1977 Dodge Royal Monaco Promo Comparison vs. Chevy Caprice & Ford LTD (Blues Brother Movie)

This is a Dodge Demo Screen Promotional Film from Chrysler Corporation. They were used by dealers for salesmen training and in some cases even shown to customers. 44,039 of these Full Sized Dodges were produced in it's final year of production. (2206 were police packages) Production ended actually in November or December of 1976 with no cars actually being built in 1977. There were no Full Sized Dodges after 1977 model year, this was the end of the C Platform for Dodge. In 1979, Dodge did introduce the St. Regis which was based off the Chrysler B Platform. This body style was introduced in the 1974 model year at the height of the Arab Oil Embargo and Fuel Crisis. 218,049 Dodge C Platform Monacos were produced in the 1974 thru 1977 model year, 4 model years but only 3 years of actually car production, Summer of 1973 thru December of 1976.

[@OsbornTramain]

Glad you like it. I always loved the car once it was restyled in 1974. As a Teen in 1977, I use to prep these cars for new car deliveries at a Chrysler Factory Store. I've saved this film from then. We closed during 1980 with the Bail Out and I rescued all these films from the trash. I love this film too.

[@TheHorsebox2]

Glad you did. They were nice cars.

[@nnahoj123]

I love 1977 dodge royal monaco than 1974 dodge monaco

[@LRGDuran]

Youre doing God’s work here my friend. I loves these old videos.

[@nnahoj123]

Hey

[@nnahoj123]

I will buy that royal monaco brougham and sedan i like the normal the brougham kinda love it

[@Sedan57Chevy]

Well, that's it: I'm buying a Royal Monaco.

[@nnahoj123]

Thats my choice royal monaco is my dream car for now instead of 1991 caprice

[@nnahoj123]

But im 12 i hope when i get the driver's lisence i will get this car i like the sedan instead of station wagon and coupe and brougham

[@chocodiledundee1]

Makes two buddy please ..

[@davidallen5776]

I'm lucky enough to have a scale model on it as we speak!

[@andydanko7074]

Me too, in fact I'll race you to the dealership, they might not have very many left on the showroom floor.

[@OsbornTramain]

@NESherv I saved this film in 1980 from a trash can. Along with other films. If you told me in 1980, when I was twenty years old, that 32 years later, I'd be watching this film on something called the internet and that literally tens of thousands of others would too, I would have told you, that you were crazy. This too is one of my absolute favorite films. I love the very first line, "Most people are family people...." how is it humanly possible to be born outside of a family.. cracks me up!

[@ahuehuete4703]

My dad had a Mexican version of this car (we lived in Mexico City at the time). No smog devices at the time. It had the 360 CID engine and even in Mexico City's high altitude (7000 ft) it felt quick. We drove a few times to Acapulco and at sea level it felt very quick. It was a nice car for the time. I don't recall it giving us any trouble, though we only had it for 2 years (it was leased). It was one of the first cars that I drove. After that he leased a LeBaron, which also had the 360 without smog devices. That LeBaron was even faster. If I recall correctly the engine was rated at 300 HP, which was the same as the Mexican Valiant based Super Bee.

[@WitchKing-Of-Angmar]

The dodge Monaco was 224 inches while the Imperial Lebaron was 235 inches. I'm surprised you didn't realize the massive size difference.

[@ahuehuete4703]

@@WitchKing-Of-Angmar I wasn't talking about the Imperial LeBaron. The one I was talking bout was much smaller, definitely smaller than the Royal Monaco.

[@WitchKing-Of-Angmar]

@@ahuehuete4703 oh I see, the Dodge LeBaron, I haven't heard that name since 1978 when I saw a iridescent green Lebaron parked in Manhattan.

[@OsbornTramain]

this wasn't an ad for television and the general public, it was a film used to train Salespeople. They might also show it in the showroom to a potential customer. As far as gas mileage, there wasn't a Salesmen in the country that didn't carry the MPG book inside his jacket. I have tons of them from this time period. it was a handy reference tool. As for the three, the mileage was all about equal which is probably why it wasn't mentioned. I think the Monaco is prettier,

[@woodyofp8574]

You're telling me that the miniature full size Chevrolet gets no better gas mileage than the big Monaco or LTD? That's surprising, but I guess the lean burn system worked.

[@buddyrevell6369]

@@woodyofp8574 according to the 1977 fuel economy guide the Royal Monaco was rated at 11-14mpg combined depending on engine choice. The caprice, 14-19. Yes ELEVEN miles per gallon.

[@MrTitan225]

Fantastic auto videos ......thank you OsbornTramain.....your the best !

[@OsbornTramain]

I remember getting REAMMED by our Sales Manager when on a test drive, the left over Royal Monaco Brougham Diplomat Packaged car ran out of gas a mile from the Dealer, They had a special appointment to show the car and even removed it from the Showroom It had been on the lot close to a year and a half. It was a beauty though, Metallic Green with a White interior.. So striking. I just purchased this fall, finally after years of searching a Burgundy Colored Brougham Two door Loaded! w/8track!

[@larryfoster4455]

My 75 Royal Monaco 4 dr ht was greengold metallic with tan vinyl top and interior, with 360 Interceptor, T-lite and full equipment, after putting a later od trans in it got 22 mpg at 70-75 mph, top speed of 128-130. Had a emerald green 72 Electra, and 73 Centurion convert at the same time they looked very much alike. Had lean burn problems on most with it, but the Dodge never failed and the one 77 NY brougham got over 210,000 before computer fail.

[@rickking3805]

I miss full size cars. These smaller cars today might save on gas a bit but they just aren't the same to drive. I have to drive a full size pickup to get something that is big and sturdy enough and actually still has a frame. I prefer a pickup as you always have something you have to haul, but it would be nice to be able to have a full size comfy car available as a buying choice... I was thinking on a previous post that Chrysler had filed bankruptcy at the end of the 70's... I guess they never quite got there...

[@MyOleg1969]

только электромобиль! Пусть даже большой.

[@screamingpencil]

When I was 12 my dad bought a new 76 Royal Monaco Brougham station wagon. Wish I still had that car.

[@OsbornTramain]

@NESherv well, again, glad you liked it. It really does represent the 70's very well. The clothing and attire and the music. The kids actually look like they could be in style today with the hair and clothing..well, the guys..maybe not Marcia.....lol Glad you enjoyed them.

[@AltaSonata]

This video sold me. Shut up and take my money

[@Hakanson]

These cars were built like battleships - tought and rugged. Because speed is not everything :)

[@janebook294]

even a 318 would "peg" the needle

[@melrose9252]

Jane Book Don’t count on it!

[@johncollins7423]

Dyno Don My dad has one with the 440 in it. It'll cruise on the highway @ 75-80 mph like you're floating on a cloud, or it can roast the tires with ease, when mom isn't in it & he wants to "play" with it, Lol😎

[@johncollins7423]

Dyno Don Oh, I almost forgot to mention. Dad likes it because he says it reminds him of the Plymouth Gran Fury that he had as his police cruiser.

[@tenfourproductionsllc]

In 1977, mileage was everything. Being a larger car in 1977 was a huge liability.

[@OsbornTramain]

Yes, The Monaco did end in 78 but was reintroduced in 90 as a badge engineered Eagle Premier under the Dodge name. There is some confusion so here goes. Royal Monaco was the full sized Dodge only, the mid sized B series formerly named Coronet was renamed and slightly restyled as the Monaco. So the Full sized Royal Monaco ended in 1977. The Mid-sized B Body was ended in 1978. Restyled again in 1979 as the St. Regis now called the R series

[@doug9066]

I was 10 in 1977 which back then Dodge, Chrysler, Plymouth & Imperial had beautiful cars. Those were the days.

[@telebambam]

I'm sure most car buyers didn't have the patience to watch a video like this. I love it.

[@Snoopy8280]

My father owned a Gran Fury, the Plymouth counterpart to this. Special ordered it in 77 with a 318. A bare bones car but a good one. Wished I had it today.

[@johnharris2205]

Boy this brings back memories-Words can’t express how much I appreciate you being able to preserve this history for me- These vids have settled a lot of arguments in my favor because of me remembering what these cars were, and when these younguns talk about cars now being big and smooth, I let em know what big REALLY was.....and these Mopars were smooth but could HANDLE.....When I tell them about the torsion bar suspension, they can’t believe it until I show them in one of your posted videos.....thanks again....

[@OsbornTramain]

Frankly, I get angry when people say these big cars road like a cloud or were like riding in a living room. Yes, that might be true for a Buick or Lincoln or Caddy, but no way for a Dodge or Plymouth, they were road cars and could handle. Not unlike a big Mercedes or BMW 7 series, just because a car is big doesn't mean it floats. AMC and Chrysler had a different take on road and ride quality than Ford or GM. They were totally different.

[@xaviercavalier4822]

they dont make big, solid, beastly cars like that anymore! could you imagine your 2015 "full size" impala gettin' into a scuffle with that big ass Dodge?!

[@janebook294]

last summer my son driving my ,83 diplomat struck a 2009 cheby malibu midships at 55 mph ,the malibu was nearly torn in half ( thank God the point of impact was just behind the chebys driver door) the left side bumper shock on the diplomat was compressed approx 4 inches and the firberglass around the L,headlamp was broken ,the dippy drove home the cheby left on a flatbed ! my son ws not injured the cheby driver suffered a broken rm Thank God that was all !!!!

[@brysonkuhn3290]

@@janebook294 glad everyone was ok for the most part. Older american cars are usually more solid and don't like to crunch a whole ton in crashes. The forces go directly to the driver and that's why they are unsafe for fragile people. New cars have crumple zones to lessen the impact

[@artdecotimes2942]

@@brysonkuhn3290 hahahahahahaha boy do I have news for you pals! Watch this idiotic video credited as the Chevrolet 50th anniversary were yes for their 50th anniversary, they decide to destroy a 1959 Chevrolet BelAir. Now I've seen a crash of a 1959 Chevrolet BelAir with hardly any do or damage at just around 60, this was going 40 and low and behold it was up against non other than that ridiculous Chevrolet Malibu 2009 exactly. The Malibu was barely marked, while the Bel-Air was pushed inward and yet even with their pathetic deceiving method and attempts to rattle it into a hybrid Frankensteins monster akin creation, the inside still held up. it's all a commercial world scam that basically tells you "Buy new, forget the old".

[@mariogullette4795]

Im a 70's baby & i love 70's auto classics like this 1977 Doge Royal Monnaco from Chrysler-Dodge Luxury car division line!

[@SBha30]

That was a very good commercial. It did a great job comparing every detail that really add up. Thanks for posting this video.

[@knowbodiesfull5768]

The Dodge Royal Monaco was a solid strong automobile compared to the downsized Caprice. It's just a shame that not many car shoppers saw that. Chrysler insisted on keeping its big cars big, and their plan might have worked if buyers had taken a little more time to weigh their decisions. In the end, though, the Caprice was the car that big car fans wanted, and the Dodge was left in the lurch. Now, almost four decades later, Royal Monaco is a rare find, and the few that are left are collectors' gold mines. About the only publication where Royal Monacos are for sale is either Hemmings or national trader magazines like Auto Round-up.

[@OsbornTramain]

+William Reed The 77 Dodge was never designed and built to compete with the 77 Impala......The Royal Monaco was at the end of it's product cycle, having served for 4 model years. The 79 Dodge St Regis was intended to be a fighter against the Impala......but for many reasons, that wasn't the case. This Car was Designed to fight the 74 thru 76 Impala which too were gigantic tanks like the Royal Monaco.

[@tenfourproductionsllc]

Chevy's selling point is that the interior size was the same but 600 pounds lighter, which meant superior gas mileage, and gas mileage was everything in 1977. Thus Impala killed this car in sales.

[@brkitdwn]

And, in this ad, they used the ugliest basic Caprice.

[@teaser1950]

I simply adore mi Royal Monaco Brougham Sedan, parked right here in my house ( and your´s ) And I ever wanted a commercial about this model. I want to thank you for post it. And now I will adore more my Royal Monaco. =D

[@pcskies]

When I was a kid my father bought a brand new 77 Dodge Royal Monaco Brougham 2 door with the 440 V8, tilt telescoping steering wheel, ice cold AC, power everything, loaded. This was January of 1978. It had been sitting on the showroom floor of the local Dodge dealer for 1 year. (Keep in mind they stopped making them 12/76) Most people were starting to buy mid size or small cars by then. I can still remember riding in it as a kid. Smooth quiet ride, plenty of torque at all speeds. Good memories.

[@OsbornTramain]

Thanks for the comment, I have more to upload. Not sure what you really mean by "there screw ups" and getting others to fix the problem......In 1973, when this car was designed, gas cost only 33 cents a gallon. The Arab Oil Crisis changed everything. Chrysler got a loan garuantee from the gov in 1980 but that wasn't money, Ford's never taken anything from the government. GM went bankrupt in 2009 but that's really due to bad planning in the 1990's Every European car company taken gov subs.

[@RetroManVideos]

My parents bought a Dodge Monaco w/318 in 1975. Wonderful memories of riding in the backseat of that car on the Interstates and highways from Memphis to Georgia to visit family and vacations to Opryland near Nashville. Miss those times.

[@henrystowe6217]

Took forever back then. Speed limit was 55 mph.

[@OsbornTramain]

@njot3 Agreed, Chrysler Corp would be two years behind GM. 79 was when the St Regis was introduced and then really sold poorly

[@thebakerman1]

These were some wide-ass cars! And they drove sooo good too :) I had all three of the cars outlined in this video and I have to say the Royal Monaco was my favorite with the Caprice Classic coming in second. But the Royal Monaco was the best choice if you had to cram a bunch of people in one car. They were definitely wider than the competition at that time.

[@OsbornTramain]

@monaco74 i worked for them at the time and remember how hard it was to sell Royal Monaco, but they did have the Dart/ Valiant and Volare/Aspen in 76 and mid sized Coronet was also a good seller. They did come very close to Bankruptcy....but the Carter Administration gave them a loan guarantee....the Banks loaned them the money but The US Gov. backed it. Chrysler refinanced only 3 or 4 years later and paid back the loans. The government also profited by exercised stock options they had

[@jgrab1]

I love the way cars driver over lawns in these commercials. :) Yeah, I always park on a lawn.

[@LordRalphingtonPukesmythe]

I love these land yaghts, my daily driver is a 91 caprice classic...but now i want that monaco...in a 440 of course...

[@nnahoj123]

I love the dodge royal monaco 1977 than 1974 dodge monaco and 1991 chevrolet caprice

[@chavellahudgins1271]

I want the 1977 or 1978 dodge Monaco to make a tj hooker tribute car

[@chocodiledundee1]

When car makers used to care about how we consumers felt in a car ....

[@OsbornTramain]

Thanks for the postings but I do respectfully disagree on you comment here. Caprices were solid cars and there are still many of them on the road. They end up being relatively rust free, except in their front and rear bumper design. The Fords were quite the contrary. Even in the day, back in 78, and 79, we were taking in trade used LTD's on Monacos that were rust buckets I remember one 77 Country Squire that required extensive work before we could put it on the lot.

[@briancalibergbmd]

"visibility is important, especially for a driver!!!" :)

[@OsbornTramain]

parking a large car like that in a narrow space.....can be difficult. Seeing the fenders is useful in that context.

[@bretthehitman]

I always enjoy watching these old informational promos the car manufactures would put out

[@AlkaidSuhailalMuhlif]

I remember the car where I learned to drive , my 1973 Chevrolet Impala ohhh I loved it , good fashioned cars from the 70s

[@dougtaylor2803]

The point made about being able to see the fender tips is a major issue. The contemporary design of cars which has the fenders disappearing from the driver's view has seen an upswing in insurance claims for relatively minor but still costly accidents. Hence, we now see manufacturers offering not only rear park assist and cameras, but now frontal systems as well.

[@jaygill5582]

All of the cars made in the 70s were.. PIMPTASTIC!!!

[@Doobie1975]

I still see a lot of the late 70s full size Chevy's, I still see an occasional full size Ford LTD's of the era but I rarely see any Dodge Royal Monaco's and the full size Mopar's of the era anywhere

[@DelilahThePig]

Looks like a beautiful car. This ad is so long that I stopped noticing the faded colors and let my mind wander back in time. It's a shame how time passes. I want to just walk into a dealership and buy one!

[@notpurple]

Dude, I love that you saved these.... Thanks for posting

[@Doobie1975]

@OsbornTramain I actually thought Ford used the same body style from 1973 to 1978 although the 1973-74's had a different rear/front end, I thought Chevy made a wise decision to use the same platform for a total of 13 years, I still see a lot of the 1977-90 Caprice's from all eras today.

[@michaelflores2318]

Rear and fronts were changed on the 75 LTD and had a very small window on the side at the back of the car. So 73 and 74 were the same 75 to 78 were also the same added catalytic converters and had to use unleaded gasoline 74 and before used leaded gasoline since there were not any catalytic converters back then

[@NESherv]

This is one of my favorite videos on KZbin (and off it). I come back to it frequently. It's just such a priceless artifact.

[@OsbornTramain]

The Royal Monaco was to end in 78 with the Monaco to replace it as the ful sized car. The Monaco was becoming the St Regis for 79 to compete with the down sized GM and Ford, but the difference was when the down sized St Regis appeared, it was still larger than the Ford or GM fullsized cars. They had a diffferent strategy, theirs was to reduce weight, not size. So you are slightly off when you say they were going to downsize in the future. It was weight reduction to get better economy.

[@ukranaut]

Caprice design still looks sharp even today.

[@OsbornTramain]

I love my 2010 Dodge Charger....63,000 miles and nothing but maintenance so far....nothing has gone wrong with this car, it's never failed me..handles great, looks great....LOVE IT

[@OsbornTramain]

the one thing I never understood about this comparison is why Dodge compared their cars to Ford and Chevy. Plymouth was traditionally viewed as the competitor of Ford and Chevy. This video would have served the Dodge Sales folks better if it compared the car to a Pontiac or Mercury. The downsizing thing was confusing for customers in 78, a Full Sized Chevy was the same as a midsized Ford or Plymouth.. A Midsized Chevy was the same size as a compact Ford or Plymouth and even Chevy Nova compact

[@johnjessey6955]

I had a “77” Bronze with white vinyl top, white interior. The 440 could light up the tear tires. I only did that a few times because you could physically see the gas gage go down. My kids loved it though. They always asked if we could take the Dukes of Hazard car when we went any where. The carburetor was bigger than the whole engine in our Toyota Corolla. It got 9 mpg all day long. Nothing I’ve ever owned rode and drove that nice.

[@ddoyle11]

A coin holder in the glove box? That settles it, I'm getting the Dodge!

[@mattg5022]

Palm Springs was so nice back in the day. So clean. So many fab restaurants too. It was more country than anything else. I actually had the LTD featured here. Mine was not dark brown like the film but was that metallic tan with darker brown vinyl roof with hideaway vacuum leak prone headlights - the LTD Landau. And I DID live in Palm Spring when I owned it in the 1990s. It was pretty much the same then as it was pictured here in 1977. My car had the 400m engine (a detuned 351 Cleveland but with longer stroke). A smooth powerful car that was and I got many compliments. It looked just like the Streets of San Francisco TV show cars that Michael Douglas drove or rather hot rodded in that series. All gone now just like our standard of living …

[@StrongEnough78]

I actually do prefer the styling of the LTD. We used to have a 77 Landau and I was in love with it. Had the big 460 V-8 and boy did it move. I do notice that they didn't compare interior room with the LTD but only the Caprice.

[@pyramos5770]

Gäbe es den Wagen noch im neuwertigen Zustand, würde ich ihn sofort nehmen.Ich glaube etwas anderes braucht man nicht mehr für den Rest seiner Tage. Vielen Dank fürs zeigen.

[@ClassicTVMan1981X]

And the St. Regis was laid to rest in the spring of 1981. Then we have the Diplomat, originally assigned starting for 1977 as an upmarket version of the mid-1976 Aspen. After the St. Regis was purged, the Diplomat became the biggest Dodge sedan, and ran through the 1989 model year. Then, Chrysler's reign in the full-sized market was no more.

[@metalox88]

Music has three phases relaxation thinking and then excitement

[@jcse16]

Who will protect my headlights now?

[@spacetrucker2952]

Batman.

[@ronaldjohnson5830]

Superman!

[@klwthe3rd]

I miss hidden headlamp doors 😔

[@ronaldrime5286]

I actually owned a '77 Monaco like the one in this ad. I still miss the power, comfort and handling. I also miss looking across that large hood as I was driving down the highway.

[@spencnaz]

I have a '73 Monaco. I love driving that car, it's smooth and quiet. I like these old C-bodies, the torsion bar suspension really works for cars of this size.

[@OsbornTramain]

Yes, it is sort of funny to think a Caprice is small. But in the 1970's, the reduced size of the 77 Caprice was quite amazing compared to the Monaco or LTD. 10 inch shorter wheelbase. :O)

[@notpurple]

I just got a 79 LTD coupe.... When ford got on the downsizing wagon. Everyone that sees it thinks it's so big..... HA

[@OsbornTramain]

What you say is very true. All cars and trucks today are significantly heavier than their 70's earlier counterparts. There are numerous reasons for this. Sound deadeners, power equipement, windows door locks, stereo systems. Even compact cars weigh more. People always make fun of my 62 Chrysler Imperial and suggest it's a heavy car. But comparatively speaking, it's ways much less than the luxury cars of the current days.

[@Nitrous-ej5zy]

Love these promotional ads for sales reps and dealers back in the day...... Grandpa had a brand new 78 LTD though. Loved that thing could fall asleep in the back seat.

[@carryclass6807]

the 77 caprice was a new design, i got one in the very early 80s and drove it till about 2000. i think one could argue that a properly equipped 77 caprice, WHEN PROPERLY EQUIPPED, was, an argument could be made, one of the very best sedans in the world at any price. the optional F41 handling package was dirt cheap (around $50.00 i think) still gave a velvety smooth ride, and gave the Caprice near sports car handling. it was a fantastic bargain. with the 5.7L engine, the performance, FOR THE TIME, was excellent. in fact i dare say, a properly optioned out caprice, could have given, by objective standards, any mercedes or BMW sedan, at that time, a hell of a run for it's money, especially considering it may have been less that half or a third the price. everything is a matter of priority and taste, i am not in the least putting down the other cars in this comparison. i do however think the new 77 GM B and C bodies were a great leap in engineering, and the caprice was by far the best example of them. i think if anything they were horribly under rated.

[@OsbornTramain]

There was nothing...let me repeat...nothing new in the way of Engineering or design on this car. (Coupe did have a new Glass window with angles which required new manufacturing techniques, but that was also on the 76 Oldsmobile Toronado so it wasn't actually new) Yes, it was designed very well. But from a technological standpoint, it was old. No different than the previous full sized car or the Mid-Sized Chevelle at the time. Body on Frame construction.....old suspension system. Engine had been around for years, transmission was old too...even the V6 Engine had been designed by GM in the early 60's by Buick... Yes, it's a good car, no doubt, very well designed and in appearance too, it lasted well style wise. But again, Nothing new Engineering...If I'm wrong, please let me know....with examples of what that technology was. I will say, they used everything that at the time, GM had that was good...engine and transmission and drive train components.......which all worked well together. But a BMW or Mercedes Sedan would have been light years ahead on Unit Body and Independent Suspensions....the Royal Monaco was also Unit Body and used a more modern suspension than the Ford or Chevy. (torsion bars)

[@carryclass6807]

yes i understand what you are saying. the "leap" was in the refinement of proven technology, and that allowed for a "world class" vehicle that was relatively very affordable. some of the personal preference part comes of the feel of a body on frame vehicle that many including myself found and find superior. it is the reason many i think have changed to trucks, as the feel of a body on frame vehicle is what they prefer. the "properly equipped" part is also important. far less than 1k$ worth of options imo could make the caprice a totally different vehicle. many caprices were equipped with Chevette (th 200) transmissions that tended to premature failure. every design is a compromise of some kind, ie independent suspension that yes gives better handling, marginally, at greater cost to build, buy and maintain. the early 80's GM x body cars (citation), were examples of a fantastic concept and design, but unfortunately horrible execution, imo.. reliability and build quality were problems. for me, a rear wheel drive body on frame vehicle tends to have wonderful feel in terms of ride and handling.

[@OsbornTramain]

Yes, this goes to what I was saying, nothing was new, but it was all packaged together well with a solid design. Like you say, even option packages were nice although, much of those nice little things had been around for years on AMC and Chrysler Cars, gauges rather than idiot lights, stalk mounted controls, etc etc. The interesting part is that the dimensions, particularly of the Wagon were very close to the AMC 1967 line of cars which ended in 1978, one year after these were introduced. I'll just say I have a different view on Body on Frame, I personally prefer the Unit Body Body on Frame. That is probably a personal preference, GM and Ford always went the Body on Frame route where AMC, Chrysler and the Bigger imported sedans chose the Unit Body approach. They do feel and sound different.

[@LovinLife7777]

Wonderful - as a kid I loved these cars and would have loved to see this video then ... and am loving it now. Thanks so much for sharing this reminder of simpler times in the American auto industry!

[@Monaghan]

I think Chrsyler should UP SIZE for 2010. Bring back the Monaco :) Nothing like having a boat like the Monaco with the 440 engine.....Lovely cars!

[@RevengeofGothzilla]

This actually makes me want a Monaco, but everyone in the comments seems to think they're terrible. Is something wrong with me.

[@OsbornTramain]

As the guy that posted this....and who also owns a 77 Royal Monaco...and who worked for a Dodge Dealer in 1977, I can certify, swear and attest, that they are fantastic cars and were great quality too....yes, they were big yes the Caprice is a nice car......but they weren't awful like some people here seem to think (based on nothing)........They didn't rust, they didn't break down, they were solid and dependable but they did drink gasoline. (like today's SUV's)...they didn't have any recalls or safety issues.......I simply don't get why people don't like these cars???????

[@johnnymitz]

OsbornTramain You raised a very good point. I, too, know of these cars, and have wrenched on almost all makes. So, it does baffle me that they were not as popular as the rest. But perhaps that IS the issue: popularity. At 53 years of age, I conclude that we humans are the most finicky and flighty and temperamental fucks on the planet. We seem to have an attention span of a gnat, and whine to the nth degree when the most insignificant thing does not go our way. So I think Chrysler's real reason why they didn't sell as much as the competition was popularity in itself, which points to public awareness, which points to marketing, which ultimately points back to their management. The car itself was just as good as the competition, although that damn Lean Burn System was a total debacle. By the way, I own a 1977 Chrysler New Yorker Brougham. People are awestruck by its size. Amazingly, I don't tailgated a lot in traffic. Hmmm?

[@OsbornTramain]

It goes back to the very early 1960's when Chrysler made a big mistake by removing full sized cars from the Plymouth and Dodge line up. The Plymouth Full Sized cars always sold well. It wasn't until 1965 for Plymouth to get back into that market but the damage was already done....people continued buying full sized Chevy and Fords.......Plymouth and Dodge never caught back up in sales of large cars. When the 74's came out, many people felt they were copies of GM 1971 line up, already three years dated in style.

[@JohnSmith-ev8vk]

OsbornTramain Yes, I would agree. I would also add that the oil embargos, 2 if I remember correctly, dealt a massive blow to the US Auto Industry. Large cars like this pretty much went away like the dodo bird. (Ironically, "large cars" now are trucks, with the same overall fuel mileage.) In my technical opinion, the primary fault of these cars was the Lean Burn System. Chrysler had a tried and true Electronic Ignition, which now is sold as a hot rodding/hi perf system, prior to this system. This Lean Burn System was a weakness, and should have had more testing before it was released. Early versions had no means to control the fuel - at all. Just measured shit, and tried to change the timing. Most failed after a few hot summers because the "computer" was placed on the air cleaner above the cast iron HOT engine. I personally have in my possession official Chrysler documentation stating "...we don't recommend servicing this system...just replace it with our Electronic Ignition...". The second "weak link" was the window mechanism. With a frame-less window, the mechanism inside the door has to really hold the glass and align it perfectly. Well, these really didn't do that very well. I fixed many of them, right off the car carrier, before they were placed on the showroom. However, on a more positive note, these truly would compare to the competition at the time like this ad claims. The transmission was far superior to Ford's and GM's. And with more of a square-ish wheel base, could handle much better than comparable cars of the same size. I recall Sergio Marchionne stated that he plans to bring the Chrysler brand back to affordable luxury. Back to its roots of superior engineering, and affordable high class and comfort. That's good - I welcome it. But I doubt we'll ever see the mammoths like this or my New Yorker ever again. Take care, John.

[@OsbornTramain]

I kinda agree, the Lean Burn wasn't a factor related to the full sized Dodges, Plymouth and Chrysler initially. These full sized cars came out in 74 and later models did include Lean Burn but not in the introduction year. Lean Burn itself is a good product, the problem was mechanics didn't know how to repair them and weren't trained properly. I have a few cars still today with their original factory lean burn systems intact. As far as the windowless Frames, I own a Royal Monaco 2 door Hardtop and it's not an issue on that car, it wouldn't have been an issue on the Royal Monaco four door or wagon, they used framed windows. I do agree that the pillared hardtops of 79 thru 81, the R body cars had a terrible fit and finish issue with the windows, I own a St Regis and it's awful. I remember when these cars came of the truck new and they literally had parts that broke in your hand. The window crank mechanism was made of aluminum and just didn't last very long.

[@Doobie1975]

As for the LTD I liked the 1973-74 front/rear end styling much better than the 1975-78 and for the Royal Monaco I liked the 1974-75 styling over the 1976-77 styling, I sure wish they can make cars this big again today

[@TVHouseHistorian]

@7:22 I don't know if anyone else has already commented on this, but this scene was shot in front of the Palm Springs Desert Museum. If you Google images of it, it looks very different, but still very similar to what it did back when this film was shot. Always fun to take a ride back to another time.

[@chasedirtbike4155]

I suppose the coin holder was for tolls, now it is 15 dollars to cross the george washington bridge.

[@itsmegp46]

Most 4 door cars seat 5. The loss of a front bench seat replacing it with buckets and a center console is largely the fault of the car owner. It is now the preferred choice. Obviously they never knew the warmth and charm of having your honey sitting right up along side of you when you drove.

[@flygliders]

sold, I will buy one

[@northhankspin]

The Grand Caravan and Voyager used those heat vents up till 1990!

[@chasedirtbike4155]

Even the kids were smoking Marlboros

[@selerim]

Both back seats of royal monaco and caprice are a lot roomer than today cars....

[@Doobie1975]

I always thought the Royal Monaco was the best looking of these three, I always thought the 1975-78 Ford LTD's were my least favorite of the big Ford LTD's, I still see a lot of the late 70's style full size Chevy's.

[@charlieretro]

I came close to buying a old Monaco a few years back but someone beat me to it by two hours and what drown me to the car was its color and look.

[@MandusahRamirez]

I didn’t know The Caprice was The Upper Trim Level Back then lol.

[@apolloniaaskew9487]

From 1966-1975 Chevrolet had four full size models from the cheapest to top of the line- Biscayne, Bel Air, Impala and Caprice. 1976-1985 the Impala and Caprice, 1986-1990 Caprice Caprice Classic and Caprice Classic Brougham, 1991-1996 Caprice Classic and Impala SS ( a high performance 4 door sports car).

[@jamessawchuk5682]

It's a pimpmobile comparison!

[@mrjb1445]

Lmao!!

[@jimmyhenrix167]

Those sedan generation were classy and very comfortable... Now cars are made in polymers, and cheap plastic...

[@LakeNipissing]

Interesting in the promo video Chrysler didn't mention the Royal Monaco used unitized body construction vs. the body on frame design of the LTD and Caprice. Maybe they weren't sure if it would attract or deter buyers looking for a large, robust car. They also didn't compare trailer towing ability, which was a big deal for family vacations in the 1970s.

[@metalfish24]

I just about shit myself laughing at 3:48.

[@vwgolf6487]

The indentations for cupholders within the glove box doors were useless. I'm glad Chevy figured that out.

[@dylanbobek3158]

I love the weather protected headlights

[@McNabbulous]

My father had a 1976 Grand Marquis. Horrible color (beige), but I did like the styling. It still was one of the nicest riding cars I was in. That was important driving in Philadelphia where the streets were littered with potholes.

[@lawnking168]

i had a 74 monaco with the police package but, with the street trim. beautifual car!!!

[@LOGINKPW]

The new 1977 Chevy Caprice/Impala models were actually shorter (in length) than the 1977 Malibu/Chevelle cars. GMs mid-sizers would be dowsized the following year (1978).

[@BaltimoreAndOhioRR]

Nice car! 👍😁💜

[@wkeil1981]

I had an 86 caprice brogham. I loved that thing. Man the dodge is nice though.

[@justinl9077]

These sales videos are extremely convincing -- one would have to be a bloody maroon to buy an LTD or a Caprice/Impala after seeing this. :)

[@OsbornTramain]

Totally agree

[@comgeek24]

Thank you, that makes more sense than the other guy's response about Ralph Nader.

[@Lumotaku]

LOl never thought about that one. Thanks for saving and posting all these.

[@jigrodrigues]

I would love one of those, but I think the caprice has got one of the best designs ever! (btw I'm european)

[@mubasharaliiqbal]

For some reason I can not stop watching

[@Lumotaku]

the dodge was actually a good handler too.

[@OsbornTramain]

@StoneCold75 I know your post is old. But, The Royal Monaco was on in production for 5 model years 74 thru 77. That Caprice was in production unchanged basically from 77 to 90. You see more because they sold more but that doesn't mean it's a better car, it only means they sold more. How many 74 thru 76 Impalas do you see today??? none.

[@Doobie1975]

I still see a lot of the full size Chevy's of the 1960s/early 70s but hardly any mid 1970s full size Chevy's, I see a few more LTD's of this era than I do with the Royal Monaco's

[@OsbornTramain]

@BoogsterSU2 yep, but that's the south west...this is actually filmed in Palm Springs California. For many years, Chrysler filmed all their promos there. There are some exceptions but it was a popular place to film for Chrysler. You can see the name of the civic center in this film...it's in Palm Springs. :O)

[@jameswillett7186]

This family looks like they'd be the neighbors of the Fairgates at Knots Landing.

[@Tfontaine209]

Sid and Karen!

[@Mr7o4]

You'll find four, standard tires on Caprice. Royal Monaco has seven.

[@NESherv]

@OsbornTramain Haha, so true! The music, too, is spectacular (reminds me of something Boards of Canada would sample), along with the crazy angles and the washed-out sunny lighting. The girl looks like Marcia Brady. I just want to see that era for myself! Unfortunately, I came to this world in 1992.

[@doug9066]

When Chrysler had nice looking cars.

[@HaimTabibi]

Palm Springs? All we needed was rich Corinthian Leather and I am sold.

[@tmq800]

I think Dodge wanted to show the comparison between their full-size Monaco and GM's new downsized, full-size cars.

[@CherryHillDodgeChryslerJeepRam]

Gotta love the classics!

[@qrud]

I cant believe dodge was even like this