Aerodynamic Alternative: 1987 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS Aero Coupe 34K – Sold?

by | Jul 2023 | Classifinds, Free For All Friday

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August 11, 2023, Update – We confirmed the listing for this “ClassiFIND” expired, so with no replacement found, we’re assuming this ride is “Sold?” While this one got away, please reach out either by email or call us directly if you’d like to be informed when we come across something similar.

July 25, 2023 Update – After three weeks of no sale at the original asking price of $29,999, the seller decided to lower their ask to $25,000 before their initial Craigslist ad expires.

Race on Sunday, sell on Monday.  Through the late 1980s, NASCAR was also known as “Stock Car” racing, as the car on the track was based on production models.  It also meant that to use a body enhancement in a NASCAR race, the automotive company must sell at least two hundred street versions to consumers.  Arguably the most famous example of this was Chrysler’s early 1970s Dodge Daytona and Plymouth Superbird, with their ridiculously high rear wing and heavily modified front nose.

A mid-1980s example came from General Motors (“GM”).  Despite the company’s G-Body Monte Carlo and Grand Prix being competitive, race teams complained how the car’s notchback roofline was not as aerodynamic as other cars of the period. General Motors’ engineers responded in 1986 with the Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS Aero Coupe and Pontiac Grand Prix 2+2 Aero Coupe.  Modifications to GM’s G-Bodies included a more deeply sloped rear window and a shorter trunk lid sporting a lower spoiler than the previous versions. These were combined with a slightly more aerodynamic nose.  While the cars were built in GM’s Arlington, Texas facility, the company contracted with Michigan-based Cars & Concepts to carry out the rear window conversion.

Chevrolet built only two hundred 1986 Monte Carlo SS Aero Coupes to satisfy NASCA requirements. However, consumer demand was high enough that GM expanded availability for 1987.  Of the nearly forty thousand Monte Carlos produced for 1987, only 6,052 received the Aero Coupe conversion.  This white 1987 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS Aero Coupe, last spotted on Craigslist in Parsippany, New Jersey, in July 2023. Featuring under 34K original miles and one family ownership, this is a rare chance at buying a well-optioned, survivor-quality example. Bucket seats and console were actually optional even on Aero Coupes, so that’s a desirable feature on this Monte Carlo SS Aero Coupe for sale.  An added bonus is the glass T-Tops.

Last offered for $25,000 (the original ask was $29,999), Classic.com, the analytics and search engine for the collector car market, confirms the ask is well above the one-year rolling average of this guide’s summary for all 1987 Chevrolet Monte Carlos. However, we do note that many examples sold for much more in the past twelve months, and not surprisingly, the lower the mileage, the higher the premium buyers were willing to spend.  By clicking on the green dots in the graph below, you can navigate to each comparable car sold as a way to help you evaluate the price of the Monte Carlo SS Aero Coupe featured here:

As a second data point, the  Collector Car Market Review Online Tool reveals the seller’s ask is slightly higher than this guide’s #1 “Excellent” appraisal of $27,648 after factoring in a twenty-eight percent adder for the desirable bucket seat, T-Tops, and power window options, none of which were standard on these cars at the time.

The 1987 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS Aero Coupe was a special variant of the popular Monte Carlo SS model produced by General Motors. It was a limited-edition model designed to commemorate the end of the fourth generation of the Monte Carlo. The Aero Coupe featured a unique and distinctive design that set it apart from other Monte Carlo models of its time.

The most notable feature of the Monte Carlo SS Aero Coupe was its sleek and aerodynamic sloping rear window. This design element gave the car its name and set it apart from the standard Monte Carlo SS model. The Aero Coupe also featured a more aggressive front-end styling with a sloping grille and a prominent SS badge. It had a muscular and sporty appearance, enhanced by its lowered stance, body-color bumpers, and special graphics. The car was available in a limited range of colors, including black, maroon, silver, and white.

Under the hood, the 1987 Monte Carlo SS Aero Coupe boasted a powerful drivetrain. It was equipped with a 5.0-liter V8 engine, commonly known as the Chevrolet Small-Block engine. This engine produced 180 horsepower and 240 lb-ft of torque. It featured a four-barrel carburetor and a high-performance camshaft, providing modest power for spirited driving. Unfortunately, the only transmission choice was a four-speed automatic transmission.

Inside the Aero Coupe, the focus was on driver comfort and sportiness. The car featured supportive bucket seats with SS embroidery and additional side bolsters to hold occupants in place during aggressive driving maneuvers. The interior was trimmed in high-quality materials, including plush carpeting, soft-touch surfaces, and simulated wood accents. The dashboard layout was driver-centric, with all essential controls within easy reach. Standard features included power windows, power door locks, air conditioning, and a premium sound system.

Handling and Suspension: The Monte Carlo SS Aero Coupe was equipped with a performance-oriented suspension system to match its sporty appearance and powerful engine. It featured a specially tuned suspension with stiffer springs and shock absorbers for improved handling and responsiveness. The car also had a rear stabilizer bar and a limited-slip differential, which enhanced stability and traction during cornering. Power-assisted steering provided precise control and a good on-road feel.

The 1987 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS Aero Coupe was produced in limited numbers, with only 6,052 units built of the 39,251 total Monte Carlos built that year. This exclusivity, along with its unique design and performance features, has made it highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts. The Aero Coupe holds a special place in the history of the Monte Carlo and is considered a collectible classic today.

The 1987 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS Aero Coupe was a limited-edition model with a distinct aerodynamic design, V8 engine, and sporty handling characteristics. Its unique rear window and aggressive styling set it apart from other Monte Carlo models of its time. With its limited production numbers and collectible status, the Aero Coupe remains a desirable choice for those who appreciate the blend of performance and classic styling.

The Old Car Memories YouTube Channel claims the 1983 to 1988 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS as the brand’s last muscle car. We’d argue the 2017 demise of the Holden Commodore-based, LS-Powered SS actually takes that distinction, albeit in four-door form:

With under 34K original miles and one family ownership, this unmodified 1987 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS Aero Coupe for sale is a nice find if you can negotiate the price down slightly.  Bucket seats and the T-Tops are desirable options you don’t always see on these cars, so those are an added bonus.  Additionally, most examples from this year came in blue, so this white Monte Carlo SS Aero Coupe is truly special.  Finding an unmolested example such as this Monte Carlo SS Aero Coupe is getting harder to do as the years roll on. Chances are good you won’t lose money adding this example to your collection.

If you are serious about buying this 1987 Monte Carlo SS Aero Coupe, you can start the conversation by following the seller’s contact instructions provided in their Craigslist ad.  When you connect, please mention that you saw their Chevrolet survivor featured here on GuysWithRides.com. Good luck with the purchase!

Here’s the seller’s description:

“Up for sale is my 87 Monte Carlo SS. This has 34k Original miles on it. Everything is original. This car has been only owned by my family and taken care of very well. Original Paint, interior, motor, everything. Everything is stock and in excellent condition. The interior has no sun damage or fade. This car is like new.

Original drivetrain
305 – 200 R4 Trans
34k Original Miles
Posi Rear

Burgundy Interior
Bucket Seats & Console
Power Windows, Power locks

This car runs and drives great!

Show or go: What would you do with this survivor-quality 1987 Chevrolet Monte Carlo Aero Coupe for sale?  Please comment below and let us know!

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