David Mau

Like they say on NBC... "The More You Know." Dave

Yeah, it would have. In addition to being known for having the longest bonnet of any Chevy model at that time, the fact that the Monte Carlo's name didn't start with a "C" was also noted by automotive journalists of the day. And Rod - Vega... Pinto... yeah... and don't forget the Gremlin! Chaparral sounds pretty close to Chevelle too, doesn't it? But regardless of the name, I don't think it would've swayed the legendary Popular Mechanix automotive journalist, Tom McCahill, from writing that the Monte Carlo was "the best looking Chevrolet ever slapped together". (Dec 1969) Dave

That's it, Rod! That must be a black and white scanned copy, because the highlighted yellow rectangle that's printed behind the Monte Carlo info isn't showing up here the way it does in the actual magazine. Thanks for including it with your post! It's also interesting to read what they have to say about other upcoming model changes for '70, isn't it? And just think; The Beatles released their Yellow Submarine album about a month after this issue of Popular Science hit the magazine stands. I remember hearing my dad talk about the show, High Chaparral, but I don't think I've ever seen it. When I was a kid I had a plastic Chaparral toy race car, though. Dave

Believe me, Bill, I hear ya! No worries. Dave

I really thought more people would've found this to be interesting. Oh well - at least a few of you guys did! Yes, Aaron, I'll bet that because conceptually the Chapar... umm, Monte Carlo is similar to the Grand Prix, it was thought the Chevrolet model would've joined the Grand Prix as a G-body sibling with a 118" wheelbase as well. But doing so would've made it harder to offer at a "Chevrolet Price". I'm pretty happy with the Monte Carlo name, too, Chris. Dave

While going through stuff in my mom's garage recently, I came across more old magazines (yes, there's more!). Included among them was a Popular Science from January 1969. Seeing that it had a 4-way comparison test of the [then] new '69 Camaro, Cougar, Firebird, and Mustang, I thought it would be fun to look through - as there may be more cool car stuff in it. Many of us know that the Monte Carlo program was given the green light in early 1968, and a name that was being considered for the new model during the development stage was "Concours". Well, while looking through the vintage Popular Science last night, I came across some more historical Monte Carlo information. Right there on page 48 at the top of the "Detroit Report" column by Jim Dunne, the detroit editor, a highlighted yellow block contains the following... "WATCH FOR A NEW CHEVROLET LINE to compete with the Ford Thunderbird for 1970. As yet unnamed, the new car will share GM's G-body shell with Pontiac's Grand Prix. Insiders say one name under consideration is "Chaparral," the same as Jim Hall's Chevrolet-powered racing cars. Front styling will resemble the Chevelle's, but the grille has richer-looking, heavier bars, and a new larger bumper has built-in, round parking lights. Wheelbase will be about 118 inches." This was the first time I'd ever read anywhere another actual name (other than "Concours") that was being considered for our cars! I guess it was ultimately decided that "Concours" was a little too stuffy for a 2-door sport coupe with a semi-fastback roofline and rally car-inspired fender bulges, and that "Chaparral" was too all-out racy. "Monte Carlo" kind of crossed the bridge between the two, and was deemed to be just right. But just think; if the name "Concours" or "Chaparral" had been used instead of "Monte Carlo", this great club would today be known as the FGCC, and the NMCOA would be known as the NCOA. So, just smile and wave when someone mistakenly says, "Nice Chevelle!", as you drive by in your first generation Chevrolet "Chaparral". Dave

I think all you need for setting people straight is to show 'em your paperwork. The original authentication/certification/validation signatures from Dick Harrell, Don Yenko, Joel Rosen, and Joe Mondello should carry some weight. And, man, you've even got a Galen Govier signature and a Marti Report too, don't you? Dave

Welcome to the FGMCC, John & Lisa! It sounds like you've got a great car, and it's nice to have you with us. Dave

Welcome to the FGMCC site, Dane. Unfortunately, I don't believe the cowl tag will tell you the information you're looking for. Like others have said, it sounds like a great car to put a 4, 5, or 6-speed tranny into, though! Dave

I'll continue to keep Ronnie's family in my prayers during this difficult time of loss as well. Dave

Wow, reading through this thread... Ronnie sure sounds like a great guy. Very sad news, indeed. I will pray for him and his family during this difficult time as well. Dave

The Chevrolet By The Numbers book is well worth the asking price, and is a great resource to have and refer to. You need to unpack it! Dave

Welcome to the FGMCC, Jay! I haven't heard of any verified cases of forged SS454 build sheets, either, and quite frankly I hope that I never do. I personally feel that "cloning" a special edition car, building a "tribute", or recreating a window sticker with the car's options/list prices on it for the love of the vehicle, hobby, etc. is one thing, but I personally feel that faking a build sheet is going too far - regardless of what kind of vehicle it is. Either you have a real deal build sheet or you don't, and I consider the intent of such an action to be just as dishonest as re-stamping an engine block or tampering with a VIN. I agree with you - that prior to '69 it was great when the SS cars had a slightly different body series/style # as part of their VIN! Dave

Does the '55 have factory buckets and tri-power carburetion? Dave

I like that idea, Bruce, and it would be kind of fun to do some time. We'd still probably never get an accurate tally, though, but it would be fun nevertheless. Dave P.S. CHRIS - I still think of that old Tootsie Pop ad whenever I have one! Hmmmmm, maybe we'll have to get some Tootsie Pops for Halloween...

Would it work to "Take The Last Train..."? Seriously, though, it would be cool if you guys could meet up. Originally Posted By: Thumpber72 That guy is so shady and lies so much I don't believe anything he says. Awwwww, you don't have to be that hard on him. After all, I'll bet it's got the "SS dashboard"! Dave

But Rob, how can we ignore what you said? What I want to know now is if the white room had black curtains? Dave

Many years ago, I read somewhere it was speculated that about half of the SS454s were likely still in existence. But like Crazy Davey said, the number may have doubled by now due to the "If you can't buy 'em - build 'em" aspect, too! Dave

Great overview of the Western Meet, Doug. It was a pleasure to meet you this year and have you there! Another fantastic FGMCC meet has been enjoyed by everyone in attendance. Thanks again to Aaron for his hard work in putting it together, and to everyone for supporting it. I had a blast! Dave

Just make sure to get good and wet before attempting to remove it, Chris. OUCH! Originally Posted By: Rob Peters The reason for this is when club member Dave Mau designed the logo we used two copy written items, the Knight and the Monte Carlo Script. To use these we had to submit our logo design to General Motors lawyers for approval. Once they approved it the logo became the property of GM and not to us. In the license agreement our club agrees to limit the use and that all use must receive the approval of a majority of the club officers/directors. As Rob has said, the logo is technically the property of GM, being that it incorporates their trademarks in it. In addition to the knight/crest emblem and the "Monte Carlo" script, the logo also includes a Chevy bowtie on the license plate of the first gen Monte Carlo - of which even the body design itself can technically be considered a trademark of GM. The Club's agreement with GM grants The Club exclusive rights to use the logo for club promotion, merchandise, etc., and it is our responsibility to use it in good taste. This is all in accordance with federal copyright laws, and it protects both GM and the FGMCC. I've got a copy of the legal agreement at home, and it's a pretty thick stack of papers! GM is totally supportive of clubs like ours, and by using The Club logo correctly we reciprocate that goodwill relationship. It was a real pleasure to do the logo for the FGMCC, and I thank everyone for their continued appreciation and support of the logo and of our fine club that it represents. Dave

I should have time to make it this weekend, Ian. Ya know, I think that this is gonna end up being one "Crazy 8" meet! It's our 8th Western Meet (VIII), it's Boise's 8th Annual Northwest Motorfest, and it begins on July 8th. Not only that, but Crazy Davey might even be able to make it again! Pretty cool, eh?! The FGMCC will be bringin' it to Boise! Dave

To hug one of the "Ladies of the Knight" is better, though. Dave

I stopped for a couple of visits on the return trip home yesterday and pulled into my driveway at 11:00pm last night. I really enjoy and am very thankful for my job, and the air conditioning here in the office today is feeling pretty good... but man, I wish I was still in The Dalles with everyone; what a FANTASTIC meet! Dave

I'm planning to install a new HEI module in the retrofitted distributor tonight. I was hoping to spend all of last Saturday driving the ol' girl in my local car club's "Mystery Cruise", but she only got me as far as our meeting place on Saturday morning. When it was time for all of us to head out, she wouldn't fire! I ended up riding along in a '39 Ford Business Coupe - which was fun, nevertheless. Testing of the Monte later that evening showed no spark, so hopefully the new module will remedy the problem. I don't want to have to drive my pickup truck to the meet! I'm also going to get some more of my "Heavy Metal Knight" 'tooned Monte Carlo illustrations printed to take along with me - in case anyone is interested in purchasing them at the special meet price. Dave

Those choices sound good to me, too. Dave