There are several American automakers that have earned their stripes over the years. Whether it is Ford or Chevrolet, some of the cars produced by these two giant car manufacturers have charmed gearheads worldwide. As a result, some of those cars have transcended through the years.
Chevrolet came up with a great car that is highly modular. In fact, the Monte Carlo is among the most underrated muscle cars ever. It is decently powered, but mostly it is a great looking car that aged extremely well. Though the latest models were not the best, they can also be modified to become absolute beauties.
10 Classy Monte Carlo
The early 1970s saw the apparition of a plethora of fantastic vehicles. Chevrolet came out with the C3 Corvette and the completely revisited Camaro. As the rivalry with Ford was reaching new heights, Chevy released the Monte Carlo in order to attract potential buyers interested in Mercury and Lincoln coupes.
This great restomodded Monte Carlo is the sort of muscle car gearheads cannot stop staring at. The glossy black paint is perfect for a car that has a 6.2L LS3 V8 under its hood. With a power output of 420hp at the wheel, this Monte Carlo combines both class and sportiness.
9 Pro Street
After being available on the market for a year, Chevrolet decided to continue the production of the Monte Carlo. Though undergoing some minor changes, the 1971 Monte Carlo remained fairly similar to the previous edition. However, it saw its engine gaining a little more power.
It is quite unbelievable that this Monte Carlo is street-legal. Though detailed specs are not available, the highly-modified 468ci engine can produce an indecent amount of power. The car is not equipped with a roll cage, which may be an issue when racing on Sundays.
8 Restomod
As the 1970s went on, things became a bit more complicated for domestic automakers. The federal government implemented stringent emission regulations, and states like California added another layer of restrictions by enacting state laws that would greatly impair the production of powerful big-block V8s.
It is quite unbelievable that such an amazing 1972 restomoddded Monte Carlo sold for only $29,995. The car was fitted with a humongous 502ci V8 that must crank out enough power to launch the car down the strip without any issue. The interior was kept in a very original state, which gives the car a very classic feel to it despite all the modern upgrades.
7 Street Machine
It fair to say that the American automobile industry deeply suffered during the 1970s. Not only the government prevented automakers from creating truly attractive vehicles, car manufacturers also suffered from the oil crisis. Moreover, Japanese carmakers such as Nissan and Toyota had a stronger presence in the domestic market.
Most muscle cars in the 1970s were producing at most 240hp. They were heavy, slow, yet stylish. This 1977 Monte Carlo was given the usual restomod engine swap. Now fitted with a modified LS3 V8, this beautiful Monte Carlo develops close to 625hp at 6,700 rpm and 600lb-ft of torque at 4,800 rpm.
6 Pro Street 2
The 1980s were truly the dark ages of the muscle car. The Mustang was powered by a very disappointing powerplant. The Challenger was powered by a Mitsubishi engine and basically was a re-badged Mitsubishi Galant. It is fair to say that besides the Buick GNX, most cars made in the US at the time were atrociously sluggish.
This is by far one of the most aggressive paint job car fans may have seen on a Monte Carlo. This pro-street Monte Carlo produces 620hp thanks to a turbocharged 468 BBC engine. The car was for sale for around $20,000, since the owner's wife found the car too wild and flashy to her liking.
5 Mean Machine
Though Buick and Chevrolet were using the similar General Motors body for their respective Monte Carlo and Regal, there were some differences between the two cars. Both cars were moderately powered, yet the Grand National had slightly more punch than the Monte Carlo.
This edition of the Monte Carlo is one of the best muscle cars to modify. At first glance, this Monte Carlo received a very basic treatment, mainly limited to aftermarket rims and exhaust system. However, the cowl hood is somewhat of a giveaway. Under the hood sits a modified 5.3L V8 that cranks out a mean 700hp.
4 Swapped
The Chevrolet Monte Carlo is an affordable classic car that has been very popular among car fans looking to create an overly powered beast or a lowrider ready to turn heads wherever it goes. This very modular vehicle has been considered to be among the best American cars of the 1980s.
The restomod trend has blessed us with some of the most insane builds out there. This Monte Carlo, for example, is a true well-executed restomod project. Thanks to an LS376/525, this Monte Carlo produces 525hp and 489lb-of torque. Though the engine crate was left stock, it is still a great project led by Chevrolet Performance.
3 Supercharged
Despite being equipped with V6s, Monte Carlos don't produce much horsepower and torque. Fortunately, the stock car is easily customizable to produce insane amounts of power. As a result, it is possible to turn a normal Monte Carlo into a street racer without completely breaking the bank.
It is fair to say that this Monte Carlo must be loud. Not loud like a hastily modified Mustang bought on Craigslist for about $3,000. No. The Flowmaster exhaust system compliments a modified 350ci V8 that must produce enough power to propel the car down the street.
2 Sleek SS
The Monte Carlo SS is known in the domestic muscle car scene as a tremendous vehicle. Though the version released in the 1980s cannot rival the almighty Buick GNX, it is still a great car that does not need much to look gorgeous. Moreover, aftermarket performance parts for the Monte Carlo SS are widely available.
When faced with a legendary car such as the 1988 Monte Carlo SS, it is almost impossible not to want to keep it stock. Well, somewhat stock. The small-block 350ci V8 was rebuilt and upgraded, as were the transmission and the exhaust system. However, the car was modified in a very conservative manner.
1 Intimidator
The last edition of the Monte Carlo was frankly ugly. Similar to a lot of muscle cars released in the early 2000s, the Monte Carlo was bland looking and could in no way, shape, or form, compete with European and Japanese sport coupes. However, the Monte Carlo SS of that era was quite powerful compared to other muscle cars.
The latest edition of the Monte Carlo SS sure did not conquer too many hearts. However, Furches Performance decided to give this lukewarm Monte Carlo a second life. This 2004 Monte Carlo is fitted with a 5.3L LS4 V8 that cranks out 748hp and 718lb-ft of torque. Though the Monte Carlo SS of this era is a front-wheel drive, it still is an absolute monster that will obliterate most Mustangs and Camaros out there.