134272 / 1972 Chevrolet Monte Carlo Custom

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The Monte Carlo was introduced in 1970 and found its way into over half a million driveways during its first three years of production. It's the car your cooler neighbors had and one, like the 1957 Chevrolet, that wholly embodies the time it was created during. When it came time to restore this award-winning 1972 Monte Carlo Custom, someone obviously felt the tug of nostalgia and went full speed into a frame-off restoration that returned the car to better-than-new condition throughout.

The factory sheet metal is razor straight and, on panels this long, that matters even more than usual. Fitment is equally nice, easily besting factory efforts of the day. The color sprayed over those panels is Pewter Silver and it's hard to picture a better color for these lines. The paint work is first rate and presents itself well from just about any angle you can come up with.

Lift the hood to find a reliable L48 Turbo-Fire 350 V8 between the fenders. The block wears a 3910010 casting number, January 19th assembly date, and a CKD suffix code that verifies it as a 350 made to live alongside an automatic transmissions. The engine compartment shows exactly as it should -- not overdone but not lacking gloss either. From the Quadrajet to details like hoses and hardware, the bay is chock full of correct and original pieces. Turn the key and the small block fires to life, ready to take the Monte Carlo wherever it needs to go.

For 1972, GM didn't offer their personal luxury line with manual transmissions so a tried and true TH350 3-speed automatic takes care of all shifting duties. From there, power flows down the driveshaft and back to a factory 12-bolt Positraction rear end. Around the drivetrain, a stock double A-arm setup supports the front end while a factory 4-bar gets a little help from boxed lower control arms and aftermarket helper springs. The suspension is further aided by power steering and power brakes. At the corners, 15-inch American Racing five-spokes wrapped in white letter BF Goodrich Radial T/As offer a classic muscle-car era look.

Inside the cruiser, a nicely appointed cloth bucket seat interior remains largely unrestored. Amenities include air conditioning, a factory tachometer, and the original AM push-button radio which is now augmented by a CD player with remote control.

With tons of original equipment, ample documentation, and more options that most early-70s offerings, this Monte Carlo was a strong value in its day and continues to be right into the present. After all, when was the last time you saw this caliber A-body for under $25k? Call, click, or visit http://rkmotorscharlotte.com for more information!