I couldn't help but notice the relative dirth of conversation about the Gen 3 (78-80) Montes. Is the 3rd gen truly the "forgotten" generation? I can actually understand how they've been overshadowed, being they never ran in NASCAR (they used the 70's intermediates through the 1980 season), and were sandwiched between the popular "personal luxury" Gen 2 barges, and the legendary Gen 4 models that ruled NASCAR in the 1980's.

Personally, I like the Gen 3's a lot, especially compared to their GM cousins at the time: The Grand Prix was clumsy looking, and some say downright ugly, the Regal was a little nicer, but 3 years ahead of the arguably more attractive 1981 models, and the Cutlass, while attractive in its own right, was boxy and stodgy compared to the Monte.

I especially like the 1980 model, with the quad lights up front. I had a chance to by the turbocharged, T-topped, 1980 edition for $425.00 back in 1992, and when I went back the next day it was gone (d'oh!).

Anyway, If any of you are fans/owners of the Gen 3, it'd be very cool to hear your stories.

Bruce

 

i own a 3 gen and have played with a few over the years. i bought mine for 750 bucks when i was 18. which at the time was a little pricey considering i had just looked at a bb 72 nova for 2500, and i was working overnights at the local walgreens. i only bought it because it had a 400 in it ( all be it it only had a 2bl ,iron intake, single exhaust, and an interior that was destroyed and had a dead mouse under the rear seat), but it was definitely faster than my 307 gutless supreme. a little carb, intake, headers, exhaust, and gearing, and i was on my way street racing 5.0s every night. i personally thought it was funky looking. being the only years with horizontal tail lights. ive had the car for almost 13yrs and almost 20 grand later its still not done. i guess you can say it grew on me. even went so far as to have it tattooed on me. it takes a different breed to own a 3rd gen. theyre next to impossible to find body panels for, and not everyone is crazy about the looks, but they are the lightest montes. i think it looks like a cat ready to pounce. i actually just started a thread about selling it since i lack the funds to finish it. it breaks my heart, but its time to grow up a little bit. if i get rid of it im sure there will be more 3rd gen montes in my future. i personally always thought that the 78-80 malibus and el caminos were the best looking g bodies followed by the 79 monte(dual headlights, big grille, and wrap around tail lights) and then the grand prix. well thats my tale and heres a sme pics of the car. more pics in my album.

 

I have a '79 monte that is my first (and thus far only) car. My grandfather bought it new in the summer of 1979 as a leftover. For whatever reason, I am pretty sure it is a factory delete car, because I found a HVAC/Radio faceplate in the trunk that had the radio blocked out. Must have had a radio installed when he bought it. Kinda rare I would guess. Other than that its got a 267 small block, which I believe holds the distinction of being the lowest horsepower (125) V-8 chevy ever made. Currently has 107k miles. Some of the accessories dont work anymore (A/C, winshield washer pump, etc) but the engine starts easily on even the coldest mornings.

I've been driving it as a daily driver since 2003. It had some issues in the beginning, but the past few years it has been dead reliable. I like that it looks different from every other car on the road. I think i've only seen about half a dozen others on the road ever. The other nice thing about it is that under the skin, it is exactly the same as the 4th gen cars, so parts are very easy to find.

 

i had a friend with the delete stuff on his 78 as well. check your trunklid my friends was aluminum, had leather buckets, and a console too.

 

I like them...they're my least favorite generation of Monte Carlo, but I still like it...it's a Monte Carlo!

 

This is my '78 I bought from the original owner in 2007. I removed the Disco era Maroon color and painted her black and put some new wheels on her and replaced about everything you can think of Except for her original 305 and have just tried to do little things here and there to keep her in good shape and to add a little pazzaz. I wouldn't take anything for her, She and I have been through alot together and that Monte gets me to work and back evryday without a bit of trouble.

 

They're alright.... I personally like the 2nd gens more. However, whilst not being my favorite monte, they're nonetheless beautiful vehicles.

 

i like it. not crazy about the pinstripes but it looks good.

 

i like 3rd gens