A fastback edition of the Monte Carlo SS was unveiled in 1986 by Chevrolet, for which consumers could thank reigning Winston Cup champion Darrell Waltrip and other NASCAR Chevrolet stalwarts.
Work on the sloped backlight for the car began around 1984 in an attempt to reduce lift and drag on NASCAR superspeedways. Chevy said the fastback styling cut the car’s coefficient of drag to 0.365, compared with 0.375 for the conventional upright glass.
Chevy hoped the new look (model option B5T in the order book) would make Monte Carlo SS a winner in dealer showrooms, too. Chevrolet originally forecast the SS would increase its share of total Monte Carlo sales from 25 to 40 percent.
Unfavorable aerodynamics cost Pontiac stock car wins and inspired its version of the same car, the Grand Prix based 2+2. Its fastback rear window had to appear on a minimum number of production cars to qualify it for racing (homologation).
It was nominally available as a 1987 model, but those sold were likely 1986 leftovers. Demand was so weak, in fact, that one Pontiac expert recalled seeing a new ’86 2+2 at a dealer as late as 1988.
Also featured were a silver and gray paint scheme with red accents, special front fascia, styled wheels and loads of options. It was $17,800 with a 350 cubic inch 165hp v8. About only 200 were built.
One element of the car was aerodynamic efficiency. Up front, a sloping fascia allowed smooth airflow over the hood while a deep dam helped deflect lower air to the sides of the vehicle. At the rear, turbulence was minimized with a sweeping window treatment and integration of a spoiler into the fiberglass deck lid. Offered as a no-option model, Pontiac 2+2 offered a host of standard features including a 5.0-liter V-8 engine, specific suspension tuning, 215/65R15 Eagle GT tires and Rally instrumentation.
What Junkies are Saying