The 1986 and 1987 Chevrolet Monte Carlo Aerocoupe models are rare and legendary pieces of GM’s performance legacy. Built primarily to meet NASCAR homologation requirements, these limited-edition Monte Carlos blurred the line between street car and race car. With unique aerodynamic styling and performance tweaks, the Aerocoupe helped Chevrolet dominate stock car racing in the late '80s
A Brief History of the Unique Monte Carlo Aerocoupe
Chevrolet introduced the Aerocoupe in 1986 as a response to increasing competition in NASCAR, particularly from Ford’s aerodynamic Thunderbird. The goal was to streamline the Monte Carlo’s body to reduce drag and improve high-speed stability. NASCAR rules required at least 200 examples to be sold to the public to qualify for racing. Chevrolet built just 200 Aerocoupes in 1986, but demand—and racing success—prompted a much larger production run of 6,052 units for 1987. All Aerocoupes were based on the Monte Carlo SS trim, pairing aggressive styling with the usual underwhelming V8 horsepower outputs for that era.
Appearance and Design
The Aerocoupe stood out from the standard Monte Carlo with its distinctive sloped rear window and shortened trunk lid, a feature designed to improve airflow over the rear of the car. It retained the SS’s front air dam, body-colored bumpers, and subtle rear spoiler. The fastback glass gave the coupe a sleek, almost European look, yet its squared-off front kept the car unmistakably American.
Performance Features
-
Engine: 5.0L (305 cubic inch) High Output V8
-
Horsepower: 180 hp @ 4,800 RPM
-
Torque: 225 lb-ft @ 3,200 RPM
-
Transmission: 4-speed automatic with overdrive (200-4R)
-
Suspension: Performance-tuned F41 that included firmer springs and tougher bushings, and larger front and rear sway bars
-
Brakes: Front disc, rear drum setup
-
Rear Axle Ratio: 3.73 for improved acceleration
-
Top Speed: Estimated 120 mph
-
0–60 Time: Approximately 8.5 seconds
