Chevy Monte Carlo Convertible

Newport Convertible engineering was first US coach builder which designed, engineered and distributed Limited Chevy Monte Carlo Convertible.

The Chevrolet Monte Carlo was an American-made two-door coupe introduced for model year 1970, and manufactured over six generations through model year 2007. It was marketed as a personal-luxury coupe through most of its history, with the last model version being classified as a full-sized coupe. When it was discontinued in 2007, it had outlived many competitors that were either discontinued many years earlier or changed in concept to either a four-door sedan or small sport coupe.
The Monte Carlo endured six design generations. The first four (1970–72, 1973–77, 1978–80 and 1981–88) were of a rear-wheel-drive, V8-powered (V6 available beginning in 1978) coupe style, utilizing separate body-on-frame construction. The later rear-wheel-drive generations bucked the trend of unit-body construction, along with smaller engines, that became more prevalent in the early 1980s as automakers downsized their vehicle lines to meet increasing stringent fuel-economy regulations in the aftermath of two energy crises that led to gasoline shortages and skyrocketing pump prices in 1973-74 and 1979-80. Despite those trends, the Monte Carlo remained a popular seller and even regained the SS version (initially offered for 1970-71 with 454 cubic-inch V8) from mid-1983 to 1988 with a high-performance 305-cubic-inch V8.
Following a several year hiatus following the discontinuation of the rear-drive Monte Carlo after 1988, the nameplate was revived for 1995 on a front-drive, V6-powered coupe based on the Chevrolet Lumina sedan. It was succeeded by the sixth and final-generation Monte Carlo in 2000 that was built along-side of the Chevrolet Impala, which succeeded the Lumina as Chevy’s mid-sized sedan. The Monte Carlo SS was revived from 2000 to 2007 and initially powered by 3.8-liter V6 (supercharged in 2004–2005), later to be replaced by a 5.3-liter V8 for 2006–2007.

2000–2005
For 2000, Chevrolet not only again called upon GM Motorsports for design inspiration, but also to Monte Carlos of the past. Among the traits carried over from older Monte Carlos were the stylized wheel flares, vertically oriented tail lamps, and a stylized rear bumper. Another classic trait for 2000 was the return of the “Knight” badging, as well as a full gauge cluster, not seen on the Monte Carlo since 1988. Back again was the Super Sport moniker, replacing the Z34 designation of the Fifth Generation, which was a Lumina Coupe legacy. At the request of racing teams, Chevrolet stylists added a slight “hump” on the rear trunk – similar to, although smaller than, a Lincoln Mark. It was a distinct trait that stayed with Monte Carlo until its demise, even though later in the generation every trim level would get a spoiler that all but masked the hump. From the NASCAR circuit came the aerodynamic styling and duck tail spoiler.

Specialty Nameplates
Chevrolet released several models inspired by current NASCAR drivers at the time: The first model released was the 2002 Dale Earnhardt “Intimidator Edition.” This car had one color scheme; a black body with galaxy silver rocker panels and front and rear air dams. A thin red stripe above the silver ground effects was also included. Just behind the rear side windows, the Dale Number 3 logo was placed. The car also featured silver “Intimidator” SS badges on the right side of the trunk and standard Monte Carlo SS badges the bottom of the vehicle, just in front of the rear tires. An Intimidator badge with the number 3 also appeared on the dash, and Earnhardt’s signature appeared on the gauge cluster. This edition also came with 5 spoke, diamond cut wheels and received GMs L36 3800 V6 engine.
In 2003, the Jeff Gordon edition was released. The vehicle came with a superior blue body and silver ground effects, just like the Intimidator Edition; however, the Jeff Gordon edition also received white ghost flames on the body. It featured the number 24 behind the rear side windows. A Jeff Gordon signature was placed on the right side of the trunk and inside the car received a Jeff Gordon badge on the dash board and a two-tone gray a black leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. It featured the 5 spoke, diamond cut wheels and received GMs L36 3800 V6 engine.
In 2004 the Dale Jr. Edition came out, it was red in color and sported a black high sport kit. The number 8, with an “E” stripe design carried from the doors to the rear bumper. The 5 spoke diamond cut wheels featured a black stripe through each spoke and Dale Jr.’s signature appeared on the right side of the trunk lid. On the sides, the vehicle received Monte Carlo SS badges. Inside on the dash a #8 badge appeared and Dale Jr.’s signature on the cluster. This edition also got #8 floor mats and headrests. This was also the first nameplate car to receive GMs L67 Supercharged 3800 V6 engine.
To compete, the Intimidator Edition was re-released in 2004, this time, however the vehicle featured “Intimidator” badges on the trunk lid and both side panels of the vehicle. The car was all black in color, received the 5 spoke, diamond cut wheels and this time received GMs L67 Supercharged 3800 V6 engine.
2005 marked the next and final nameplate, the Tony Stewart edition. It was all black, but featured a white/orange line that thickened as it reached the back of the vehicle and contained number 20 just before the rear tires. Tony Stewart’s signature also appeared behind the rear windows on both sides. The Chevy bowtie on the trunk was white on this edition and another was painted on the front of the hood. The Monte Carlo badge was removed and instead replaced by the black Tony Stewart grille. The wheels were the same design as the Dale Jr. Edition, except the bowtie on the center cap was white this time. This edition also received GMs L67 Supercharged 3800 V6 engine.

Pace Cars
To keep with the popularity of the Monte Carlo in NASCAR, GM released several Monte Carlos branded as “Pace Cars.” Each year featured a different color and all cars were limited to production numbers, however; all cars did have some things in common. All pace cars received: Galaxy Silver ground effects, Checkered Flagging on fenders & doors, TAZ decals on quarter panels and trunk lid behind the Monte Carlo script. It also has a “Race Inspired” rear spoiler that resembles the look of the NASCAR spoiler, Limited Edition Plaque on trunk lid, Monte Carlo script on the dash is replaced with “PACE CAR”, Gauge cluster displays “LIMITED EDITION” below the speedometer where it would say “Apply Brake To Shift From Park,” 16-inch Diamond-Cut Cast-Aluminum Wheels, Door Opening Kick Plates Featuring the Monte Carlo Nameplate, and Stainless-Steel Dual Exhaust Tips. Interiors had two tone leather to match exterior and Chevy embroidered headrests. All cars also came with GMs L36 3800 V6 engine.
2000 Pace Car: Production limited to 2,222 cars. Sports two-tone leather Black and Red. Exterior: Torch Red with Galaxy Silver ground effects.
2001 Pace Car: Production limited to 1,300 cars. Sports two-tone leather Black and Silver. Exterior: Black with Galaxy Silver ground effects.
2002 Pace Car: Production limited to 1,150 cars. Sports two-tone leather Black and Yellow. Exterior: Competition Yellow with Galaxy Silver ground effects.
2003 Pace Car: Production limited to 1,401 cars. Sports two-tone leather Black and Blue. Exterior: Superior Blue with Galaxy Silver ground effects.

Models
Model Years Engine Power Torque Transmission
LS 2000–2005 3.4 L LA1 V6 180 hp (134 kW) 205 ft•lbf (278 N•m) 4T65e
LT 2005 3.8 L L36 V6 200 hp (149 kW) 225 ft•lbf (305 N•m) 4T65e
SS 2000–2004 3.8 L L36 V6 200 hp (149 kW) 225 ft•lbf (305 N•m) 4T65e
SS Supercharged 2004-2005 3.8 L L67 supercharged V6 240 hp (179 kW) 280 ft•lbf (380 N•m) 4T65e-hd
Trim levels initially consisted of the LS, and SS, the latter being the first front-wheel drive SS in the Chevrolet lineup. The LS used a 3.4 L OHV V6, while the SS got the 3.8 L V6. A Supercharged SS model was added for 2004 and 2005, though the naturally aspirated SS continued as well, but was relabeled as LT.

Production totals
Year Units
2000 64,347
2001 71,268
2002 70,781
2003 71,129
2004 64,771
2005 37,143
Total production 379,439

Refreshed Sixth Generation
Production 2006–2007
Assembly Oshawa, Ontario, Canada
Body style 2-door coupe
Layout FF layout
Platform GM W platform
Engine 3.5 L LZE V6
3.9 L LZ9 V6
5.3 L LS4 V8
Transmission
4-speed 4T65e automatic
4-speed 4T65e-hd automatic
Wheelbase 110.5 in (2,810 mm)
Length 196.7 in (5,000 mm)
Width 72.9 in (1,850 mm)
Height 55.8 in (1,420 mm)
Related Buick LaCrosse
Chevrolet Impala
Pontiac Grand Prix
2006–2007
The 2006 Monte Carlo (and the companion Impala sedan) was introduced at the 2005 Los Angeles Auto Show. The base engine was a 3.5 L V6 producing 210 hp (156 kW). The most notable news, though, was the SS model’s use of the Generation IV small-block V8 — the first V8 since the 1988 model. The 5.3 L V8 produced 303 hp (226 kW), which raised some eyebrows considering it was being placed in a front-wheel-drive car. The interior for 2006 was mildly redesigned.
The Monte Carlo ceased production at Oshawa Car Assembly Plant #1 on June 19, 2007, following an announcement in February 2007 of its demise.[25] General Motors has released this statement: On Tuesday, June 19, 2007, the last two 2007 Chevrolet Monte Carlo models rolled off the line at the Oshawa Assembly Plant. The last two models were identical “SS” models with Precision Red exterior paint; Silver Rally Stripes; and Ebony Nuance leather interior. The two models features the “SS” 5.3 L V8 Engine with its “best in class” rated 303 hp (226 kW); 18″ polished aluminum wheels; heated exterior mirrors; and AM/FM/CD and XM Radio”[26]
The final Monte Carlo off the production line was retained by GM for their Heritage Center collection. The second-to-last Monte off the line, the last “saleable” unit, was auctioned off on August 15, at Manheim’s Statesville Auto Auction in Statesville, North Carolina. The winning bid went to Fred Simon, owner of Simon Chevrolet in Woonsocket, RI where it is on display on the dealership floor. This unit was at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway over the weekend of July 27–29 for the 2007 Allstate 400 at the Brickyard. While there, it was signed by all the current Team Chevrolet drivers who were active in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.

From Wikipedia