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Every classic that appears on our pages at Barn Finds does so because it ticks at least one box for our readers. For some, it is rarity, while others are exceptionally desirable. This 1977 Chevrolet Monte Carlo Landau may not immediately seem a contender, but it has attributes that make it worthy of inclusion. The first owner loaded it with some of the most desirable features available, but the odometer reading seals the deal. It shows 4,137 genuine miles, and there may not be another ’77 Monte Carlo with a lower figure. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder NHDave for this incredible discovery.
The Second Generation Monte Carlo range graced showroom floors between 1973 and 1977, with this Monte Carlo Landau rolling off the line during the final production year. It is an extraordinary car that was ordered by its original owner in Antique White with a matching Landau-style vinyl top. Interestingly, the first owner specified delivery without the side moldings attached, and these remain in the trunk in the original packaging. Another wise decision was to tick the box on the Order Form beside the electrically operated Sky Roof, an option that is considered desirable among collectors. I typically avoid describing unrestored classics of this vintage as perfect, but I struggle to find anything worth criticizing. The paint shines beautifully and is consistent across the entire vehicle. The panels are laser-straight, and there is no evidence of rust. The filler panels haven’t crumbled, the chrome is excellent, and the glass is spotless. The Sky Roof might be desirable, but it is the tip of the iceberg with this Chevrolet.
The pen is mightier than the sword, and the first owner confirmed this when ordering our feature car. As well as the Sky Roof, they ticked the boxes beside air conditioning, power windows, power locks, a power driver’s seat, cruise control, a tilt wheel, and an AM/FM radio/8-track player on their Order Form. Those features are intact, and there are no aftermarket additions. The Red Custom cloth and vinyl trim is free from wear, and the condition is consistent with the seller’s claims about mileage. The carpet is in as-new condition, and the plastic and woodgrain are excellent. Nothing has succumbed to UV exposure, and I wouldn’t bat an eyelid if I walked into a Chevrolet dealership and found this Monte Carlo displayed on the showroom floor. Its condition warrants that type of attention.
Chevrolet’s 305ci V8 was the entry-level engine for 1977 Monte Carlo Landau buyers, but this car’s first owner had one final ace up their sleeve when ordering this car. They selected the range-topping 350ci powerplant, teaming the small-block with a three-speed automatic transmission and power-assisted steering and brakes. The 350 should generate 170hp and 270 ft/lbs of torque. The Monte Carlo isn’t a muscle car, but performance was considered par for the course in 1977. The options and overall condition have served as the entree for this classic because the odometer reading is the main course. The seller claims that the current figure of 4,137 miles is genuine, but they don’t mention verifying evidence. However, the car’s overall condition makes the claim plausible. I will qualify that by saying that I would want something concrete before I would consider handing the seller the asking price for a car that drives as well as it did the day the first owner took delivery.
I performed an online search before writing this article in a bid to find another 1977 Monte Carlo Landau that has sold in the last five years with an equivalent odometer reading. The closest I came was one that changed hands in 2021 for around $30,000, and it had 7,500 miles on the clock. The seller listed this Monte Carlo here on Craigslist in Dix Hills, New York, with an asking price of $37,895. That figure is around what Hagerty quotes for a concours example, but is that a price you would willingly pay?
