1985 Chevy Monte Carlo - The Best of the G-Bodies

Real Ridez traveled to Outer Banks, NC, to interview Michael Tillett, owner of a SEMA worthy 1985 Chevy Monte Carlo. And when we say “SEMA worthy”, we mean it–the car has actually been on display at SEMA in 2013.

Mike originally purchased the Monte Carlo with 47k miles, intending to use it as a daily driver. As the years went on, so did the miles. Things broke. That’s when Mike decided if he was going to put money into fixing the car, he was going to do it right.

As a little boy, he always wanted a car that was in a magazine. With a limited budget, Mike knew it would take years to complete his show car build. To top it off, this isn’t an ordinary restoration. Mike built the Monte Carlo the way he felt the factory should have always built it, with a V6 power plant out of a Grand National, a Hurst Lightning Rod shifter, and other design choices, Mike combined the best of GM’s G-Bodies.

After 10 years, he debuted his masterpiece to the world at SEMA in Las Vegas, Nevada. This was a dream come true; not everyone gets a spot at the world’s largest aftermarket automotive show. It requires a lot of work and investments. That’s where something special happened. Friends and family, along with local businesses throughout the Outer Banks, came together to complete the build and sent Mike to debut it at SEMA in 2013. After ten years, Mike’s dream came true.

Today, the award-winning Monte Carlo has graced multiple magazines, television shows, and, of course, SEMA.

Realizing his dreams would have not been possible without the help of the community, he works with close friends on several local fundraisers, youth programs, and travels across the country, enlisting his beautiful g-body in shows while being an ambassador for the Outer Banks.

Every year, Mike and his friends host the OBX Rod and Customs Festival

“It’s not my car, it’s an Outer Banks car,” said Mike.

Are you a fan of automotive documentaries?

❤️ Enjoyed the video? Buy the creator a coffee by clicking THANKS. ☕️

📣 Connect with us!

👕 Real Ridez automotive-inspired merch*:

🎧 Music licensed by (affiliate links)*:

🎬 Shot with (affiliate links)*:

🙏 Special thanks to Michael Tillett, OBXSS, OBX Rod and Custom Festival, Christopher Ellison, Johnny Outlaw, & Toby Cherasaro.

*This description contains affiliate links, which means Real Ridez may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link.

#Chevy #MonteCarlo #Documentary #RealRidezTV

[MayaTillett]

So proud to call this amazing man my uncle ❤️ Thank you for sharing this story and providing an avenue for him to tell people the history behind this car. Most people just see the finished product but don’t understand the dedication and hard work that goes behind it. He has dedicated many years of his life to this and the support from the community, friends and family to get to this point is truly, truly remarkable. Amazing story, amazing man, amazing car. This is all the indication to always follow your dreams!!

[toon_on_s]

1986 Monte Carlo ss. Owned it since 2017. Still been going at it, lifelong process

[towcars]

i have a 87 monte carlo ss been fixing for 5 years already almost done ...exactly what he said takes time

[MayheM_]

Growing up, one of my grandmothers had a Monte Carlo, and the other had a Buick Regal. When I was in high school, one of the adult counselors in my church youth group had a Monte Carlo SS, one buddy's mom had a Cutlass 442, and another buddy's dad had a Grand National. After school, I dated a girl with a Pontiac Grand Prix. I still LOVE those old G bodies!

[loganrusso]

A Monte SS is my favorite car, and this is the best one I've ever seen...

[ChevyGarage]

It makes me happy to hear someone's dream came true. I have had a passion for cars since my first matchbox car. Every day goes by I wonder will I ever build mine before my time expires?

[ssjohns]

I have a 1986 MCSS hibernating in the garage for the winter. It's been in shop jail most of its life. Finally back and ready for the spring. 69k miles on the body, 3k miles on the new motor.

[amareeljamii]

Thank you for sharing your story. This car is wonderful but your spirit is even greater.

[kyledoubleu]

This is by far the coolest ss monte ever. I’m a gbody fanatic and this is my dream car. Currently building a 87 ss now but definitely not as unique as yours

[RealRidez]

What’s your dream car? Tell us in the comments below!👇

While you're at it, be sure to hit like and subscribe. It really helps our channel grow and reach new viewers.

[felkerforcongress]

Just found this on Youtube... I have an 86 ss with 13k on it that is in pretty good shape, I love these cars such a cool looking vehicle. What a great story and a beautiful ride. Thanks for Sharing your story Mr. Tillett!!!

[Jim-jlff]

That would be a dream car for sure! Monte Carlo SS with a Buick Grand National engine. Your vision, your dream, a “BIG CONGRATULATIONS”to you sir.

[shawng]

Damn those wheels look amazing in chrome!!! Money very well spent!!

[aaronmccall]

I can't add anymore to all the comments about this awesome Monte Carlo. Just a phenomenal job.

On a side note, a lot gets said about what GM "should" have done with these cars power plant wise. People don't understand the politics involved when it comes to building something at GM that could challenge the Corvette in terms of speed. Its basically what killed the Grand National.

[oygTriggaRuP]

Man I need to bring my car to him I live in South Carolina I want to build something like he did now this is how you build a Monte Carlo gave me so much inspiration for my 84 Mc

[PAA]

My dream car is still a 1987 Buick GNX. I love Mr. Tillet's Monte Carlo SS. I was able to see in person a couple of years ago.

[obxssmichaeltillett]

TEAM OBX SS would like to thank Louis Vitiello of the Real Ridez YouTube channel for wanting to feature us on his channel!!!!

[cuttboy]

This is a cool story, makes me miss my Monte

[joshuabuxton]

I love the concept and the content of your channel.. This speaks volumes.. thanks for the inspiration

[FDrive]

Another beautiful story. Production once again is outstanding, one of my favourite channels to sit down and watch when i have time now. Keep it up man!

ps. what a gorgeous car, im not normally huge on Chevvys but i can't look past something like this Monte Carlo