How rare is a 1987 Monte Carlo SS Aerocoupe?
The Aerocoupe is exceedingly rare; most credible estimates place production in the low thousands, with figures commonly cited around 1,500 to 3,000 units depending on how the model is defined and what counts as Aerocoupe.
What is the Aerocoupe?
The Aerocoupe was a 1987 Pontiac Monte Carlo SS variant designed to look more aerodynamic. Built on the same basic coupe platform, it featured distinctive styling changes—most notably a modified roofline and rear glass treatment—that gave it a sleeker appearance for the era. Production tallies are murky because GM did not publish a single, definitive count for the Aerocoupe package, and enthusiasts and registries differ on whether certain cars with Aerocoupe styling counts as true Aerocoupes. As a result, rarity is discussed in ranges rather than a precise figure.
Design and features
In practical terms, the Aerocoupe is identified by its unique exterior styling cues rather than a different engine. The package signaled GM's interest in aerodynamics for mass-market coupes during the 1980s, and the Aerocoupe lineage continues to be a focal point for collectors of late-20th-century GM performance cars.
Production counts and rarity
Estimates of how many Aerocoupes were built vary, reflecting differences in registry criteria, model-year boundaries, and what counts as an Aerocoupe versus a standard Monte Carlo SS with Aerocoupe styling.
- Low production range: roughly 1,500–2,000 units (a commonly cited band among enthusiast registries)
- Mid-range estimates: about 2,000–3,000 units (a widely cited figure from car clubs and registries)
- Higher counts and caveats: some sources include dealer-prepped or pre-production examples, pushing totals toward 3,500 units or slightly more
Because GM never released a definitive production tally for the Aerocoupe, rarity is a function of documentation, registry methodology, and how strictly a car is counted as an Aerocoupe. Prospective buyers and collectors typically rely on club registries and documented build sheets when assessing rarity and value.
How to verify authenticity and assess value
To gauge whether a Monte Carlo SS is an authentic Aerocoupe—beyond visual styling cues—prospective owners should focus on provenance, build sheets, and documented options. Buyers should confirm:
- VIN and trim codes match the Aerocoupe package as offered in 1987 Monte Carlo SS production.
- Proper dealer and production documentation detailing the Aerocoupe option; cross-check with registry entries.
- Visual cues such as the specialized rear glass treatment and roofline design, along with any official Aerocoupe badges if present.
- Documentation from clubs or registries that specifically recognize the vehicle as an Aerocoupe.
Clear provenance reduces ambiguity and can influence value in auctions and private sales, given the model's rarity and the lack of a fixed official count.
Summary
The 1987 Monte Carlo SS Aerocoupe sits among GM's more elusive late-1980s performance offerings. While most credible estimates place production in the low thousands, the exact tally remains uncertain due to inconsistent definitions and limited official documentation. For enthusiasts, the Aerocoupe's rarity is real and meaningful, but buyers should weigh provenance and registry data alongside condition and originality when assessing value.
How many 1987 Monte Carlo Aero Coupes were made?
A total of 6,052 1987 Monte Carlo SS Aerocoupes were made. This limited-production model was created for NASCAR homologation and featured a distinctive sloped rear window and shorter trunk lid to improve aerodynamics.
- Year: 1987
- Model: Monte Carlo SS Aerocoupe
- Total Production: 6,052
- Purpose: Created for NASCAR homologation
- Key Features: Sloped rear window, shorter trunk lid, and a unique rear spoiler
What year is the rarest Monte Carlo SS?
1 of 200 built in 1986, and just 75,753 actual miles!
Being 1 of 200 built makes this the rarest Monte Carlo SS built.
How much is a 1987 Monte Carlo SS worth today?
The value of a 1987 Monte Carlo SS varies widely, ranging from approximately $12,000 for a low-condition model to over $30,000 for a high-quality or rare Aerocoupe, with asking prices on the market often between $18,000 and $40,000 depending on condition, mileage, and features like the Aerocoupe package. A specific 1987 Aerocoupe sold for $38,500 at auction recently, and some listings exceed $70,000.
Factors that influence value
- Condition: Poorly maintained cars in "low retail" condition might be worth as little as $4,500, while a car in "average" or "high" retail condition can be valued around $6,700 or $12,200 respectively.
- Mileage: Lower mileage generally increases the value. For example, a 1987 Monte Carlo SS with only 9,300 miles is listed for $45,995.
- Aerocoupe package: The limited-production Aerocoupe model is more valuable. In 1987, only 6,052 of these models were made.
- Specific features: Options like T-tops or original V8 engines can affect the value. A 1987 Monte Carlo SS with T-tops is being offered for $24,500.
- Location: Prices can vary based on the local market. Some sources show a wide range of prices for the 1987 Monte Carlo SS depending on the region.
- Modifications: Modifications like engine swaps can affect the car's value. A 1987 Monte Carlo SS with an LS engine swap is being offered for $29,500.
Where to find the value
- Classic.com: Provides a market overview for the 1987 Monte Carlo SS, with prices ranging from $19,000 to $76,000.
- Hemmings: Lists 1987 Monte Carlo models for sale, with asking prices ranging from $19,500 to $76,000.
- Hagerty Valuation Tools: Offers a valuation tool that estimates the value of a 1987 Monte Carlo SS in good condition to be around $18,650. The highest selling price at auction over the last three years was $38,500.
- J.D. Power: Provides price estimates for 1987 Monte Carlo SS models in different conditions, with values ranging from $4,525 for low retail to $12,200 for high retail.
- Kelley Blue Book: Estimates the value of a 1987 Monte Carlo SS to be around $44,744, based on average condition and features.
How rare is the 87 Monte Carlo SS?
Only 6,052 were built, making it a rare and collectible piece of Chevy history.
