1985 Chevrolet Monte Carlo

1985 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS
The 1985 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS was the only Monte Carlo model
that didn't get more horsepower for 1985.

The 1985 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, Chevy's rear-wheel-drive personal-luxury car, got more power, but for the first time since 1981, no diesel engine was offered in the Monte Carlo..

In the 1985 Chevrolet Monte Carlo base model, the previously standard 3.8-liter Chevy V-6 gave way to a larger 4.3-liter V-6 with throttle-body fuel injection. That brought along 20 extra horsepower, for a new total of 130.

The optional 5.0-liter V-8 likewise gained some ponies, via a jump in compression ratio. It jumped from 150 horsepower to 165. The High Output 5.0-liter V-8 in the 1985 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS remained at 180 horsepower.

The V-6 and base V-8 could be backed by either a three- or four-speed automatic transmission, but the H.O. V-8 in the SS came only with the four-speed this year.

Though the base coupe carried on visually unchanged, the SS was a different story. Previously offered only in white or dark blue metallic, color choices were expanded to include silver, maroon, and black. "Removable glass roof panels" (T-tops) came on board as a midyear option.

Despite its aging design, nearly 120,000 Monte Carlos found eager buyers in 1985. Though the total was down somewhat from 1984, the SS model saw sales climb from 24,050 to 35,484, a sure sign that performance was making a comeback.

1985 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS rear
Color choices for the 1985 Chevy Monte Carlo SS expanded
from two to five, including this maroon hue.

1985 Chevrolet Monte Carlo Facts


Model
 Weight range (lbs.)
 Price range (new)
 Number built
Monte Carlo
 3,139-3,385
 $9,540-$11,380
119,057

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