Third Generation (1978- 1980)

In 1978 the Monte Carlo underwent such major changes that the new style
warranted the designation "third generation." The Monte Carlo was completely
restructured; from it's new smaller, but still traditionally curved exterior, to it's
shorter wheelbase and reconfigured frame and suspension. The front styling
maintained a "Monte Carlo" look, but went back to single headlamps of a
rectangular design. Bumpers were integrated into the body, covered with flexible
polyurethane plastic and painted body color. The hood remained somewhat long,
and the trunk somewhat short in the same style as previous years, but on a
smaller scale. The 7978 model shaved approximately 500 pounds in weight from
the 1977 model, and now offered a smaller, lighter, V-6 base engine. Along with
the base Buick-built 231 cubic inch V-6 engine, a Chevrolet-built 305 cubic inch V
8 was offered. Transmission choices included a 3-speed manual, a 4-speed
manual, and a 3-speed automatic. Like in previous years, the manual
transmissions were rare. The interior of the new 1978 Monte Carte was restyled
with an instrument panel design composed of a drivers “pod” for instrumentation, 
and a low 
mounted central “pod” containing the heater and air conditioner controls, 
cigar lighter, and audio system controls. This dash design would remain relatively
unchanged through 1988. Also available was a center console.
Changes for 1979 were few. Minor cosmetic adjustments were made to the
taillamps, headlamps, and grille. The interior remained virtually unchanged. There
were new engines available for 1979, including a 267 cubic inch V-8 and a 200
cubic inch V-6. The 200 cubic inch V-6 was a Chevrolet designed engine entirely
different from the Buick designed V-6 that was still available. (Quick visual
identification hint: Chevrolet V-6 has distributor in rear: Buick V-6 has distributor
in front.) The 305 cubic inch V-8 was given a 4 barrel carburetor and was the
most powerful engine available for the year. The manual 3-speed transmission
was still in the line-up, but was only available with the base 200 cubic inch V-6.
Ordering RPO code F41 gave the Monte Carlo a performance handling package
that included heavy duty sway bars front and rear.
In 1980 the Monte Carlo retained the same overall "third generation" body lines,
but added dual side-by-side headlamps and again refined the grille. The rest of the
vehicle remained basically unchanged. Another engine was added to the list of
those available: a turbocharged 231 cubic inch V-6 rated at 170 net horsepower.
Along with the turbo engine came a small hood bulge labeled "TURBO" with a
Chevrolet Bowtie emblem. The previous year’s 200 cubic inch V-6 was increased
in displacement to 229 cubic inches.
Gone for good in the Monte Carlo was the manual transmission.


This information has been made available by General Motors and is intended for
non-profit use only.