The prolonged again window and shortened deck on right this moment’s Nice Price or No Dice Monte Carlo SS are design tweaks Chevy meant to offer the automotive an edge on the NASCAR circuit. Let’s see if this uncommon coupe’s worth offers it an edge in our voting.
With its splendidly named “Red Ram” Hemi V8, three-on-the-tree shifting, and menacing ’50s seems, yesterday’s 1957 Dodge Sierra wagon was about essentially the most Jalopproved traditional one might need. Not solely that however at $25,000, it seemingly was nicely inside our budgets, too, incomes a stable 64 % Nice Price win.
When Dodge returned a V8 to its engine lineup in 1954, it didn’t simply turn into a much bigger drive to be reckoned with on the road, it took its Hemis to the NASCAR circuit as nicely, making a reputation for the model in addition to for a younger driver named Richard Petty.
NASCAR has lengthy been an establishment permitting American marques to make their title, creating the mantra of “Win on Sunday, Sell on Monday.” Of course, everyone knows no person buys automobiles on Monday. Geez, it’s laborious sufficient simply getting off the bed initially of the workweek.
Today’s 1987 Chevy Monte Carlo SS Aerocoupe represents the Bow Tie model’s try at a particular mannequin that might enhance its probabilities on NASCAR’s high-speed ovals. Somewhat sarcastically, the bottom coupe takes its title from the holiday vacation spot and playground of the wealthy and wannabe wealthy within the principality of Monaco that hosts a snooty Formula One race reasonably than a beer-fueled NASCAR bash. Over the years, Chevy gave its Monte Carlo an more and more baroque bit of favor, persevering with with that components even via the mannequin’s late Seventies downsizing.
Things modified considerably with the reintroduction of the SS mannequin in 1983, which added blackout trim, aggressively styled alloy wheels, and a model-specific “mask” entrance facia it offered a cleaner, extra purposeful look. In 1986, Chevy went even additional, introducing the Aerocoupe, a homologation particular with a folded glass rear window and shortened decklid meant to enhance high-speed stability on the monitor.
For 1986, Chevy modded 200 automobiles with the Aerocoupe bundle, the precise quantity required to satisfy the NSACAR template guidelines. For 1987, the corporate went somewhat nuts, constructing over 6,000 of the particular mannequin and including exterior and inside coloration choices as nicely. That can be the final 12 months of the Aerocoupe as Chevy was prepping the even slipperier Lumina coupe as its NASCAR contender in 1988.
This Aerocoupe is a kind of ’87s and is claimed all factory-original save for the dealer-installed additions of decrease bodyside molding extensions and a moonroof. It sports activities a clear title, a three-owner historical past, and the boast of simply 76,200 miles on the clock.
Under the hood sits an L69 305 CID V8 that, with its four-barrel carburetor and twin exhausts, manages 180 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. Don’t snicker; these have been spectacular numbers on the time. Chevy solely provided a single transmission alternative within the Aerocoupe, the company TH200-4R four-speed automated. That may very well be had with an ordinary column shift or non-obligatory console shifter when bucket seats have been requested.
From the manufacturing facility, this Aercoupe was parsimoniously optioned. It eschews these non-obligatory bucket seats in entrance for the usual bench and lacks a tilt steering wheel. It does have the lacquered and red-trimmed sprint and full gauge cluster, as these bits got here customary. Everything seems to be in stable form if in want of a radical cleansing and vacuum. It may be a good suggestion to take away the paint safety stickers from the outer door locks as nicely.
According to the advert, the paint is “consistent with age and factory finish, some chipping on trunk and a few small dings.” The A/C additionally wants a recharge (R12, so good luck with that) or a retrofit to R134 or newer. Other than these minor points, there doesn’t appear to be something amiss with the automotive, with the vendor boasting that it “starts, runs and drives 100%” and calling it “one of the last affordable original Aerocoupes available.”
That inexpensive declare will naturally be up for debate. The advert units a $15,500 price ticket for the automotive, and it’s now time for us all to dive into the feedback and vote to weigh in on simply how inexpensive that may truly be.
What’s your tackle this Aerocoupe and that $15,500 asking? Does that actually make it an inexpensive contender? Or, at that worth, will this NASCAR wannabe get black-flagged?
You resolve!
Southcoast, Massachusetts, Craigslist, or go right here if the advert disappears.
H/T to DodgeRamshackle for the hookup!
Help me out with NPOND. Hit me up at remslie@kinja.com and ship me a fixed-price tip. Remember to incorporate your Kinja deal with.
Source: jalopnik.com