! Im still waiting to get mine, 1st time I met the 70 monte carlo was 24 years ago, still havent got it...can you make a vid about your monte carlo?? Love to see it!

[@GMCTIM]

One of my first memories growing up was mom & 72 Monte Carlo ! 👍

[@marksullivan6427]

I bought a ‘70 Monte Carlo used in 1972. Gold with a tan vinyl top . It was the nicest car I ever owned. Wish I had it today !

[@robbchastain3036]

So I'm thinking, Steve, that you've checked into that junkyard but you can never leave. And thanks for your show-and-tell with each of these cars long after they rolled off the assembly line as beauties bound for the showroom.

[@truthserum5310]

So sad to see it in such disarray. I've always thought the 70' Monte was one of Chevy's most beautifully styled cars.

[@mikepate6404]

That was Bobby Allison in the Coca-Cola Monte Carlo BTW

[@rogerwilliams2042]

Absolutely!!!!!!!! I have one in my garage waiting to be completed

[@willybones3890]

70 was the prettiest Monte

[@wildbill5670]

I agree. A 70-72 is on my bucket list.

[@truthserum5310]

@@wildbill5670 If I didn't already have my 65' Riviera, or 87' Grand National, I'd sure get a 70 Monte. I've got no more room, or funds. LOL. Hope you get a Monte one day!

[@Epik-hm8ws]

A 70 Monte Carlo is badass

[@TheToolmanTim]

I had a 72 Monte back in the early 80s. The easiest way for me to differentiate between 70, 71 and 72 Monte was the front marker lights. 70 had round ones in the bumper, 71 rectangular in the bumper and in 72 they moved to the side of the grill. Easy to tell with just a glance.

[@rsprockets7846]

also had a Monte ordered a rear sway bar from a chevelle SS and put it on the monte, took corners like it on rails

[@terrencegiordan2775]

That's for doing the monte carlo I actually ask you about one the other day love your videos very educational thank you

[@markstoltzfus5276]

I have a 71. The entire grille is different than a 70. Not just the emblem

[@HOMEWORK4.0]

Come on over to my channel and check out my 72!

[@johnbartol4313]

Hey tool man have a 1972 Monte Carlo custom I bought in 1989 I still have her and she will never leave me

[@patriotdiz4846]

Im deveoping an addiction to these episodes...

[@buzzedalldrink9131]

so cool Steve found a vintage magazine inside the car-telling us about the car!!!!

[@formula112967]

My cool uncle had a 1970 Monte with the 454.......he would give me cigarettes when I was 13 years old.....thanks for another great video Steve.

[@dcformee123]

I had a friend back in the seventies that bought a used 71 I believe Monte Carlo it was like a goldish brown with a light cream interior 350 2 barrel her name was Julie lamell we used to go to the drive-in in la all the time to watch movies the Vineland Drive-In I believe it's still there on Vineland boulevard in I know it's not Los Angeles but it's close to LA? I don't think her last name still in lamel anymore I'm sure she's gotten married? Been a long time since I've seen her too she's another one I'd like to get in touch with her and her son Jeremiah he was just a baby and we used to go to the movies back in the early 80s even before I was driving so this actually might have been late 70s take care Steve I love the channel.

[@mzaccagnini7179]

Those 1st and my favorite 2nd gen. Monty's were the best!😊

[@rideswift]

A buddy in high school had a '70 monte, 350 4bbl with buckets and console, black on black...beautiful car, I owned a 1976 Monte, another buddy had a 1980 with the Pontiac T top roof put on it (fantastic car) and an ex girlfriend had a 1987 Monte SS. I've always loved Mote Carlo's, they are just great cars!!

[@SuperOperator4]

YES!!! MONTE CARLO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Got my license in my Dad's brand new 72. Awesome ride. My sister has lived in Monte Carlo for 45 years, it's a principality in Monaco, southern France. Went there in 09 for the Grand Prix. Heavenly place.

[@kimf1877]

My first car was a 70 Monte ! Green w black vinyl roof , paid $500 in 1986 , had 70k miles , still had wheel skirts and hubcaps. Wish I still had it so bad

[@timkoehn9123]

I had a 1973 monte Carlo with power hard top sunroof and swivel bucket seats , floor shift It was an awesome car . Those are my favorite cars

[@Kelly-oi7cn]

I have a 1970 monte carlo, bought it just 10 months ago, no motor or transmission , good title, all glass, all interior and it rolls around, I have a high preference 396 and 400 transmission, and when I'm done it's gonna look straight out of madmax, I'm going to give this car hell and have lots of fun doing it, best $1000 I've ever spent.

[@throttlewatch4614]

Love my mornings with Steve

[@racer72]

It was actually Bobby Allison, not Donnie that drove the #12 Coca Cola Monte Carlo. The cars were built by Junior Johnson and it was the start of his legendary run of championships with Cale Yarborough and Darrel Waltrip. Prior to the Monte Carlo, NASCAR rules required the #1 spark plug to be no further aft than the upper ball joint or in it's stock location. It was Smoky Yunick, he was mentioned by Steve, that found moving the engine back in the frame gave the car better balance that caused NASCAR to make that rule. His famed 66 Chevelle had the firewall moved back to give room for the engine to sit farther aft. The engine in Monte Carlos up to 1977 had the engine sitting 4 inches further aft than the Chevelles of the era giving the cars a bit better balance. That was one of the reasons the MC was popular in NASCAR despite being as aerodynamic as a barn door.

[@jeffreysproul9110]

I had a buckskin colored 77 Monte swivel buckets and rally wheels bought new and it was the last of Generation 2 which had the engine moved back and a huge space for the fan shroud. Loved that car beautiful styling and was smooth riding. I bought it when the 78s came out because I always liked them and wanted the last of the big Montes. Before that I had a 73 Chevelle.

[@timkis64]

steve, i allways appreciate your insights into these old machines & the effort you put into making videos for us.thank you sir.

[@rightlanehog3151]

Bring back personal luxury coupes!

[@cj8172]

I just recently sold my 1970 Monte here in New Zealand. She was all original including it's dark green paint, 350 auto and factory wheels. Really cool car, I only sold it so I could get the 1966 manual big block Bel Air 2-door post "sleeper" that have now. Great video.

[@mrho4speed]

Love the 1970 Monte Carlo and I would love to find one with a "three on the tree"!!!!!!!!!

[@patrickmcwilliams3957]

I had a '70 and someone told me the extra room in the engine bay was because it designed to have front wheel drive. Steve's explanation makes more sense.

[@-fuk57]

That mini egg crate grille was styling ahead of its time.

[@misigis]

A guy on my paper route had a brand new 1970 SS 454 LS-5 Monte Carlo. Red & black, very nice car.

[@rowdystrongarm463]

Love me some early Monte's! Almost any Chevy from the early 70's are pretty cool.

[@verticallyimpaired2978]

Loves me some first gen monte carlo! The cars model year in knights visor numerals is a super cool touch! I've wanted a 70 or 71 since the first time I watched ace ventura back in the day.

[@wreckerjonny6144]

Black 70 Monte Carlo SS in town north of me has a big block in it. Guy drives that loud and proud

[@TheGforcead]

When I was Little a friend of mine, Herbie Jr, had as '70 Monte Carlo he had put a LT-1 350 4bbl, but he was a farm boy, he put a 3 on the tree Pickup truck steering colum and truck clutch pedal!, he would pull out to pass, downshift to 2nd gear and that 350 would rppm up to 90 mph in 2nd gear b4 he would shift. Never seen someone switch a truck 3 on the tree manual into a car. Love your Videos!!

[@danjanes8689]

The base first gen Monte Carlos came from the factory with a 3 speed with the column shifter. All other transmissions were an option. It was typical of a lot of models back then.

[@TheGforcead]

@@danjanes8689 His was 1970, it had single round headlights. He had installed this one from a pickup truck, the steering column was not a matching color. He would drop down to second to pass, that 350-4bbl had no problem, he would shift to 3rd around 90 mph. What a sweet ride!

[@calebellzey8168]

1st green montes are really one of the most underrated muscle cars

[@chrishart2064]

Body style on those monte carlos is beautiful

[@watsisbuttndo829]

That radiator top hose is like an alaskan pipeline.

[@stephenyoutubin4476]

In the mid eighties I bought a 70 Monte 350 2 barrel down towards Cape Cod. Paid $300.00 bucks and it ran like a Banshee. Tan color with black cloth interior. Had a good amount rot on quarters but was a solid car. Those days are GONE!

[@deltabloo]

In the eighties, there was a mysterious Monte SS 454 . It looked great and went fast. It had a single rearward facing halogen driving light mounted on the package shelf. Rumors abounded, like it was a drug runners car or had been a moonshiners car from down south..we never got to talk to the owner so we will never know. That was in Canton , CT.

[@flashg67]

I owned a 1970 Monte Carlo from 1991-2010. I spent around 4 years restoring it in the late 1990’s. It was a early build car from the Flint Michigan assembly plant. Mine was gold with a black vinyl top and sandlewood colored interior. Mine had the 350 4 barrel, A/C. The rear end was a 12 bolt. It was pretty much stock, I even ran the rally wheels with the whitewall tires. That blue Monte looks to have some usable parts on it, so I hope someone makes a trip there and buys some parts off it. They changed the front of the vinyl top trim mid-way into the model year. They eliminated that “halo” moulding on the front edge and ran the vinyl top to the windshield. This blue Monte Carlo and the one I had we assembled before they made that change. As always, I enjoyed the video.

[@montestu5502]

I bought my 1970 Monte in 1983. I was initially confused as it had the 400 4bbl and I didn’t realize it was a 402BB. It was very confusing at the time buying parts at the local parts store as the same motor was a 396 in a Chevelle, but called a 400 in the Monte when it was really a 402! After about a year I finally got it all figured out. With the fan shroud removed, I can stand between the radiator and the engine. Makes for easy work for removing the intake and heads.

[@scotthester9010]

I changed a water pump on my 71 back in the early 80s. I removed the fan and cowl, stepped over the core support and radiator, and stood between the radiator and the front of the engine, with plenty of room to do my work. The 71 had the nicest looking front end, with rectangular turn signals in the bumper, that beautiful grill, and a classy little oval hood ornament, black with a simple silver script Chevrolet on it. Loved that car.

[@jaredstearns970]

Swapped out a cam in my 71 without disturbing the radiator!

[@MrBlackbutang]

One my favorites! Thanks for your service

[@waltermerrill6152]

When I was about 12 years old my stepfather bought a 71 Monte Carlo off the old lady next door who bought it brand new. It was the color of the one you're showing but she had it over sprayed with the super sport blue. Of course It had crager super sports on it. It was a 350 4 barrel. I always wondered what happened to that car. He also that same year ended up buying a 1971 Chevy C10. He paid less than $1,000 for both of those vehicles I just mentioned. Those were the days. This would have been around 1992. As always great content Steve thank you

[@Daniel-fd3wp]

@Walter Merril That’s a good comment thanks for sharing.👍👍👍

[@davidcornish9235]

THANK YOU Steve for talking about my favorite car!!! The 70 Monte Carlo is just a BEAUTFUL CAR. I had one at 19 and now at 50, I have another one almost exactly like the first.

[@The_R-n-I_Guy]

There's an early Monte Carlo sitting in front of an old building near me. There's a few other vehicles there too. I would investigate, but my luck they would actually be for sale and I could never afford them

[@killingitwitholdkill4583]

I just grabbed a 72 Monte on July 4th. I need to come visit that yard

[@sandyman541]

Growing up was hard for me and my younger brother. Our dad wouldn't let us get a car till we were 18 so I hid my first car at my friend's house till I was 18 but I was at a boneyard one day talking to the owner when a guy pulled up with a 71 Monte all mad saying he wanted to get rid of it. He's sunk too much money in it and now it was puking oil all over. I gave him 100$ for it knowing I had an engine if needed and would give it to my younger brother for his first car. Ended up it was the fuel pump blowing oil out its vent...easy fix and my brother loved it. Totaled it yrs later but I still have the 400sb it had and plan on putting it in my chevelle along with a th400 out of a 70 monte...thank you Monte Carlos. lol

[@mjhazelbaker]

I bought my first car at 17. (72 Monte) My Dad said; "I like these old (ten years) coke bottle shape cars So that is what you are going to buy. (Uhmm, sure Dad)

[@billfunk3168]

I had a gold 70 Monte Carlo I bought in 74 it was my winter car when I stored my 73 Corvette. It was the basic car but I enjoyed it.

[@ddellwo]

I don’t know if it was merely an optical illusion, but I think the distance between the front grille and the front of the engine block became even more exaggerated on the Gen 2 cars that came out in 1973! I always looked at those mid-‘70’s Monte’s and thought they must have been a nightmare for mechanics to work on just because it was such a long reach to get to certain parts of the engine bay! As far as “mean looking” NASCAR cars from the early ‘70’s are concerned, for me it will always be the ‘71 Road Runner that Richard Petty ran that year! Especially the blacked-out front grille detail with “43” painted over only the passenger side headlights against the bright “Petty Blue” paint. And better yet, maybe just a peak of David Pearson’s Mercury coming up behind him! Ahhh - the good old days when there was actually COMPETITION between the manufacturers on the race track……🏁

[@whiteknightcutlass]

I had a 74 with a small block 400ci, and yes you could take out the shroud and stand in the engine compartment and work on it no problem

[@nastybastardatlive]

I remember reading in a car magazine back then that the Monte Carlo used the 4 door Chevelle chassis because of all that "longness" you were describing.

[@88SC]

Sorry second comment. Stock Car Racing published an article about the Bobby Allison NASCAR Monte Carlos, complete with build pictures. There was a surprising amount of stock content in the bodies, albeit heavily massaged. Frame rails were factory, with the box section narrowed and reinforced in the axle hump to make room for the tires. Four link rear suspension in lieu of the (very non-factory) truck trailing arms, although Allison moved pivot points and used spherical bearings. Adjustable spring buckets, reinforced front control arms per typical practice. Allisons were innovators on the track and in the air.

[@ap101081]

Friend has an all original SS454 dark green one. Second owner car in perfect condition. The only change was Cragar SS chrome wheels.

[@CR7659]

The Monte Carlo owes it's existence to the Gran Prix, which came the year before. You had small medium and large with this greenhouse, as the Cutlass also used it for some models but kept the short wheelbase frame.

[@88SC]

If there still exists a column-shift three speed manual Monte Carlo somewhere, I want to see it!

[@davestewart2067]

They made something like 1400 manual trans cars in ‘70-‘71 so it’s likely a Unicorn. Most were four speeds.

[@rayinpau.s.a.6351]

This was the first car I bought with my own money . $800.00 it had a 283 in it , someone took the 454 from it . I called it my red rocket .

[@billmcdonald0256]

The Monty Is A 1st Class Car Tanks for the Great 👍 in site Steve 😀

[@rockettcustoms6266]

I hope you make a video about that cool Imperial next to it.

[@shawnbroyles8274]

Always have liked the first monte Carlos

[@Piggypongtheavgeek]

A friend of mine had one in high school. It had side pipes! It had those cloth seats! Classic

[@brianbloom1799]

Steve I bet that hood is not loner than My 69 Pontiac gran prix, SJ loved that car

[@adamtrombino106]

That shroud in good condition is worth a ton of $. Sold a couple on Ebay.. You'd be surprised!

[@daynadiggle8169]

Bought three of these in the early eighties to flip and I always bought the auto console shift . These cars to me were always a pleasure to drive .

[@stephenciszewski3564]

Had a friend who owned a body shop who flipped these cars in the eighties. Turned out to be a very profitable side business. Most needed cosmetic body work. Very few needed mechanical work. Most people who owned these cars never bear them. We used to refer to them as "baby Cadillacs".

[@lewispaine4589]

I'm old enough to remember when these cars were new. I also remember having a 1/24 scale model of this car in nascar livery, I think it was Coo-Coo Marlin? Lot of years ago

[@thedelawareranch2379]

My brother is a huge Monte guy has a fully restored 70 350 car he did have a 72 Monte with the 402 ! There’s a Hot Rod shop in my town building a Monte and they have shortened the front end and it sits on a Chevelle frame

[@gregkistner1955]

Lol never knew that about the grill emblem!

[@danjanes8689]

It's also on the 1970 trunk lock bezel. They did away with the trunk bezel for '71. I have a '70 SS454.

[@peterkelly419]

My dad had a 70’ black base model 350/2bbl but had the bucket seats. I remember that in the summer those black seats got really hot

[@AnDrEw122100]

These cars hold a special place in my heart , very nice looking cars .

[@sdmoparmaninsd6713]

Ah yes the classic wind tunnel fan shroud... good line if you see someone at a show with their hood up, say "Hey stay right there let me bring my car around and find its coefficient of drag in your fan shroud XD

[@ludicrous7044]

Three on the tree-Four on the floor!! The grill got to town before the engine!!😉

[@ConemantheBarbarian]

The front suspension being more forward also improved the handling of these cars over their competitors. I remember reading an article back in the day that explains that the front centreline placement and improved geometry helped the handling to the point that it didn’t need stiff springs which improved the ride. I had a couple of buddies that had a Monte Carlo and the other a Charger. We went tearing around some backroads north or town and the Monte was way faster. Hardly scientific but lots of fun!

[@TheOtherSean]

Can confirm. Had a 72 In High School. Was the best car to do donuts and whip S#ittys in during the winter... Very neutral handling / weight distribution.

[@mjhazelbaker]

My 72 had lots of front end plow, had to remember to turn early at any speed

[@leescott5300]

About time someone looked at the first montecarlo

[@planetwisconsin9901]

The upper radiator hose is legendary. 🧙 Um you never heard of Monte Carlo?

[@LuciFeric137]

These were so pretty back in the day. Dressed up with some Cragars or Keystones.

[@thomassmolenski2600]

I JUST LOVE THE CAR Bobby Allison drove the Coke Cola Monte Carlo

[@sawtooth4615]

My wife and I had a 1970 Monte Carlo 350 4bbl carb. We took our daughter to Disney Land and got 20 MPG. Wonderful road car. One of the best cars we owned.

[@JoeR203]

I had a '70. Took out the 350 and dropped in a built 400 (406ci) with around 400HP.

[@tommymelton2470]

Steve, it was Bobby Allison, not Donnie, in the no. 12 Coca Cola car owned by Junior Johnson. It was my favorite that year - so much so that I bought a new '72 Monte Carlo Custom. Not many of them were made, or survive. The Custom came standard with the 402 (8 mpg!!!) and special cloth interior.

[@joe6096]

These Montes were great looking cars. They were like the formal muscle car - Arnold Schwarzenegger in a tux, like the opening and closing scenes in True Lies lol..... There were a boatload of options available too, you could order it however you wanted - like Steve said, everything from a base 350 with a 3 on the tree with no A/C all the way to a fully loaded trim with power windows and locks, cruise, tilt wheel, A/C, and your choice of buckets/console, or a bench seat with button tufted pillow seats. And any combination in between, since back then you could order every option individually ala carte

[@epiccowboymemes2042]

My buddy was probably the coolest guy in High School. He bought a white one and stuffed a 454 in it.

[@ras4230]

I had a friend that loved the 70 Monte Carlos. He had a brochure for a Monte Carlo convertible that Chevy produced but never built so he built his own. He also had several stock MCs including a 454 SS. Great video except the Coke Monte Carlo was a Bobby Allison's car not Donnie's.

[@sjduncan69]

Close friend of mine had a 1972 back in 1983. The car was a 350 4V. Lime green. It was absolutely perfect. Only like 20,000 miles. Late one night him and I were leaving my parents house. I was ahead of him leaving my driveway and he was trying to catch up. Forgetting that our road jogged over to the right. He was into the jog before he realized where he was. Needless to say he lost control and went off the road backwards. Hit a pole and rolled end over end 3 times landing in a field. The car was smashed he was still inside it. Only injuries was a concussion and pulled tendons in his right shoulder. From holding on I presume. But for the age of that vehicle it was very well put together to not have him seriously injured. I think him and I both cried over loosing that car.

[@unclemarksdiyauto]

My favourite year Monte Carlo.

[@jamespetersen3933]

Those were the days. Keep on crawling!

[@donkkong5551]

Your knowledge on the Monte is pretty good! I believe Monte Carlo is Spanish for Mount Charles and is located in Monoco.

[@RoadNoise29100]

Excellent grill info, Mags!

[@thman6453]

We're you talking about the 7/8ths chevelle that Smoky drove? 😆

[@joefisk4448]

I expect to see an episode featuring the 2 door Imperial sitting next to this Monty.

[@whiteknightcutlass]

One of my favorite cars of all times, my dad had a 72 factory big block 402ci, with every option available in that year, loved that car, unfortunately here in northern Ohio the rust ate it alive you could of threw a dog thru the quarter panels and trunk floor, and unfortunately back then quarters weren't available, he sold it to my uncle who pulled the motor and put it in a 70 Malibu that he had bought everything to make the Malibu it into a big block Chevelle SS clone, then scrapped the monte body 😢

[@thechriscollection9983]

Nice! I was waiting for the junkyard Monte Carlo! I have a 1970, but with no rust! The shown car must have been an early production '70 because of the halo roof trim.

[@rixkafer56]

Always liked the first gen montes .... pretty sure they shared the same trunk lid as a the chevelle 68 to 72... thanks for sharing

[@nascarjim0223]

I enjoy watching your videos

[@danw6014]

I don't know if it was part of the thought behind the design but the long hooded cars like the 71 Charger and Road Runner as well as the Torino performed well in stock car races. GM was starting to get back into racing.

[@MrTheHillfolk]

I did like my neighbors old white Gran Torino (prolly like a 73ish) ,that was back around 80-82 and of course with the pro stock look with slotted mags and airshocks. I don't think you could spot a football field behind you trying to look out the rear window 🤣

[@danw6014]

@@MrTheHillfolk we had a 71 Charger. Forest green 383 Magnum automatic. It seemed like the hood went on forever.

[@traceymalott94]

i had one for 20 years

[@sreginkc]

I had a buddy back in the mid 80s that had taken a 71 Monte Carlo and did some real amazing body work to morph a 70 Chevelle convertible back seat area and top onto his M.C. It really looked factory and didn't leak. He finished in gloss black. With the white interior and the top down, it was a traffic-stopper at any intersection. Sadly it was wrecked by one of his kids a couple of years later.

[@thisguy2720]

I saw a convertible monte for sale in my area around a year ago. I'm surprised the didnt make convertibles because it looked awesome

[@madmike2624]

I had a 73 Buick regal...love that body style!! another knock it out of the park video Steve! Thanks for all you do!

[@barneywing9876]

I have a 1978 Chevrolet Monte Carlo that I bought used when I worked for a Chevrolet dealership. It came with a Buick 3.8 liter v6 which I replaced with a 454 big block. It has that long hood and the trunk lid is made out of aluminum. Still have the car and I'm in the middle doing bodywork and painting.

[@alanwood5857]

There was a guy who ran a body shop I knew had a red SS 454, it was under a cover in the corner of the shop and I guessed what it was, (could see the rally wheels).

[@danscott3880]

My uncle had a 1971 monte ..silver black interior .shifter was on the huge console ..

[@ZeitZuGehenMusik]

Absolutely agree,,,a Nascar coca cola tribute red/gold Monte Carlo would look awesome!!!

[@Amstel508]

I bought my 71 monte carlo at 21 years old in carlisle, pa 17 years ago. Longest owned car I have. Was a very base model car. 350 2bbl, th350 no ac bench seat. Been tinkering with it over the years. Still the numbers matching engine and trans but now on corvette rally wheels and sitting on a Viking performance suspension. It's certainly not fast but it turns heads and love it.

[@frankb.269]

Monte Carlo, some kind of resort, haha got me smiling