The GM Aerocoupes

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The GM Aero Coupes

"The Street Version of the Current NASCAR Points Leader"

images scanned from a 1987 Goodyear ad

by Steve Wingate, TCGOB publisher

The 1983-88 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS came about in response to requests from NASCAR drivers for a sportier, more aerodynamic version of the current production Monte Carlo sedan. The street Monte Carlo SS came standard with a 175 bhp version of the 305 V-8 with a 4 bbl Rochester carburetor, dual exhausts, rear spoiler, beefier suspension, and wider wheels and tires.

"Number One Draft Choice"

Click here to see an enlargement of this ad.

By 1985, however, it became obvious that the NASCAR version of the SS needed a little something more to compete with the more aerodynamic Ford Thunderbirds. Thus, the 1986 Aerocoupe was born. Unlike it's predecessors, also known as "notch backs", the aero coupes had an aerodynamic "bubble" rear window that provided a 2.7 percent reduction in drag coefficient. (Thats about 5mph on the track.) GM only produced 200 street versions of the 1986 Aerocoupe SS, the absolute minimum production number per NASCAR regulations. In 1987, Chevrolet produced 6,052 Aerocoupes, and by 1988, the Aerocoupe was no more. 1988 was also the swan song for the SS notch back. GM replaced the SS with the Lumina in 1989 in NASCAR competition. Chevrolet had been prepared to produce 20,000 street cars with the "aero" package, but nobody knows why they stopped at just over six thousand.

Dale in his Aero Coupe during the 1988 season. Image courtesy of the r.a.s.n image archive

The Pontiac "Aero Coupe"

Its easy to see why the SSs became such collector's items, but one car you seldom hear about is the Pontiac counterpart to the SS Aerocoupe. The Pontiac Grand Prix 2+2 was only made for 1986, and only 1,118 were produced. Like the SS, the Grand Prix also came standard with a 305 and the aero package which included a rear spoiler and custom front fascia.

Don't you miss seeing things like this in your local car lot?

Oddly enough, although the street SS and the 2+2 were sister cars, the distinguishing "bubble" rear glass pieces were not interchangeable.

The Pontiac Aerocoupe driven by Rusty Wallace during the 87 season. Scanned from a 1987 Kodiak ad

Another Pontiac Aero, this driven by Eddie Bierschwale. Scanned from the 1987 Press Guide

King Richard in his 86 Aero. Scanned from the 1987 Press Guide

2003 Car Guy of Benchfield

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	The Car Guy of Benchfield Home + TCGOB NASCAR! + Photo Garage + Links + Mad Mad Automotive World + Driving Songs + Humor Pages + Reader's Rides+ All About TCGOB + Contact Us The GM Aero Coupes "The Street Version of the Current NASCAR Points Leader" images scanned from a 1987 Goodyear ad by Steve Wingate, TCGOB publisher The 1983-88 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS came about in response to requests from NASCAR drivers for a sportier, more aerodynamic version of the current production Monte Carlo sedan. The street Monte Carlo SS came standard with a 175 bhp version of the 305 V-8 with a 4 bbl Rochester carburetor, dual exhausts, rear spoiler, beefier suspension, and wider wheels and tires. "Number One Draft Choice" By 1985, however, it became obvious that the NASCAR version of the SS needed a little something more to compete with the more aerodynamic Ford Thunderbirds. Thus, the 1986 Aerocoupe was born. Unlike it's predecessors, also known as "notch backs", the aero coupes had an aerodynamic "bubble" rear window that provided a 2.7 percent reduction in drag coefficient. (Thats about 5mph on the track.) GM only produced 200 street versions of the 1986 Aerocoupe SS, the absolute minimum production number per NASCAR regulations. In 1987, Chevrolet produced 6,052 Aerocoupes, and by 1988, the Aerocoupe was no more. 1988 was also the swan song for the SS notch back. GM replaced the SS with the Lumina in 1989 in NASCAR competition. Chevrolet had been prepared to produce 20,000 street cars with the "aero" package, but nobody knows why they stopped at just over six thousand. Dale in his Aero Coupe during the 1988 season. Image courtesy of the r.a.s.n image archive The Pontiac "Aero Coupe" Its easy to see why the SSs became such collector's items, but one car you seldom hear about is the Pontiac counterpart to the SS Aerocoupe. The Pontiac Grand Prix 2+2 was only made for 1986, and only 1,118 were produced. Like the SS, the Grand Prix also came standard with a 305 and the aero package which included a rear spoiler and custom front fascia. Don't you miss seeing things like this in your local car lot? Oddly enough, although the street SS and the 2+2 were sister cars, the distinguishing "bubble" rear glass pieces were not interchangeable. The Pontiac Aerocoupe driven by Rusty Wallace during the 87 season. Scanned from a 1987 Kodiak ad Another Pontiac Aero, this driven by Eddie Bierschwale. Scanned from the 1987 Press Guide King Richard in his 86 Aero. Scanned from the 1987 Press Guide 2003 Car Guy of Benchfield Home + TCGOB NASCAR! + Photo Garage + Links + Mad Mad Automotive World + Driving Songs + Humor Pages + Reader's Rides+ All About TCGOB + Contact Us