Overview
Debuting in 1970, the Monte Carlo was Chevrolet’s first entry into the personal luxury coupe market, aimed at combining muscle car performance with upscale features. Built on the A-body platform shared with the Pontiac Le Mans, the Monte Carlo featured a longer wheelbase and distinctive styling cues, including Coke-bottle side panels, a long hood, and a short rear deck, creating a signature profile that became iconic in American car culture.
Engine Options
The 1970 Monte Carlo offered a variety of engines tailored for both performance and everyday driving:
- Small-block V8s: Standard 350 cubic inch (5.7L) Turbo-Fire engines producing from 250 hp (2-barrel) up to 300 hp (4-barrel) with torque ranging from 345 to 380 lb-ft.
- Big-block options: Including the 400ci V8 (265 hp) and the 454ci V8 Turbo-Jet engine, producing 360 hp, primarily featured in the SS 454 variant.
- Transmission options: Three-speed manual, column-mounted, Powerglide two-speed automatic, or three-speed Turbo Hydramatic automatic available.
Features and Luxury
As a “Gentleman’s Muscle Car”, the Monte Carlo included upscale features uncommon in typical muscle cars of its time:
- Front disc brakes and rear drum configuration (with optional heavy-duty upgrades)
- Power steering and optional power windows/seats
- Air conditioning and a wood-grain trimmed center console
- Rally gauges, bucket seats, and optional fully loaded instrumentation
Cultural Impact
The Monte Carlo quickly became a status and lifestyle icon, often featured in media and owned by celebrities such as Frank Sinatra, reflecting its blend of performance, luxury, and style. Its aesthetic and performance appeal also gave it a lasting presence in classic car shows and collector circles.
Collectibility and Market Value
Today, the 1970 Monte Carlo is highly sought after by collectors. Pricing varies widely depending on condition, mileage, originality, and engine configuration:
- Low-end project cars: Around $2,500–$13,000
- Well-preserved or restored examples: Average $30,000–$35,000
- High-end SS 454 models or rare options: Can exceed $50,000–$60,000
Common Considerations
Collectors and buyers should pay attention to:
- Rust: Especially on body panels and undercarriage due to age
- Engine and carburetor condition: Small-block and big-block V8s require maintenance
- Electrical systems: Original wiring may need updating or careful inspection
- Availability of authentic parts for restoration, accessible through classic car networks and specialist suppliers.
In summary, the 1970 Chevrolet Monte Carlo blends luxury appointments, optional muscle car performance, and iconic styling, making it a prized collectible and a hallmark of early 1970s American automotive design.
1970 Chevrolet Monte Carlo Specs
| BODY | |
|---|---|
| Body Maker: | Fisher |
| No. Of Doors: | 2 |
| Passengers: | 5 |
| Model Number: | 13857 |
| DIMENSIONS | |
| Length: | 205.8 inches |
| Width: | 75.6 inches |
| Height: | 52.9 inches |
| Wheelbase: | 116 inches |
| Weight: | 3,408 lbs |
| ENGINE | |
| Type: | V8, valve-in-head, Dual downdraft, Fully synchronized |
| Displacement: | 350 cu. in. |
| Cylinders: | 8 |
| Bore And Stroke: | 3.8 & 3.85 inches |
| Compression Ratio Standard: | 9.0 to 1 |
| Horsepower Brake: | 250@4800 |
| Horsepower Rated: | 46.2 |
| Torque: | 345@2800 |
| Main Bearings: | 5 |
| Valve Lifters: | Hydraulic |
| Block Material: | Cast alloy iron |
| Engine Number Location: | On pad at front right side of cylinder block. |
| Lubrication: | Pressure to all bearings excluding wrist pin |
| Carburetor Make: | Rochester |
| TRANSMISSION | |
| Type: | 3 Pints |
| Drive: | Rear wheel drive |
| Clutch Type: | Single plate dry disc |
| Clutch Size: | 10 1/3 inches |
| Gear Ratios (Total): | 3 |
| Gear Ratios First: | 2.54 to 1 |
| Gear Ratios Second: | 1.5 |
| Gear Ratios Third: | 1 to 1 |
| Gear Ratios Fourth: | Not applicable |
| Gear Ratios Fifth: | Not applicable |
| Gear Ratios Reverse: | 2.63 |
| AXLE | |
| Type: | Semifloating |
| Differential Type: | Hypoid |
| Differential Ratio: | 3.08 to 1 |
| SUSPENSION | |
| Front: | Independent ball joint with coil springs |
| Rear: | Hotchkiss |
| BRAKES | |
| Service Type: | Power front disc, rear self-adjusting drum |
| Service Front Size: | 11 inches |
| Service Rear Size: | 9.5 inches |
| Emergency Type: | Rear service brakes |
| Emergency Size: | 9.5 inches |
| FUEL | |
| Type: | Regular |
| WHEEL & TIRES | |
| Tire Size: | G78 x 15 |
| Spare Location: | Trunk |
| CAPACITIES | |
| Fuel: | 20 Gallons |
| Oil: | 4 Quarts |
| Rear Differential: | 3.75 Pints |
| Front Differential: | Not applicable |
| Transfer Case: | Not applicable |
| VIN/ID | |
| Serial Number: | Starting 138570a100001 |
| Total Digits: | 13 |
| Digits 1: | Make |
| Digits 2-3: | Series |
| Digits 4-5: | Body style |
| Digits 6: | Model year |
| Digits 7: | Assembly plant |
| Digits 8-13: | Production number |
| EXTERIOR COLORS | |
| Classic White, Cortez Silver Metallic, Shadow Gray Metallic, Tuxedo Black, Astro Blue Metallic, Mulsanne Blue Metallic, Fathom Blue Metallic, Misty Turquoise Metallic, Citrus Green Metallic, Green Mist Metallic, Forest Green Metallic, Gobi Beige, Camaro Gold Metallic, Champagne Gold Metallic, Autumn Gold Metallic, Desert Sand Metallic, Classic Copper Metallic, Cranberry Red, Black Cherry Metallic, All colors may not be available in all models. | |
| OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT | |
| Coupe: | Opt |
| Powerglide Automatic Transmission: | Opt |
| Turbo Hydramatic Automatic Transmission: | Opt |
| 400 Cu. In. V8 Engine: | Opt |
| 454 Cu. In. V8 Engine: | Opt |
| Power Steering: | Opt |