Find Other Fans of the Monte Carlo at the First Generation Monte Carlo Club (FGMCC) of Knoxville, Tennessee
With more than 500 members, the First Generation Monte Carlo Club (FGMCC) of Knoxville, Tennessee gives Monte Carlo enthusiasts one place for fun, fellowship, and help with restoring or repairing their cars. The club recognizes first generation Monte Carlos, which were produced from 1970 to 1972.
Looking Back at the First Generation Monte Carlo
Chevrolet introduced the Monte Carlo in 1970 when GM muscle cars were at their peak. The Monte Carlo was marketed as a personal luxury car to compete with the Buick Riviera and Pontiac Grand Prix. The Monte Carlo didn't last long as a muscle car, but was still popular in its day. It was available as a luxury two-door coupe that could seat four passengers. For its first year, 145,975 models were sold.
In design, the Monte Carlo was similar to the Chevelle, but was built on a 116-inch wheelbase. It also featured the longest hood in all of Chevrolet’s history. The engine used was a 350-cubic-inch V-8, but customers could order any of the Chevelle big-block engines with their Monte Carlo. The SS454 model came with a 454-cubic-inch big-block engine and a heavy-duty suspension.
In 1971, the Monte Carlo SS model featured a blacked-out rear body panel and other added features. Some of the models came with a new rear bumper made of rubber. The 1972 models were mostly the same in interior design, but there were some exterior changes. Horsepower ratings were dropped drastically this year with the 454 engine being rated at only 270 horsepower. For this year only, customers could order a Monte Carlo Custom Trim. The SS models were dropped for 1972.
Information about FGMCC
FGMCC was founded in 2000 and provides members with services, information, and activities that are focused on the Chevrolet Monte Carlo, first generation models. The club is a non-profit corporation and operates through officers including a president, vice president, treasurer, secretary, storekeeper, member relations person, newsletter distributor, newsletter editor, and several administrators for the website and club events. There are also "Honorary Officers" who have earned their title by going above and beyond their normal duties to help make the club what it is today. A list of officers and their profiles is available at the club's website.
Join FGMCC
FGMCC makes it easy to join with a printable online form or PayPal ordering at the website. The club charges a small annual membership fee, but provides many benefits and services that make it well worth the investment. Members have access to offers for "Members Only" such as huge discounts on merchandise including t-shirts, letterman jackets, decals, hats, license plates, light jackets, sweatshirts, and more.
Members also benefit from a club newsletter and club window decal, which measures 3 inches by 3 inches and features the club logo. The decal is given with the first issue of the newsletter. Image hosting is another benefit in which FGMCC will host photos of members' Monte Carlo models. Members' cars are displayed in the online photo album with personal stories and profiles of their cars. These are also featured in the newsletter.
Many members of FGMCC now hold dual memberships with the National Monte Carlo Owners Association.
The Knight Newsletter
FGMCC publishes a monthly newsletter called the Knight Newsletter, which got its name from the well-known "Knight" crest emblem on the Monte Carlo. Members will receive the newsletter as a printed copy by mail when they join and one printed copy when it's time for membership renewal. The full-color newsletter is available to members online in Acrobat Reader format. The newsletter features interesting articles, helpful information and news about the club, tips on Monte Carlo restoration, featured cars, classified ads, and more. It is about four to eight pages long. A sample of the newsletter is available at the FGMCC website.
Eastern and Western Meets
The club holds an Eastern and Western Meet each year, now in conjunction with the National Monte Carlo Owners Association. These meets are held in the eastern and western parts of the United States and enable Monte Carlo lovers from all over to come together and celebrate their favorite automobiles. The meets include bench races, a car show, a cruise, goodies, door prizes, an awards ceremony and dinner, and more. The awards given may include Best Engine, Best Stock, Members Choice, Best Paint, Longest Driven Distance, Presidents Award, Best Unfinished, and several others.
FGMCC Website
At the FGMCC website, members can view photos of Monte Carlos, buy merchandise, read about member benefits, view photos and read about past club meets, enter a message forum to chat about Monte Carlos, and find great resources. The message forum offers sections for general chat, non-technical discussions, a photo gallery, an events section, and a classified ad section for cars and parts. In the technical section of the forum, members can find help with engines, transmissions, suspension systems, interiors, and electrical stuff.
The website also features a Monte Carlo Web Museum, links to parts sources, a Monte Carlo Registry, helpful resources, and technical information.
FGMCC Web Store
Club merchandise is available at the Web store for members only. Items such as hats, t-shirts, tank tops, sweatshirts, jackets, buttons, mugs, calendars, clocks, mouse pads, throw pillows, teddy bears, decals, license plates, a design study print, and more are available at tremendous discounts. The clothing items are top quality, and all screen printing is done in the club's own shop.
With FGMCC, Monte Carlo fans can expect to meet great people, enjoy many activities, and learn all they need to know about the Monte Carlo automobile.
