In 1977,, right after basic training and tech school, just as I was heading to my first permanent station, I bought a brand new, off the showroom floor '77 Monte Carlo from the Chevy dealer in my hometown. Had to have my dad's help as in co-signing for the loan since I didn't have enough credit established yet for such a "big" purchase. I paid $5700 & change, if I remember right, and it seems like my payements were around $160 a month. I was single & living in the barracks, and it still seemed like a lot of money. I think my military paycheck at the time was in around $374 per month. Nope, just looked it up and it was $433.20! Still, with no other debts, I had gas money and could eat out once in awhile...what else could I ask for? Alas, two years down the road, I was out for an "excursion" on a dirt road with my girlfriend, when I went too wide in a curve, slid off the road & down an embankment, and rolled the car over. Total loss, no injuries. Except to my wallet and my feelings. That MC was black inside & out and was pretty much a basic model, with the 305 engine. Of course, my favorite muscle cars are from the mid-late 60s to the very early 70's, with my Monte Carlo really not fitting into that category from a horsepower standpoint, but it was still a nice car. Today, I'd rather have a nice restored 68-69 Camaro SS or Z-28, or a Chevelle, Nova, Mustang etc. That's on my to-do list after I retire in 5 yrs.