1985 Chevrolet Monte Carlo

Under the Pagoda’s watch, the ’85 Monte Carlo lumbered into the narrow Duryea Drive course with unmistakable presence. Its long, muscular G-body silhouette, bowed fenders, and loud exhaust stood in contrast to the compact sports cars surrounding it.

Behind the wheel, the Monte Carlo channeled its era’s muscle-car bravado—likely packing the SS’s High-Output 5.0 L V8 (180 hp)—through the course’s nine tight turns. The car leveraged torque and momentum to haul its hefty frame uphill, using its stout front disc brakes to negotiate sharp corners. You could almost hear veteran racers remark, “That thing feels like piloting a barge—but with spirit!”

Although it wasn’t fastest on time sheets, the Monte’s climb won hearts—its raw power echoed through the woods, and each hesitant rear-end drift into corners felt like a punch of gritty nostalgia. It may not have been the weapon of choice for overall glory, but the 1985 Monte Carlo turned heads and reminded everyone that brute force and presence still have their place on Pagoda Hill.

That classic V8 muscle-car swagger—even in a vintage hillclimb setting—made the Monte an unforgettable highlight of the weekend.