The 1960s was John DeLorean's heyday at General Motors, as he is best known for the first muscle car, the 1964 Pontiac GTO. But he made his mark with several other GM products as well.

In a new video, Steve Magnante explains how DeLorean sought to take on Europe's finest with the new-for-1970 Chevrolet Monte Carlo and the release of the third-generation Pontiac Grand Prix a year earlier. Using a junkyard 1971 Monte Carlo as a teaching aid, Magnante explains DeLorean's involvement with these personal luxury cars from half a century ago.

RELATED: 10 Reasons Why Every Gearhead Should Consider The 1970-71 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS

John DeLorean's Mercedes-Benz Beatdown Attempt

DeLorean's fascination with European cars like the Ferrari 250 GTO helped bring the Pontiac GTO to life. Magnante commented that the Mercedes-Benz 450 SL was also in DeLorean's sights during the development of the Grand Prix and Monte Carlo A-body coupes. DeLorean thought this effort required an elongated hood and a proper platform to go along with it.

But DeLorean being DeLorean, he couldn't use the 112-inch wheelbase chassis from the Chevelle Malibu coupe. The extra four inches of the Monte Carlo's hood required a specially engineered 116-inch wheelbase platform to support the extra-long front end. And likely to GM bean counters' frustration, the Chevelle Malibu sedan chassis (also with a 116-inch wheelbase) wouldn't work either.

RELATED: Here's What Makes The 1971 Chevrolet Monte Carlo A Cool And Affordable Classic

Magnante finishes off the video by looking through an old pricing catalog listing several engine options for the 1971 Monte Carlo.

What Motor Comes In A 1971 Monte Carlo?

Steve Magnante checks out the engine bay of a junkyard 1971 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
Via YouTube/Steve Magnante

Base power for the 1971 Monte Carlo came in the form of a stalwart Chevy 350 cubic-inch V8 with a two-barrel carburetor making 245 horsepower. An optional four-barrel version of the same engine added another 25 horsepower.

Buyers could also choose a Turbo-Jet 400 V8, which peaked at 300 horsepower. But the available Turbo-Jet 454 with 365 ponies gave the Monte Carlo SS near-muscle car status or equal notoriety as the ultimate sleeper from 1971. Take your pick.

How Much Is A 1971 Monte Carlo Worth?

A black first-generation Chevrolet Monte Carlo
Via Mecum

While collectors favor muscle cars from the early 1970s, 50-year-old luxury coupes can command a respectable amount. Hagerty says a concours-quality 1971 Monte Carlo with the four-barrel 350 is worth $34,700 but drops by two-thirds in fair condition.

However, the valuation shoots up significantly if it's a Monte Carlo SS with the 454 engine. In flawless condition, it would fetch $70,700, or $24,600 in fair condition. That compares to a $93,900 valuation for a 1971 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 454 (in mint condition).

Sources: YouTube/Steve Magnante, Hagerty, xr793.com