The fourth-generation Chevy Monte Carlo is based on other comparable General Motors coupés such as the Buick Regal and Pontiac Grand Prix. The Buick Regal Grand National may be the faster and more iconic 1980s muscle car, but prices are rising rapidly.
After the Buick, no model year or trim garners as much attention as the 1983 Chevy Monte Carlo SS. Featuring the 305 CID V8 5-liter engine, it is the most desirable of the Mone Carlo models, with the standard car receiving a smaller V6. The 1983 SS also came with updated body features, which included a boot lid spoiler and a redesigned front end in line with other GM models sharing the G-platform of luxury coupe bodies. The redesign brings back motifs from older SS or Super Sport models that often had sleeker and more sporting-looking bodywork.
Let's now take a closer look at the Chevy Monte Carlo SS and what it costs today.
Introduction To The 1983 Chevy Monte Carlo SS And Pricetag
This generation of Monte Carlo competed against the Fox body Mustang and C4 Corvette for space in the hearts of car lovers. It did so successfully and eventually became a staple of the tuner scene. Having showcased its racing pedigree in NASCAR, sales quickly rolled in. At launch, the vehicle cost $10,000, comparable to $27,000 in today's money. 4,714 SS models were produced in 1983, and 24,050 in 1984. As such, there are plenty of examples to choose from, but even more fake SS-badged cars to sift through.
A well-maintained example with mileage under 100,000 will currently set the buyer back around $23,000 to $25,000. For the 1983 model year, the Monte Carlo SS came equipped with an open differential and a three-speed automatic.
Later years brought in a four-speed automatic and extra colors to choose from, including Dark Maroon and Silver and the regular Black and White. Some examples have been crashed or abandoned in need of restoration and are available for as little as $2,500, but they do need plenty of work, both on the engine and the body. By comparison, an entry-level Fox body Mustang runs around $7,500, and a decent condition example is near $30,000; even though there are far more examples to choose from, many have now left the roads.
Outside of the US, examples of Monte Carlo SS can be found but often come with a hefty price tag as a result of the reduced supply. In the United Kingdom, they can be found for about $25,000-$24,000 before import costs and added taxes, costing less than many modern hot hatchbacks. The fourth-generation Monte Carlo is one of the more desirable generations of Monte Carlo and thus commands a price premium over its predecessors that usually lands in the region of $20,000 and successors for as little as $15,000.
But this higher price tag brings with it the iconic body shape of the 1980s GM muscle car, which is distinct from the large-bodied vehicles of the 1970s. Before the 1983 model year, the SS badge had been missing from the Monte Carlo lineup for twelve years and had not been on a Chevrolet since 1976.
This return attracted much attention with 175 horsepower and 240 lb/ft of torque. It rivaled Ford's most powerful Mustang in terms of performance and arguably has a more attractive body styling that follows traditional grand tourer design language and has therefore aged better.
Maintenance Costs Of The 1983 Chevy Monte Carlo SS
When looking at classic muscle cars, maintenance costs must be taken into account. The Monte Carlo has proven itself to be pretty reliable, but as ever, if making a purchase, check the entire car for rust and avoid heavily modified vehicles that have poor workmanship done. These have a large engine bay, so there are plenty of LS-swapped cars. All genuine SS models have a letter "G" as the 8th digit in their VIN. Be sure to check this as between the second and sixth owner, many cars have picked up hidden pasts and identities.
Maintenance will cost somewhere in the region of $300 a year, providing that nothing major breaks, but due to this being a 1980s GM product, there are always plenty of spare parts available from wrecked cars. There's also a very healthy aftermarket scene, supported by the active ownership base of this model and the Buick Regal Grand National. The most common issues appear to be with the transmission where the car will begin to short shift, but with this age of muscle car, some issues are to be expected as you're dealing with now archaic technology.
Final Thoughts
As prices continue to rise on other large engined classic muscle cars, the comparatively low price tag attached to Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS ownership makes it a highly attractive proposition that may not stay that way for much longer. With an expected MPG of 15 combined, the Monte Carlo SS may not be long for this world. Even though it is highly affordable, many drivers will not be keen on its astronomical fuel costs.