SUMMARY
All-original survivor that's logged only 6,522 milesThis awesome Intimidator SS is number 289 of 4,000 special edition 2004 Monte Carlos produced to honor one of NASCAR's greatest drivers. If you're a serious Chevrolet collector who's looking to pick up a unique piece of modern muscle, or a diehard Earnhardt fan that's always wanted to pilot a menacing sports coupe, here's your chance to shine!
HISTORY/BODY
It's no secret that Chevrolet is an automotive division founded by, and named after, a prominent racecar driver. To celebrate the rampant success of the brand's NASCAR teams, GM decided to produce limited edition Monte Carlos that honored fans' favorite drivers. Without a doubt, Dale Earnhardt, a man whose name is virtually synonymous with the word Chevrolet, was one of the fans' most respected icons. The Intimidator project was initiated in 1998, when Earnhardt debuted the Intimidator Concept at the North American International Auto Show to preview NASCAR's influence on the sixth generation Monte Carlo. The first production Intimidator was essentially a run of 3,333 stripe-and-decal packages made available on the just adequate 2002 Monte Carlo SS. Then in 2004, when GM finally decided to gift the car their much-lauded supercharged V6, production ramped for 4,000 much-improved Intimidators.
In addition to the hotter engine, now officially dubbed the Monte Carlo Supercharged SS, the car received an upgraded interior, an enhanced suspension and unique aesthetics. Naturally, a lot of Black paint was in order. NASCAR-style ground effects perfectly complemented a NASCAR-style deck spoiler. Red Chevrolet bowties joined red and silver "Intimidator SS" badging that could be found on the car's decklid and, in typical Monte Carlo fashion, just in front of the rear tires. And bright exhaust tips looked good trailing chrome, diamond-cut wheels. Logging only 6,522 miles over the course of 12 years, this particular 2004 Intimidator SS remains in great condition. And, aside from the car's "Intimidator" windshield banner and requisite Dale Earnhardt Chevrolet dealer decal, it rolls just as it left the showroom.
DRIVETRAIN
As you've probably gleaned, the sixth generation Monte Carlo was factory-equipped with GM's beefy 3800 Series II V6. And when customers checked the box for a top-option Supercharged SS, the car came equipped with a proven Eaton blower. Internally dubbed the L67, this relatively light engine is a highly reliable piece that has an excellent reputation for strong internals and impressive power. Behind the growling mill, a proven GM 4T65E-HD 4-speed makes excellent use of big displacement torque. That drivetrain rides on a wide MacPherson Strut performance suspension, which mixes standard traction control with a 10mm-reduced ride height. Stops are provided by large, power-assisted discs, which benefit from standard ABS technology. Exhaust rolls to bright stainless tips via stainless, factory-spec pipes. Power flows through diamond-cut, Intimidator-spec blades, which twist 235/55R17 Goodyear Eagle RS-As around familiar red bowties. And overall, this Chevy is an absolute delight to drive, serving as a high-water mark for the large, comfortable coupe niche that has all but disappeared.
INTERIOR
This sculpted Monte's sporty leather interior begins with Earnhardt-branded seats that feature 6-way power adjustment for the car's driver. In front of those seats, an Intimidator-branded dash hangs an optional 200-watt sound system between dual-zone climate control and trademark, Earnhardt-branded instrumentation. At the center of that dash, a narrow console founds a monochromatic shifter on clean carpet, color-keyed floor mats and brash Intimidator sills. Above those sills, simple door panels frame power windows, power door locks and power mirrors. A tilting, leather-wrapped steering wheel keeps cruise control and audio selection at the driver's fingertips. And a cavernous trunk continues the car's roomy theme.
PROVENANCE
Naturally, this exclusive Chevrolet was born with a long list of standard and optional equipment. Here's a breakdown of the car's original window sticker:
2004 MONTE CARLO SUPERCHARGED SS
3.8 LITER SUPERCHARGED V6
4-SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
BLACK PAINT
EBONY INTERIOR
STANDARD EQUIPMENT:
Supercharged 3800 Series II V6OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT:
Monte Carlo Supercharged SS Preferred Equipment Group 1SBDOCUMENTATION
An original marketing brochureWhat better way to honor the legacy of the Intimidator than driving around in a sinister Chevrolet with his name on it? Whether you're a diehard NASCAR fan, or just a smart enthusiast looking for a good bet on solid collector car, this cool Monte Carlo is the modern classic you crave!