Minty 1973 Chevy Monte Carlo Will Make You Do a Triple Take
For sale in Asakura, Japan, this classic SoCal Monte Carlo shows you how far the Lowrider culture has gone.
Ever stumble upon a diamond in the rough while scrolling through used car sales online? What if that diamond also happened to be an 18 hour flight away to a country with an current international entry ban? Well, let’s not sweat all the details. Because this 1973 Chevy Monte Carlo is the real deal and definitely worth pondering over, no matter its distance.
Found on the popular Japanese used car sale website, Car Sensor, this stunning example of a classic ’70s lowrider is now for sale in Asakura City, Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan.
So how the hell did this left-hand drive (and thus, imported) Chevy make its way to a southern island of Japan? Unfortunately, there isn’t too much available history on this specific vehicle, but we can make some inferences. In order to do so, we need to review some history.
From Coast to Coast
Lowrider culture had been popularized globally since the early ’90s, thanks to its association with West Coast Hip Hop. Before then, it was just an L.A. thing. Recognition as a culture solely existed between by local Mexican-American ethnic groups during the ’60s and ’70s, while being hated by the mainstream for being different.
Japan, although many miles away from Southern California, has always had an interesting take on the automotive space. Since the early 2000s, the lowrider tradition gained prominence in the Japanese automotive subculture and continues to thrive today.
One cannot understate the apparent historical similarities between native Japanese Bosozoku culture and Mexican-American lowrider culture. Fast forward to 2021, we now have imported Monte Carlos sitting on Japanese used car lots.
We love the fact that it is even possible. As seen by the quality of this vehicle, the result is a definitely a good thing.
Monte Carlo Interior — Just as WildÂ
We really aren’t sure what aspect of this Monte Carlo we like the most. Without a doubt, the stunning purples and pinks found in the candy metallic paint would probably blind you with their radiance if seen in person.
The absolutely off-the-wall interior is a one-two punch to match the vibrant exterior. Every single aspect of the trim has been lined in velour and suede. If you look for simplicity and subtlety in an interior, this is not the car for you.
The chrome chain-link steering wheel with custom neon pink switches is an undeniable statement piece. The heart-shaped front seats and rear bench look like they could belong in Cinderella’s carriage.
Don’t forget that this beast is equipped with candlestick switches to operate the hydraulics on the suspension. It it ain’t a lowrider unless you can hit the switches.
In the trunk, you’ll find the air tanks and compressor along with 3 Optima batteries to power the whole operation. The engine is Chevy 350 small-block with Edelbrock valve covers from what we can see.
We aren’t 100 percent certain it runs and drives as there isn’t a real vivid description for the ad (not to mention being in Japanese). However, we do at least have a price: 3.5 million yen or about $32,000.
Doesn’t seem that bad considering the location and the overall detail put into the vehicle. With a nice engine tuck and finished custom trunk setup, this Chevy would earn its right on the concourse of any prestigious car show anywhere.
We really hope the next owner of this vehicle finishes where the previous owner left off. This timeless piece is not to be neglected and deserves more eyes.
Photos: Car Sensor
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