Two-Tone Turbo Model: 1980 Chevrolet Monte Carlo


























There are some cars out there for sale that collectors are not looking for, but once discovered become a desirable piece of machinery to the interested buyer. Looking outside of the box in the automotive market always brings about the coolest cars, trucks and motorcycles for sale into the limelight, and when this happens, most likely one can buy a nice, unusual piece of machinery for an affordable price. A prime example is this 1980 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, which is an unrestored original powered by the rare Buick 3.8L V6! Find it here on 2040 Cars in York, Pennsylvania. 


























After a full redesign in 1978, the Monte Carlo soldiered on for the 1980 model year in its final year of the third generation models; for 1981, the Monte Carlo gained more (surprisingly) aerodynamic styling for its fourth-generation that improved fuel economy and (for some) overall appearance. For 1980, the front end was mildly updated with a new grille surrounded by quad headlights and amber turn signal indicators mounted underneath. Sold new at Sunderland Chevrolet in Lemoyne, PA (dealer paperwork is included), this 1980 Monte Carlo is a Sport Coupe, and is one of 116,580 built. Looking over the car, the car is overall solid and straight, with no rust whatsoever. The paint is not perfect, with the most obvious imperfections on the back bumper, but otherwise is all-original and still decent. Two-tone paint is a nice plus, and I like the fact that this car does not have a vinyl top. I would touch up the paint, swap the steel rally wheels for a set of 1981 aluminum alloy wheels and caps, and use this car as a nice-weather driver.




















If by now you're still wondering what makes this Monte Carlo so special, may I suggest popping open the hood and taking a peek at what's in the engine bay. That's right, folks, that there is no V8, but rather Buick's turbocharged 3.8L V6! Though mostly made famous in Buick's T-Type, Grand National and GNX, the turbo 3.8L also made a brief, two-year appearance in the 1980-1981 Monte Carlo as an optional powerplant. Rated at 170 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque, the turbo 3.8L was not much on power in 1980, but very few cars in the United States made more power and had better performance at the time. Unfortunately, the turbo 3.8L was hampered by a sole transmission (GM's three-speed Turbo-Hydramatic automatic) and a tall 2.29:1 rear axle ratio, so its 13-second 0-60 time is dismal to put it kindly. I would build up the turbo 3.8L for optimal performance (keeping the stock components safely stored away if the modifications should ever be reversed), swap in a built 700R4 for enhanced driveability, swap in 3.42:1 gears from a 1984-1987 Regal, and give this Monte Carlo the performance it deserves.

























Can you say "sleeper"? Taking a peek inside at the interior of this Monte Carlo, and one can see the overall restrained yet formal and mature vibe that nicely complements the exterior. Dark blue with woodgrain is a nice combination, and optional air conditioning and AM/FM radio are nice bonuses as well. The front bench seat is unusual, as are the manual windows (I figured most, if not the majority, of Monte Carlos from this era had front bucket seats and power windows), but I welcome both with open arms. Though the pictures are blurry, the interior appears to be the best-looking part of the car condition-wise. Overall, this Monte Carlo needs some performance and cosmetic addressing, but considering the fact that these cars are a rare sight for sale (let alone on the road), if this car can be bought for the right price this could be a nice score for the next owner. What are your thoughts on this rarely-seen turbo Monte Carlo?
Location: York, PA, USA

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