Monte Carlo...Continued

The Lumina name replaced the Monte Carlo and the V8 engine in 1988 when the rear-drive platforms were dropped. The Monte Carlo nameplate had been introduced in 1970, and became identified with performance.

Monte Carlo has acquired a special place in the hearts of American hot rodders and stock car racers. The Monte Carlo name was revived for the coupe-variant of the Lumina, reworked for 1996. It has helped boost Lumina sales, and more importantly, raised the coupe from moribund -- near last place in the segment -- to leadership. The re-styling mostly affected the body and interior, but much effort was made to produce a quieter and smoother ride.

You can still buy rear-drive V8 Monte Carlos, but you have to go to a NASCAR chassis builder to get them. They will cost close to $150,000 each and can't be licensed for the street, so the major customers for that version are still Terry Labonte, Jeff Gordon and about fifty of the guys they hang out with on weekends.

All kidding aside, the racing version of the Monte Carlo benefited from sleek lines, especially on the super-speedways. Chevy drivers went almost a quarter of the season without letting a Ford into the winner's circle in 1996. Since their introduction, they have dominated the stock car championships, winning the most races. You can get your V6 street version today where Mr. Goodwrench hangs out.

Even GM admits that the Lumina was one of the most difficult start-ups in their history. First they built only two-door Lumina Coupes when the model was introduced in 1988, and despite their racing success, they cost more to make than their sale proceeds. When the four-door was introduced, they were far behind Taurus, Accord, and Camry in sales. In fact the two-door was seventh in that segment.

This was clearly inappropriate, since Lumina always has been a solid car, only needing some feature refinement and marketing to turn it around. When it was re-worked two years ago and the Monte Carlo model added, the old magic was back. Now this coupe is first in that market, and passed Thunderbird which is headed for a couple years in the pasture.