1972 Chevy Monte Carlo

The Monte Carlo was GM's answer to the Ford Thunderbird and Pontiac Grand Prix — a personal luxury coupe that said 'success' without screaming it. The first generation (1970-72) was the pretty one, with flowing lines and available big-block power.

The SS 454 turned it into a genuine muscle car with luxury pretensions. The 1973-77 models got the colonnade treatment — heavier, but somehow even more popular.

The Monte Carlo became the best-selling coupe in America and laid the foundation for decades of NASCAR dominance. It's the car for people who wanted muscle car performance with grown-up styling.

The Monte Carlo's formal roofline and acres of hood look right with age. Original vinyl tops crack and bubble — remove or replace, don't half-fix. The long body panels show waves if they've been poorly repaired.

Chrome and trim are substantial and age gracefully. These were middle-class aspirational cars — a little wear says 'drove to work every day,' not 'neglected.'

The Monte Carlo shares its A-body platform with the Chevelle, meaning parts availability is excellent. The drivetrains are standard small-block and big-block Chevy, supported by every parts supplier in America.

The SS 454 cars are the collectors' choice; the base 350 cars are the drivers' choice — more than enough power with better fuel economy and cooling. These are comfortable cruisers, not canyon carvers. Accept them for what they are.