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In motorsport, it is often referred to as the unfair advantage. The term refers to a situation where a manufacturer or constructor discovers a loophole in the regulations that allows them to maximize vehicle performance. Colin Chapman was one of the champions of the cause, as was Renault when it introduced turbocharged engine technology to Formula 1. Manufacturers had followed the same path in NASCAR, especially when the term “stock cars” was more relevant than it is today. While NASCAR had put paid to many trends that pushed the boundaries of engineering skills and safety, there was still room for vehicle producers to demonstrate creativity. The result was cars like this 1987 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS Aerocoupe. The company produced it as an answer to Ford’s sleeker and more efficient Thunderbird, which proved all-conquering on high-speed circuits like superspeedways. This Aerocoupe is an original survivor with a claimed 18,000 genuine miles on the clock. It isn’t perfect, but it is a turnkey classic needing a new home. You will find the SS listed for sale here on eBay in Hickory, North Carolina. Bidding sits at $10,000, which takes it beyond the reserve. I have to thank Barn Finder Larry D for spotting this great survivor for us.
Both Chevrolet and Pontiac produced models during the mid-1980s that exploited aerodynamic efficiency without raising the ire of the sport’s governing body. General Motors knew that NASCAR would not stand a repeat of specials like the legendary Dodge Daytona or Plymouth Superbird, so enormous wings and spoilers were never considered. For the Monte Carlo, competition on short tracks and road courses didn’t reveal any inherent weaknesses. However, the car suffered against the Ford Thunderbird on tracks like Daytona and Talladega. General Motors’ answer was to extend the rear window further back. This change smoothed the airflow to the rear spoiler that increased downforce without increasing drag. The Aerocoupe and Pontiac Grand Prix 2+2 both followed the philosophy, but I feel that the Chevrolet model is better-looking. The Pontiac is more aggressive and probably a better design from a motorsport perspective, but its minuscule trunk opening makes it an impractical road car. This SS is an original survivor wearing Code 12 Silver paint. It may only have a claimed 18,000 miles on the clock, but it doesn’t present in showroom condition. There are no appreciable dents or other panel damage and no evidence of rust. The paint has many small chips and marks and is developing a matte appearance in spots. It may be an original survivor, but this Monte Carlo would undoubtedly respond positively to a cosmetic refresh. The tired appearance is accentuated by faded graphics and alloy wheels showing oxidization. None of these problems are severe, but they combine to give the car a weary appearance. If I were considering purchasing this classic, a repaint would be high on my “to-do” list.
With NASCAR’s mechanical specifications set in stone, manufacturers weren’t compelled to produce unique models boasting a million horsepower. That’s good because you would have struggled to find a classic V8 in the mid-1980s that produced enormous power. The Monte Carlo SS is a perfect example, with its 305ci “HO” V8 pumping out 180hp. That finds its way to the rear wheels via a four-speed 200-4R automatic transmission. In a car that tips the scales at 3,525lbs, it is hardly a recipe for excitement. The journey down the ¼ mile takes 17 seconds, which brings us to an interesting point. The same trip in a regular SS takes 16.6 seconds, which doesn’t make sense if taken at face value. Logic says the more aerodynamically efficient car should be faster, but there’s a catch. The larger glass area and associated strengthening mean the Aerocoupe is 70lbs heavier than a garden-variety SS, and those additional pounds make themselves felt when the pedal hits the metal. The listing indicates this Aerocoupe has a genuine 18,700 miles on its odometer, but the seller doesn’t mention verifying evidence. However, they say it runs and drives perfectly, making it a turnkey proposition for its new owner.
The initial impression made by this Monte Carlo’s interior is positive. The upholstered surfaces show no significant wear and seem to support the seller’s odometer claim. There is what appears to be a small stain on the driver’s seat, but that is one of the few flaws worth mentioning. The dash and pad aren’t cracked, and the headliner isn’t sagging. Nobody has butchered the interior with aftermarket additions, and there’s no evidence of abuse or neglect. The buyer receives air conditioning, power windows, power locks, cruise control, a tilt wheel, a remote driver’s mirror, and an AM/FM radio and cassette player.
It is often said that racing improves the breed, but I sometimes wonder about the relevance of that claim. Vehicles like the 1987 Monte Carlo SS Aerocoupe explore the field of aerodynamic efficiency but have the changes made it a better car? Some would argue that they do because they improve vehicle efficiency. Others would rightly claim that the additional glass area causes the cabin to become hotter, prompting owners to make greater use of the vehicle’s air conditioning. Therefore, any aero gains are offset by the increased fuel consumption resulting from extended A/C use. However, that didn’t seem to discourage buyers because while Chevrolet only produced 200 Aerocoupes in 1986, they found themselves inundated with buyers in 1987. By year’s end, 6,052 people had slapped down their cash for an Aerocoupe. It seemed that people were keen to own a slice of motorsport heritage. Many cars shared a fate common with vehicles produced during The Malaise Era, where owners drove them to destruction before sending them to the scrapyard. This SS isn’t perfect, but it looks like an honest survivor in need of some TLC. It will be going to a new home shortly, but are you tempted to make it yours?
