AboutJeff Clark Expertise I can answer most questions on vintage-car history and trivia, but there are three things I can't help with:
1) repair questions
2) "where-can-I-find-the-VIN-on-my-car?" questions
3) what's-my-car-worth questions
I'm not a mechanic, I can't know the location of every VIN plate on every vehicle ever made, and I can't appraise a vehicle I can't see.
Experience I've been a classic-car fanatic my entire life, and have spent most of my free time studying the automotive industry and its history.
Education/Credentials 25 years experience in the automotive industry.
Expert: Jeff Clark Date: 4/21/2008 Subject: 1978 Monte Carlo (Research)
Question QUESTION: Jeff: I'm the original owner of a 1978 Monte Carlo Landau with a 305 engine. I would like to know where I can get information on how many were built,equipped like the one I own. Can you help? Thanks, Alan
ANSWER: 141,461 Landaus were built that year, both V6 and V8 (no individual breakdown available for V6 and V8 Landaus). Since nearly 80% of all 1978 Monte Carlos were V8-equipped (the 305 being the only 8-cylinder), I'd have to assume that it was the same percentage or even higher for the Landau models. Therefore, I'd have to say 110,000 to 120,000 had the V8.
A good friend of mine worked for GM in '78 and had one of the first Landaus off the line: white w/ white top, red interior, and literally every option available. Pretty little car, and to this day it was one of his favorites. Another friend still has his 1976 Grand Prix LJ which he purchased new, with about 40,000 miles on it, but that's another story! Take good care of that Monte, and good luck!
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QUESTION: Jeff: Is there a web site where I can go to find out a break down of how many were built the way mine is equipped?
A friend of mine bought another Monte Carlo a week after I bought mine at the same dealership. It was in the showroom and was white with white buckets and a tee top."BEAUTIFUL!" Ran it into the ground and then went back to Buick. I wish I bought that from him but my dad always says "you can't keep them all" And he is correct!
Answer I found the data I provided you by doing a Yahoo! search with "1978 Monte Carlo production numbers." If I were you I'd search two ways:
1) Search for "1978 Chevrolet option breakdown by model," or something similar,
2) Search for websites devoted to 1978-1987 Monte Carlos, especially ones with forums. You can join the site and ask your question there.
