Heading up the short list of cars from the '80s that are sure to be future collectables, this 1988 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS coupe makes a compelling argument. The most sporting version of an all-time favorite, it has a classic performance look and style that remains quite appealing, even today.Burgundy paint may seem anachronistic for a performance car, but the Monte Carlo was born as a luxury cruiser, so perhaps it's appropriate here. It appears that this car still wears factory paint and as a result presents as a pretty impressive survivor. There are a few minor scratches and swirls here and there, but overall it's quite impressive for a car fast approaching its 30th birthday and much of the age could be wiped out with a professional cut and buff. The sporty urethane chin spoiler and unique nose give the SS its NASCAR-inspired attitude and a subtle deck lid spoiler reinforces that this was a grown-up hot rod, not a boy racer. There's no chrome left on the SS, with its body-colored bumpers and blacked-out trim, all of which remains in good condition overall, but this one does have some custom pinstripe work that's subtle and attractive. The special SS decals are particularly nice on this car, showing no fading or peeling, indicative of careful preservation over the past few decades.You could have any interior you wanted in your Monte Carlos SS as long as it was burgundy cloth buckets. There's minimal wear, even in the high-traffic areas like the driver's out seat bolster and the carpets are protected by a set of matching floor mats. A center console and 2-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel help with the sporty feel and the round gauges in a wrap-around panel are a nice touch. This is a full-sized car with an aggressive edge, so this is a lot more car for your money than a garden-variety Camaro and there's room for five adults inside, which is always nice. The factory Delco stereo still comes with the car, but it has been replaced by a newer Kenwood AM/FM/CD stereo head unit that sounds great and was professionally fitted to the dash so it looks clean and tidy. And as a full-sized car, there's a rather large trunk out back that is in good condition and obviously has nothing to hide.Chevrolet's L69 small block V8, displacing 305 cubic inches in the SS, was the lone powerplant. Topped by a computer-controlled Rochester 4-barrel carburetor, it's a strong runner with plenty of old-school muscle car torque and despite being the most modified engine in history, this one remains bone stock right down to the factory air cleaner. The engine bay is well-maintained, with plenty of evidence that someone has always treated this car as something special and you can't argue with the way this SS goes about its business. Linked to a 200-4R 4-speed automatic overdrive transmission, it's a fantastic highway cruiser and pulls down acceptable fuel economy, at least for a big V8. The suspension is tuned to be entertaining but you can still feel this car's luxury coupe origins underneath, so it's great for road trips and the exhaust system has a pleasant sound that's never annoying. Factory SS wheels look reminiscent of the IROC-Z alloys and carry 215/65/15 blackwall radials. Very affordable and very fun, this is one of those cars that will always be worth about what you've got in it, making it easy to enjoy a cool piece of '80s muscle without breaking the bank. Call today!
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