Are our interests genetic or taught?  Nobody really knows because often what we like is what our parents liked.  Steve Atherton’s mother loved this ‘70 Chevy Monte Carlo SS 454 when she first saw it in 1969, so why Steve loves it now could be either.  Who cares?  This muscle car has been in the family since new for whatever the reason.  

Wikipedia defines a muscle car as “a mid-size car with a large, powerful engine.” Even though Monte Carlos are not often thought of as “muscle cars,” with it’s massive 454 CID, 360 HP engine, this Monte Carlo fills the bill.  Steve talks of his mother “shutting down” (beating in a drag race) surprised teenagers in their “hot” cars.  Momma’s muscle Monte Carlo was a mean machine.  Now Steve owns this black exterior/black vinyl roof/ black interior beauty.  With air conditioning, power steering, and power brakes, it’s not one of the stripped-down models that so many muscle cars were.  Having only 62,000 actual miles on it, this unrestored, original classic is rare indeed.  But if you see this black beast on the road, don’t try to race it. After all, Steve is his mother’s son.

Story by Ron C. © 2007 • Photos by club photographer, Edie H.