1972 Chevrolet Monte Carlo

Description

The Monte Carlo was originally conceived as Chevrolet’s counterpart to the new “G-body” Pontiac Grand Prix, which was a great success in 1969. Pete Estes and Dave Holls raided the GM parts bin; much of the body and structure came from the Chevelle, but the styling of the contemporary Cadillac Eldorado also showed through with a long hood, wider C-pillars and muscular fender bulges in the rear. Most were ordered with the familiar 350 small block V-8 mated to a column-shifted three-speed automatic transmission. 

By 1972, the final year for the first-generation design, the Monte Carlo wore an “egg crate” grille similar to the Caprice, as well as additional rear trim molding. Variable-ratio power steering became standard equipment, and the four-speed manual transmission option was deleted as the Monte Carlo began moving away from its performance car roots and into the personal luxury vehicle market. 

This beautiful ’72 model was repainted prior to being purchased by its current owner, who had the car mechanically restored in 2023. That included a rebuild of the car’s 350 cubic-inch V8 and automatic transmission. 

Highlights 

• Finished in black metallic paint over black cloth interior 

• Recent work at 34,600 miles: 

  • Rebuilt 350 cubic-inch V8 (originally rated at 165 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque) 

  • New Edelbrock four-barrel carburetor 

  • Rebuilt three-speed Turbo Hydramatic automatic transmission

• Mechanical restoration in April-August 2023 (by Ray’s Wheelhouse in Hayward, California) included: 

  • New air conditioning switch, A/C hoses and fittings, and refrigerant 

  • Reconditioned radiator 

  • New radiator support parts 

  • Reconditioned brake system  

  • New hoses under the hood 

  • New headlights and chrome bezels 

  • New exhaust system 

  • Filled crankcase with break-in oil 

  • New front and rear shocks 

  • New oil pan gasket 

  • New oil filter and fresh oil  

  • Alignment 

Features 

• The chassis number (1H57H2K630432) decodes as: 

  • 1 – Chevrolet 

  • H – Monte Carlo 

  • 57 – Two-door hardtop coupe 

  • H – 350 cu-in V8 (two-barrel carburetor) 

  • 2 – 1972 model year 

  • K – Kansas City, Missouri, assembly plant 

  • 630432 – Sequential production number 

• Air conditioning 

• Kenwood AM/FM/Cassette stereo 

• Dash instrumentation: 120 mph speedometer, fuel gauge, analog clock, and warning lights for generator/battery, coolant temperature, and oil pressure 

• BFGoodrich Radial T/A P225/70R15 tires 

Known Imperfections 

• Clock does not work 

• Cassette player works, but the radio does not (consignor believes it is the antenna connection) 

Included 

• Spare tire 

• Jack 

Ownership History

The consignor of this 1972 Chevrolet Monte Carlo purchased the car in December 2020.