How the Monte Carlo SS Became An 80's Legend

In this video, we'll be breaking down one of the coolest cars to come out of the 1980's: the Monte Carlo SS. From its introduction in 1983, through the changes made until it was discontinued in 1988. We'll even talk about the Mexican version from 1984, and the Areocoupe.

[@craig2340]

I will always remember the first time I saw this car. It was at a small-town dealership and was likely in 1985. It was just such a cool-looking car to me. I would have been 14 at the time. I also remember the first time I saw an Aerocoupe. I was standing in our high school graduation line after the ceremony, and one went by on the street. I wondered aloud to a buddy what we had just seen. He didn't know either. Now, many years later, I consider myself lucky to own two Aerocoupes. A beautiful, purpose-driven design.

[@oldcarguy700]

One of the most beautiful cars ever. In my top 10 for sure!

[@301Pont]

The RPO (regular production option) code "L69" 305 HO (higher output) was derived from the 3rd gen Z28 Camaro. This engine like many others of the time was low rated on paper to be easier on insurance. Actual output of the "L69" is around 195-200 hp and 245-250 lbs-ft of torque bone stock.

[@ClydeGregory-i8p]

I love my 88 SS

[@grayrecluse7496]

You're reading off wikipedia. That said ,,I l won a1986 ss Tan with a tan interior. So, wikipedia is wrong.

[@rporestorations]

Thank you for your feedback. Actually, I didn't need to read the Wikipedia article to make this video, and haven't looked at it in a long time. According to my research, Chevy didn't offer the saddle interior in the SS in 1986, while it was offered as an option in the LS model. And while Chevy didn't keep exact figures of the number of cars produced in each particular color, I've never seen a Tan SS with a saddle interior. Ever. Could you maybe be confusing the L S model with the S S? The LS was available in tan. I've included a link to the original sales brochure, with the color chart, below: oldcarbrochures.org/United%20States/Chevrolet/1986-Chevrolet/1986-Chevrolet-Monte-Carlo-Brochure/slides/1986_Chevrolet_Monte_Carlo-06-07.html

[@keithleeuwen877]

Blue one is KOOL ! GM killed it in another lame brain move that became even more normal in the 2020's at the company, in opinions.

[@mikedeloach3538]

I owned Black 1985 Monte Carlo SS with the burgundy interior. I was so proud of owning that car. It was a big car. Not like a Cadillac or Lincoln, or anything like that, but it was also a sleek looking car. And it’s sort of held it all back in those days. What really made a difference in the way it ran but if you put electric fans on it. On that car, you can actually feel the difference. And then if you wanted to make most cars of those years, look at your tail lights you could put nitrous on it. Which is what I did on that little 305. The 305 held up great, But the transmission couldn’t take the extra jolt. I would like to buy an old car from my past, but I can’t pick one because they were all special to me. Every single one. And that sucks because I will never have that kind of money.

[@alaskarailroad3996]

Absolutely.....❤❤❤❤❤❤ never forget! The monte is a legend. Can't forget it..

[@kaygeezy6748]

I have a aerocoupe87

[@johnrose3169]

Nice nod to the past - nearly 40 years ago - the last bastion of rear wheel drive cars. Looking back, the 1980's era GM G bodies were something special from that era.

[@rporestorations]

They definitely were!

[@preban336]

I bought a mint low mileage 85 SS with Burgundy exterior/interior back in late 1990. Buckets seats with center console and sun roof. Original owner deleted the belt line stripes. No cruse control, power locks, or tilt wheel but I was 18 so I could careless. She would chirp the tires going into second from a dead stop on a good day. Did some little tricks back then like gutting the cat, running glass pack mufflers, Hyper tech chip, K&N filter with duel snorkel air cleaner I had made using two stock units, and installing a shift kit. My Dad and I put hotter plugs and wires and distributor plus messed with the carb a little. Slightly wider rear tires for a nice stance. Owned it from 90-97. Would beat bone stock Monte SS all day long and small motor (5.0) Z-28/T/A. Should have kept it.....felt and drove and sounded like a real Muscle car.

[@MichaelCubelic]

Had 2 SS MCSS, in mid 00's. My first one was a white with Grey interior, column shift, original carpet, in really good. Only used that car as a DRIVING/SHOW CAR!. I Won alot of awards indoor& outdoors car shows over about 5 years time frame. Never drove it other than car shows!. So I missed driving the white monte!! So I bought another MCSS That was a stock burgundy 85' with maroon int. With buckets, floor shift All stock! I did have it painted same color no stripes. Sold it in 2016, was a great driver!!!..

[@rporestorations]

Good friend of mine had an '85 SS, same color combination. Everybody loved it.

[@mikedeloach3538]

Very worth remembering. That car along with the cutlass and the 442 version were the two best looking full-size cars that they had during the 80s.

[@ervin-g5v]

I bought the burgundy 86' SS in 1989, loved the way it handled but even better was belonging to the unofficial Monti club,,, whenever I'd meet another Monti on the street we both waved to each other like we were family. Never before and never since owning the Monti Carlo SS did that happen. The days before life got complicated.

[@shawnbegay7220]

It was my dream car in the eighties. The closes I came was having a red 1976 Monte Carlo with the 305 engine. It became a magic carpet as me and a high school friend discovered road trips in northern Arizona in the summer of 1986.

[@yumekahughes33]

I owe a 2003 Chevy Monte Carlo i don't have the SS. But i love minds

[@brp360]

My favourite car of all time, despite owning an ‘85 GP for 20 years

[@w41duvernay]

Yeah, it was pretty dope in the 80's, it just needed a bigger engine, like the Chevy 400 sbc.

[@sauluribe7082]

Of course the Monte Carlo fits the bill as Super Sport with rwd. Successor to the Malibu Chevelle era but sadly coming to end in 1988.

[@warrengee-f9l]

I had a white 84 SS from 88-2000 ... was quite happy to find as in the time it wasnt just a Monte w/ decal package...the suspension loved a winding road & considering its curb weight it performed pretty good

[@davidbechtel-tj3il]

I feel a little hurt that I was not consulted for this video

[@JCVACCARO]

I always wondered why they never put the L98 in this car. Or at least the LB9. I guess they had their reasons but it would have fixed the problem as these weren't much quicker than the LG4 f-bodys. Me personally back in 87 when I was 17 it was the GN that we all wanted.

[@andregonsalvez9244]

I totally agree 👍 umm GM also had the B body full-sized and the Firebird/Camaro's back in the day. I certainly miss those days unlike today's boring crossovers . 😊

[@chham57]

Just grabbed a L69 from a Monte Carlo SS, plan to freshen it up and put it in my El Camino project. Mirroring the 3.42 gears you mention sounds good.

[@jaycarlson927]

I would have to vote for the Hurst Olds or Grand National over the Monte SS in the mid 80's

[@towgod7985]

Great looking cars, but GOD AWFUL GUTLESS!

[@asymmetry9988]

all show, no go, like most 80s cars