In December 1997, I came across an ad in the local newspaper for a 1972 Chevrolet Monte Carlo with very low mileage. I made a phone call and found out the car was in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, which was about 15 miles from my home in Coplay, Pennsylvania. After a little discussion with my wife, Elaine, who was initially against buying another antique/classic car since we already had two other older cars, I ventured out to look at this car.

I was told that this car was purchased new at Hauser Chevrolet in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, in May, 1972. The lady who owned this car had it in the garage covered with bed sheets. I looked the car over very carefully and liked what I saw. I told her I would let her know later that day.

I later picked up my wife and had her look at the car. When we got there, the car was again covered with the bed sheets in the garage. In doing an about face, Elaine said to me that if I wanted a Monte Carlo, I better take this one since I would probably not find another one in such good condition. It was equipped with a 350 cid motor, automatic transmission, power brakes and power steering, vinyl roof and no air conditioner but with only 29,251 miles on the odometer. The color is rare—black vinyl roof over cream yellow with a black cloth bench seat interior. Beside normal items such as tune-up, brake re-line, tires and oil changes, I have done very little in the way of repairs.

After we looked the car over a second time, we took the car for a test ride. I was surprised at how tight the car was. I was also disappointed at how poorly the car ran. It was in need of a tune-up. After this was done, it ran like a new one.

At present, more than 22 years later, this Monte Carlo has less than 50,000 miles on the odometer. We have had the car to many national shows with the farthest distance being Stowe, Vermont. We are members of the Vintage Chevrolet Club of America (VCCA) and the Antique Automobile Club of America (AACA).

In August 2018, we attended a VCCA show in Morgantown, Pennsylvania. At that show, I received several awards including a best-of-show in my class which is an HPOCF. The car was then nominated for a national award. The Monte Carlo did not receive this award, but I was honored just having it nominated.

The one obstacle we have when attending any national show, whether AACA or VCCA, is the fact that I am constantly questioned about the radial tires since the car has the HPOF-Original award. This car had radial tires when purchased new. We also attended many local shows during the years, such as Das Awksch Fescht. We have used this car for several tours with our Ontelaunee Region AACA, and also, this car was driven to an AACA Founders Tour at Vineland, New Jersey.  We are looking forward to attending future events that are antique car related.

By Don Baer