1985 Chevrolet Monte Carlo

In the latter half of the previous century, you would ask people about their favorite personal luxury car, and most of them would come up with the two-door coupe Chevrolet Monte Carlo. The Chevrolet division of General Motors started manufacturing and marketing Chevrolet Monte Carlo in 1969. Production extended to 1987 when it was discontinued and then resumed in 1994. This article focuses on the 1985 Chevrolet Monte Carlo.

The Monte Carlo derives its name from the city of Monaco; it was the first personal luxury car of this Chevrolet automobile in the market. The Monte Carlo survived almost six generations till the 2007 model year. It is a variant of the Pontiac Grand Prix through its entire production years.

The first-generation Monte Carlo:

The first generation of Chevrolet Monte Carlo extended from 1970 to 1972 and was a personal luxury car with a 2-door hardtop body style and an FR layout. It was built on the G-body platform related to the Pontiac Grand Prix. The available engine options in this generation included 350 cubic inches 5.7-liter V8, 400 cubic inches 6.55-liter V8, 402 cubic inches 6.59-liter V8, and 454 cubic inches 7.44-liter Turbojet V8 engines. The available transmissions included 4-speed manual, 3-speed manual, 2-speed automatic, and 3-speed automatic transmissions.

The styling of 1970 Monte Carlo featured Chrome rectangular grille with two horizontal dividers, a thin hood spear, round lamps, circular parking lamps, and taillights with Chrome trim.

It came with front disc brakes as a standard, and the dashboard was identical to that of Chevelle. Various transmission options were available, and additional optional features included air conditioning, power seats, bucket seats, full instrumentation, a center console, rally wheels, and rear wheel fender skirts. The 1971 model saw minor changes in its styling, and the grille in the 1972 model was similar to Chevrolet Caprice with a wider hood spear. The engine options remain unchanged throughout these options.

The Second-generation Chevrolet Monte Carlo:

The production years of the second generation of Chevrolet Monte Carlo extended from 1972 to 1977. The body style and layout are similar to those of the first generation but built on a unique A-body platform. Two transmissions, I.e., 3-speed manual and 3-speed automatic transmissions, were available. The 305 cubic inches 5-liter V8 engine, 350-cubic inches 5.7-liter V8, 400 cubic inches 6.6-liter V8, and 454 cubic inches 7.44-liter V8 engines represent the available engine options for this generation.

The Third Generation of Chevrolet Monte Carlo:

The production years for the third generation of Chevrolet Monte Carlo extended from 1977 to 1980. Inheriting its predecessors’ body style and layout, the third-generation Monte Carlo models, were based on a G-body platform that offered rear-wheel drive. It took its inspiration and related to Pontiac Grand Prix, Oldsmobile Cutlass, and Buick Regal. The engine options were diverse in the third generation.

• 200 cubic inches, 3.3-liter V6 engine
• 229 cubic inches, 3.8-liter V6 engine
• 262 cubic inches, 4.3-liter V6 engine
• 231 cubic inches 3.8-liter Buick V6 engine
• 267 cubic inches 4.4-liter Chevrolet V8 engine
• 305 cubic inches, 5.0-liter V8 engine
• 350 cubic inches, 5.7-liter V8 engine

The three-speed manual, 4-speed manual, 3-speed TH350, and 4-speed 200-4R automatic transmissions were available for the model belonging to the third generation.

There were minor changes in the styling manifested as revised parking lamp detail, restyled grille, and new wrap-around taillamps. The additional engine options were the mechanical changes.

The Fourth generation, including the 1985 Chevrolet Monte Carlo:

1981 to 1988 Chevrolet Monte Carlo is the model year of its fourth generation. They were also the two-door coupes with an FR layout based on the A-body platform for the 1981 model and the G-body platform for the 1982 to 1988 model. These models were related to Pontiac, Oldsmobile, and Buick, like the previous generation models.

The 1985 Monte Carlo from the 4th generation is worth discussing; let’s look at its key features. This was the year when T-tops were reintroduced. People got additional colors, pinstriping, and a four-speed automatic overdrive transmission with the turbo HydroMatic 200-4R. A 262 cubic inches 4.3-liter V6 engine replaced a 229 cubic inches V6 engine that was supplied with fuel through throttle body fuel injection.

The 1985 Chevrolet Monte Carlo was the first car that didn’t offer a diesel engine, and a larger 4.3L V6 engine was featured on the base model. This generation didn’t have significant body style and design changes, but the option between the vinyl top and T-top and pinstriping was new. The color choices expanded to silver, black, and maroon. Around 1,200,000 Monte Carlo models sold that year.

The 1985 Chevrolet Monte Carlo may manifest some common problems that include transmission pressure control solenoid failure, faults in the speedometer, engine stalling due to mass airflow, and intake manifold gasket leakage.

A Monte Carlo Repair Manual will help you replace the most damaged parts and eliminate these issues for a long time. It comes from the company. You may have to buy it from a third party if considering a used car.