First Generation (1970-1972)

The Chevrolet Monte Carlo was introduced as a new model for the year of 1970.
It was based on the same chassis as the Chevelle, but with an additional 4 inches
added in front length. It's overall length was 205.8 inches, it was 75.6 inches
wide and had a total height of 52.9 inches. The Monte Carlo was designed to be
an upscale luxury model for older buyers looking for style and comfort. Front
appearance was accented by single headlamps and a pointed chrome bumper.
Side body panels were sculpted with flowing lines and the trunk area was similar
to the Chevelle, but with narrow vertical taillamps. Wheel skirts and vinyl tops
were popular options. The powertrain was rear-wheel drive and various
engines were offered. Both manual transmission and automatic transmissions
were available, but manual transmission versions were rare. A popular
performance package were Regular Production Option (RPO) code 220, the Monte
Carlo SS. The SS package included a 360 gross horsepower Turbo-Jet 454 cubic
inch V-8 engine, dual exhaust with 2.5 inch diameter pipes, heavy duty front and
rear springs and stabilizer bars, 15 x 7 inch rally wheels with G70-15/B bias belted
white stripe tires and Superlift automatic level control rear shock absorbers.
Among the additional options for the SS were bucket seats, center console,
special instrumentation and Positraction rear axle. Cruise control and wheel skirts
were not available with the SS for 1970.
The 1971 Monte Carlo remained relatively unchanged. Round parking lamps in the
front bumper were replaced by a rectangular design. A hood ornament was added
and headlamp bezels were refined. The grille was redesigned with a finer mesh.
The minor cosmetic refinements increased the length to 206.5 inches, but width
and height remained the same. Powertrain choices were much the same as those
in 1970.  The SS package was once again available, but this would be its last year
until late 1983.  It included the RPO code LS5 454 cubic inch V-8 rated at 365
gross horsepower; up 5 horsepower from 1970. Interestingly, 1971 ordering
information showed the RPO code LS6 454 V-8 (425 gross horsepower) as an
option for the SS package. Also shown was the RPO code M22 4-speed close
ratio manual transmission and a 4.10:1 performance axle ratio.  It has been
speculated that very few, if any, Monte Carlos with this combination ever made it
into the hands of retail customers.
In 1972 the Monte Carlo again received minor changes to body and interior.  The
previously added hood ornament was deleted. Parking lamps were moved from
the bumper to inboard of the headlamps, set vertically in the grille panel. The SS
package was not available, but a 454 V-8 was still among the engine choices.
Also still available, but rarely chosen, were the standard 3-speed and 4-speed
manual transmissions.


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