Second Generation (1973- 1977)

The 1973 Chevrolet Monte Carlo had a drastic change in body design as well as
interior changes and suspension upgrades.  The body design was the "largest" of
all Monte Carlos in exterior dimensions.  Rounded, flowing fenders and a long
hood were the main features. Single round headlamps were again used. Bumpers
now met the federal 5 mph standard. The interior was redesigned and both cloth
and vinyl trims were available. New for 1973 were swivel bucket seats that
turned outward ninety degrees for ease of entry and exit of the vehicle. Overall,
there were three trim levels available: the base coupe, Monte Carlo S and the
Landau. The base coupe Monte Carlo came standard with a 350 cubic inch V-8
and 3-speed manual transmission, although, again, the manual transmission was
very rare. The S was the same as the base coupe, but with standard power
steering and radial tires. The top-of-the-line Landau package included Landau
badging, a special vinyl top, left and right hand sport mirrors and Turbine II
aluminum wheels. A center console was available and the shifter for automatic
transmissions was a stick type with the release button on top. Optional engines
included the 350 inch V-8 with 4-barrei carburetor and the 454 V-8.
For 1974, the Monte Carlo changed little from 1973.  No base coupe was offered
this year, just the Monte Carlo S and Landau.  Minor exterior changes included
revisions to the grille and taillamps and a reworked rear bumper. The interior was
basically unchanged from 1973 except for the addition of standard shoulder
restraint belts, in accordance with federal law.  Among the engine choices for
1974 (which still included several versions of the 350 V-8 and a 454 V-8) was a
new choice; the 400 cubic inch small-block V-8. This engine was available in 150
and 180 net horsepower versions with a 2 barrel and 4 barrel carburetor,
respectively. A 3-speed manual transmission was shown as base equipment. As
always in the Monte Carlo, a manual transmission was extremely rare.
1975 brought very few changes over 1974. Again, minor revisions were made to
bumpers, exterior lighting and the Monte Carlo emblems. The interior trim
remained the same except for a new split bench seat option. Engine choices
remained the same and transmission choices still included a 3-speed manual.
(Technically, the 3-speed manual was available but it is speculated that none may
have ever reached customers.)
The Monte Carlo for 1976 retained the same overall body style used from 1973-
1975, but had a new look up front. Instead of single round headlamps, the 1976
sported dual, stacked, rectangular headlamps.  Once again the grille and taillamps
were updated. Interior equipment was basically carry-over from 1975. The engine 
option list was modified by dropping the 454 V-8 (never to appear in the
Monte Carte again) and by adding a 305 V-8. An automatic transmission was
made standard equipment and a manual transmission was not to be seen again
until 1978.
1977 marked the final year of the "big" body style for the Monte Carlo. Very few
changes were made to exterior or interior. The grille was slightly different, with
the Monte Carlo medallion removed from the grille and changed into a hood
ornament. Taillamps had added horizontal ribbing. Engine choices were cut down
to a 305 V-8 and an optional 350 V-8. The automatic transmission was standard
equipment.


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