Description
1978 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, fitted with a Chevrolet Small Block 350 (5. 7L V8) and TH350 3-speed automatic transmission.
The car starts, runs, drives and stops. It has several worthwhile upgrades, and the frame, floor pans and underside are exceptionally well preserved for its age, with very little rust. What rust is present appears to be superficial surface rust.
This is not a fully restored show car, but an American classic with plenty of character and potential. The main areas requiring attention are the paintwork, some interior details, and a number of electrical and mechanical finishing jobs.
ENGINE & DRIVETRAIN
• Chevrolet Small Block 350 (5. 7L V8) engine conversion
• TH350 3-speed automatic transmission
• B&M MegaShifter
• Engine oil, transmission fluid and power steering fluid recently replaced
• Valve cover gaskets replaced
• Driveshaft professionally shortened and balanced, with new U-joints
• New 3-row aluminium radiator with electric cooling fans and integrated transmission cooler
• Electric fuel pump and modified/ sumped fuel tank
• Upgraded dual exhaust system
CHASSIS & WHEELS
• Exceptionally well-preserved frame and floor pans, with very little rust
• Reinforced/ boxed rear control arms and rear anti-roll bar (sway bar)
• Lowered suspension, giving the car an attractive stance
• Dare F5 alloy wheels
INTERIOR & AUDIO
• Recaro bucket seats in the front
• Complete interior, although some areas are faded and would benefit from cosmetic attention
• Bass Face sound system with 2 subwoofers, 8 speakers and 8 tweeters
• Original headliner backing board is intact, cleaned and ready to be recovered
• Haynes repair manual and Body by Fisher workshop manual included
CONDITION & REMAINING WORK
The paintwork is the car's main cosmetic weakness. There are scratches, chips and areas of peeling paint, particularly around the rear bumper, along with a few small, localised rust bubbles in the bodywork.
The bonnet features a fibreglass cowl. A hole in the cowl from a previous blower installation has been repaired. The bonnet has been sanded and the bodywork completed, and it is currently protected with 2K epoxy primer. The primer was applied as a protective coating rather than a finished surface and will need sanding before final paint.
The interior is complete but would benefit from some cosmetic refurbishment. The headliner needs new fabric, and the boot currently has no carpet or trim panels.
There are also some outstanding electrical and mechanical jobs. The amplifier powering the main speakers needs repairing or replacing, although the subwoofer system works.
The tyres currently fitted are oversized and rub against the wheel arches, so they should be replaced with correctly sized tyres.
The car starts, drives and stops, but it is not yet finished or ready for normal road use without further work. It should be viewed as a running classic that needs finishing rather than a fully restored, road-ready car.
REGISTRATION & DOCUMENTATION
The car was previously registered in Denmark and was subsequently registered in Sweden, where I purchased it.
It still carries Swedish registration JAK706 and is currently listed as avställd (off the road), with an inspection-related driving prohibition since July 2021.
The Swedish registration certificate (Part 2) and the original purchase agreement are included.
The mileage is unknown. The 350 engine came from another vehicle, and the original odometer was already missing when I purchased the car. The previous owner was also unable to provide a reliable mileage figure.
LOCATION & VIEWING
The car is located just outside Copenhagen, Denmark.
I have plenty of additional photographs, including detailed pictures, as well as videos of the car starting and driving, which I can provide to serious buyers.
The car will shortly be going into winter storage, so viewings are easiest to arrange beforehand, although serious enquiries are welcome throughout the winter.
Transport to other European countries can be arranged by agreement at the buyer's expense.
I would also consider a trade for a BMW E23 (1977–1986 7 Series), depending on model and condition, potentially with a cash adjustment either way.
I purchased this Monte Carlo in Sweden and brought it to Denmark, where it is currently located. The car had previously been registered in Denmark many years ago, so in a way it has found its way back.
What attracted me to the Monte Carlo is its distinctive late-1970s American styling. The long bonnet, wide body, classic coupé proportions and unmistakable V8 character give it a presence that is very different from European cars of the same era.
This particular example stands out because of its Chevrolet 350 V8 conversion, lowered stance, Recaro front seats and other modifications. It has a more aggressive look than a standard Monte Carlo while retaining the character of the original design.
One of its biggest strengths is the condition of the frame and floors. Considering its age, they are remarkably well preserved, which makes it a particularly interesting car for someone wanting to finish and personalise a classic American coupé.
Another thing that makes this Monte Carlo such a great project is the combination of the Chevrolet Small Block 350 engine and GM's G-body platform. Both have outstanding aftermarket support, with an enormous range of affordable replacement and upgrade parts available. Whether you're working on the engine, suspension, chassis, bodywork or interior, virtually everything you might need is still available, including newly manufactured components. That makes this car particularly appealing as a restoration or customisation project, since you're not constantly hunting for rare, discontinued parts.
During my ownership, I've carried out maintenance and improvements, including replacing fluids and gaskets, having the driveshaft professionally shortened and balanced with new U-joints, and repairing and protecting the fibreglass-cowl bonnet.
My favourite thing about the car is the combination of its classic American styling, V8 engine and lowered stance. It's a car with real presence, even in its current unfinished condition.
I'm selling because I'd like to move on to another classic, ideally a BMW E23 7 Series. I'm not selling because of a mechanical failure or because the car has to go immediately.
With some further work, particularly on the paintwork and finishing details, I believe it could become a very distinctive classic.
