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Post by x on Apr 13, 2010 20:59:15 GMT -5
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Post by twomanymontes on Apr 16, 2010 20:24:14 GMT -5
Did you write that article? thats a lot of cool info!! Thanks Cort!
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keim
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Post by keim on Apr 19, 2010 20:41:38 GMT -5
Interesting article, Cort. I enjoyed the development history. But I don't think the author did a very good job of examining why the Monte dropped off in popularity so precipitously after the 2nd gen.
I felt the 1st and 2nd gen cars did a good job of blurring the lines between luxury and sport at the time. Properly equipped they had very nice power, and the author gave great detail about the change in handling characteristics to a more "sport/european" feel. One of the things I like about my 1976! Monte's had the size and amenities that defined luxury at the time.
Yes they were BIG! That was the definition of luxury until the late 1970s. But the newly tuned handling helped to down play their "big car" feel.
Both 1st and 2nd generations were luxurious and sporty for the buck. The 3rd gen seemed to lose a lot of the sport aspects of the car. They were still luxurious and still had sporty handling, but became less powerful-probably due to changes in federal fleet mileage regulations. The very popular SS addressed this in the mid 1980s, but at a premium. Thus the decreased popularity of the third gen.
I disagree with the authors analysis that an increase in the number of different models available helped lead to the cars lowered production and eventual demise in the late 80s. I think it was the cars gradual move towards more luxury, without simultaneously upping the ante on the sport side of the equation. This change made the car less unique. I'd like to see numbers comparing production of Monte's to other comparable domestic vehicles. I don't think the Monte suffered markedly MORE than other domestic cars at the time. Foreign manufacturers took a large bite out of all the domestics. I recall the Monte being a respected nameplate up til the 3rd gens demise.
Sadly, I felt the more recent FWD models did not hold up to the excellent job the original 3 gens did of blurring the line between luxury and sport. The newest generations felt like a slightly upscale version of a typical coupe. Aside from styling embellishments, they didn't seem to pay much extra attention to handling or power. These cars did not help with the cars previous sport image.
The article gave great numbers to use next time someone asks me about my 76. d**n those were popular at the time!
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Post by twomanymontes on Apr 20, 2010 19:41:03 GMT -5
Very good point keim! The 3rd gen did loose a lot of what I would call flair, the down sized G-bodys didn't have a long sporty look to it, but it also lacked luxury and power. Basically it became a "cookie cutter" car. it started to look like all the others out there. It blended with the Cutlasses, the Grand Prixs, the regals and event he T-birds and Cougers of the day. They tried to resurect it with the 4th gen being a bit longer in the fenders, but I think the damage was done in the mind set of the people.
And Welcome aboard, Please post some pics of your 76 when you get a chance.
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keim
newbie
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Post by keim on Apr 22, 2010 0:36:34 GMT -5
The drop in production numbers from 1976-1981 was certainly precipitous.
My 76 is nothing special to look at, but I love it. Dark blue with a silver vinyl top. Currently is a 20 footer-looks good from 20 feet. Get closer and you'll see a rust spot, minor paint oxidation and a worn vinyl top. Looking to fix this soon. It looks like a car that was restored 20 years ago-cuz it was!
Car also has tinted windows, aftermarket sunroof, swivel buckets from a '75, and a cd player. Rebuilt 350 with an edelbrock performer mani and carb. Bought it off my brother in 1985.
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Post by twomanymontes on Apr 24, 2010 16:17:56 GMT -5
never put your car down! not all of us have show cars, but they are all good, no matter what condition!
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keim
newbie
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Post by keim on Apr 24, 2010 18:11:26 GMT -5
never put your car down! not all of us have show cars, but they are all good, no matter what condition! I'm not putting it down at all. I think it is a great car, warts and all. Few things make me smile more than rippin' down the highway with the windows open on a nice day. Heck, my wife calls it the mistress. |
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Post by twomanymontes on Apr 27, 2010 18:10:20 GMT -5
Ok, I'm [as well as others] rather passionate of these cars. I have seen many Montes end up in the junkyards and I think "why? I could fix that!"
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keim
newbie
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Post by keim on Apr 27, 2010 21:47:17 GMT -5
Heh-Don't worry about that. I bought the car in 1985-25 years ago. Barring a serious wreck, I plan to have it for another 25.
I'm simply cognizant that it needs new paint and vinyl. Something it will be receiving within the next two years.
I'll try to get a pic on the next sunny day. It really is a nice looking dark blue monte. I've always liked that shade of blue the factory had.
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Post by x on Apr 27, 2010 22:56:04 GMT -5
Did you write that article? No ... I wish I had, though ... lol! Good to see some discussion about it here ... unlike other places to which I've posted this. it started to look like all the others out there. It blended with the Cutlasses, the Grand Prixs, the regals and event he T-birds and Cougers of the day. Hmmm....maybe my "resident young stickler" persona is flaring a bit here, but the MC didn't really "blend" with anything until the fwd versions. Yes, I know ... the Cutlasses, Grand Prixs, Regals, etc., shared many parts with the MC, but each cousin had its distinct features that set them apart...and made it easy to tell which was which ... at least, imho. I'll try to get a pic on the next sunny day. It really is a nice looking dark blue monte. I've always liked that shade of blue the factory had. GOOD! Looking forward to seeing your '76, Keim! And ... of course ... WELCOME! It is good to see you here, too!  Cort | 36.m.IL | "Mr Monte Carlo"."Mr Road Trip" | pig valve.pacemaker MCs.Caprice | models.HO.legos.CHD.RadioShows | RTs.us66 = www.chevyasylum.com/cort"It's only going to make me strong" ... LeAnn Rimes ... 'Life Goes On' |
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Post by twomanymontes on May 1, 2010 9:33:04 GMT -5
Cort, yes they did have distinct features, But you have to admit, if you lined all them together, walked 30 feet away, the roof lines, the shapes and what not will kind of blend. that was just the point I was trying to make. More so when it came to the W bodies.
Granted not as close as in the early 90's when Ford made the Escort, the Contour and the Crown vic all look like the same car just different sizes.
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keim
newbie
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Post by keim on May 1, 2010 19:05:21 GMT -5
Cort, yes they did have distinct features, But you have to admit, if you lined all them together, walked 30 feet away, the roof lines, the shapes and what not will kind of blend. that was just the point I was trying to make. More so when it came to the W bodies. Granted not as close as in the early 90's when Ford made the Escort, the Contour and the Crown vic all look like the same car just different sizes. I have to concur. Example from today: My 8 y.o. daughter saw a mid 70s Lincoln. "Look dad-there's another Monte." I corrected her, but could see how she might say that. Similar taillights, similar side sculpting, vinyl top, opera windows. Naturally, I think the Lincoln is a VERY poor rip-off of the Monte design. |
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Post by x on May 16, 2010 22:44:01 GMT -5
Yes ... I see your points, Dave and Keim. The average person probably wouldn't know the differences anyway. BUT ... as the "Resident Young Stickler" ... it's hard to NOT see the differences ... at least for me  . lol Cort | 36.m.IL | "Mr Monte Carlo"."Mr Road Trip" | pig valve.pacemaker * 07/24/2010=ChitownMeet #3 *MCs.Caprice | models.HO.legos.CHD.RadioShows | RTs.us66 = www.chevyasylum.com/cort"Didn't I tell you?" ... Colbie Caillat ... 'Realize' |
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Post by twomanymontes on May 17, 2010 18:51:29 GMT -5
Once your acustomed to looking yes, there is the differance, But to the untrained or rather uninterested, they just blend together
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Post by x on Jun 9, 2010 20:07:24 GMT -5
I suppose ... I'm still not completely convinced of that, though..... Cort | 36.m.IL | "Mr Monte Carlo"."Mr Road Trip" | pig valve.pacemaker * NoreastrTrekRT=Aug2010 *MCs.Caprice | models.HO.legos.CHD.RadioShows | RTs.us66 = www.chevyasylum.com/cort"I will not make the same mistakes" ... Kelly Clarkson ... 'Because Of You' |
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. lol