You are looking at what is most likely the finest 1972 Chevrolet Monte Carlo in existence. It’s a mystery to me why these cars aren’t commanding serious money—they’re powerful, comfortable, and represent Chevrolet’s top-of-the-line. But this Monte Carlo Custom is special, and again, if you’re a price guide guy, it’s probably not the car for you. But if quality matters, this gorgeous Monte gets everything right: original, numbers-matching LS3 402 cubic inch V8, original color combination with vinyl top delete, spectacular original interior, options like ice cold A/C, buckets, console, sport gauges, cruise control, and a tilt steering column. It has enjoyed a frame-off restoration to the very highest standards and is quite likely better than new in every way you can imagine. Everybody who sees it realizes that this is a very special car and I doubt you’ll find another one like it.

The SS was gone in 1972, so please don’t ask if it’s an SS, because you couldn’t get one when this car was built. It is, however, a Custom, which used all the SS equipment and was a one-year-only option, making it somewhat less common than the SS that preceded it. Wearing a spectacular coat of bright code 75 Cranberry Red, it looks fantastic from any angle, neatly blending a sporty demeanor with the Monte Carlo’s luxurious, upscale image. You’ll note there’s no demarcation on the cowl tag for a vinyl top, and that’s how it was delivered—the clean, sleek look is often preferable to the kind of mature look the vinyl top would have added, and it certainly looks great here. This car has never been wrecked or rusty and carries 100% of its original sheetmetal from nose to tail and there are zero patches except for a tiny repair in the left rear quarter that’s completely invisible today. We have dozens of photos of the car in bare metal with the body off the frame, so you know it was a thorough job and you’ll quickly see that this is a special Monte Carlo. We’ve never seen one this nice. Most of the chrome and stainless is original, but the stainless has been buffed to a high shine and any piece of chrome that needed to be refinished was expertly chromed to show standards. Even all the glass is original except the windshield, which was replaced with a correct piece to match the rest.

Believe it or not, the code 708 black vinyl interior with A51 bucket seats is almost entirely original. It was carefully removed during the restoration and every surface was cleaned and rejuvenated, and the carpets were replaced. The only detail that you might notice is that the seats were swapped so that they’d wear more evenly, although you probably can’t tell just by looking that one chair is more worn than the other. The preservation is really remarkable and it’s a tribute to the exceptionally fastidious fellow who performed the restoration. The burled walnut appliques on the dash and console are still bright and crisp, the gauges are downright beautiful, and everything works, including the rather rare tachometer. Even the original AM/FM radio is still in the dash. The A/C blows cold and still uses R12 inside the system for optimum performance and the horseshoe shifter remains our favorite way to select gears with an automatic. The new carpets are protected by a set of heavy-duty rubber mats, and you’ll note that even all the interior lights are fully operational. The fully restored trunk has been refinished with correct spatter paint and fitted with a correct mat, jack assembly, and what might just be the car’s original spare tire.

You could get any of the four V8 engines in the Custom, with this bright red coupe sporting the burly LS3 402 cubic inch V8. It is the car’s original, numbers-matching engine, fully rebuilt to stock specs, and it runs extremely sell. Pump the accelerator once or twice and it fires almost instantly, then settles into an even idle without any fussiness at all. The engine bay itself is detailed for show and quite correct, from the air cleaner and its ‘402’ decal to the Chevy Orange paint, to the correct fasteners and hardware used throughout. The only items we’d consider changing are a few of the hose clamps, which should be the tower style for 1972. You’ll note it still carries all its original equipment, including the relatively rare cruise control unit. Power steering and power disc brakes are part of the package (something this big probably wouldn’t be possible without them!) and you just won’t believe how it drives. Tight. Smooth. Quiet. It’s just awesome.

The only transmission you could get behind the burly 402 was a rugged TH400 3-speed automatic, which is the right choice in a luxury coupe like this. Fully rebuilt, it shifts seamlessly when you’re going gently but with real authority when you let the big block really stretch its legs, and it makes the big coupe feel 800 pounds lighter than it is. Like everything else on the car, the underside is highly detailed and in fantastic shape with only a few signs of use since it was finished. The exhaust system is non-stock, with great-sounding Pypes stainless mufflers, and I don’t think anyone will complain about that—and it does terminate in correct oval tips under the rear bumper. There are easy-cruising 3.08 gears in the 12-bolt rear end, and it rides and handles like a flagship should. Competent, comfortable, and effortless, with just a bit of an edge. Rally wheels are just the right choice and carry recent 225/70/15 Goodyear Eagle radials.

Documentation includes a full restoration photo album and an assembly manual that you’ll find handy.

This is a remarkable car in every way. Awesome pedigree, great options, beautiful colors, and an exceptional restoration. The day is surely approaching when these will be on the A-list, and if this were a Chevelle, it would easily be twice as expensive. There’s also easily twice as much as we’re asking wrapped up in the restoration, making this Monte Carlo a bargain compared to doing it yourself. Nobody ever regrets buying the best, and I think this bright red Chevy certainly qualifies. Call today!