Brookfield Collector's Guild 1:25 1995 Chevrolet Monte Carlo Z34

Even if the Brookfield company has stuck to the Chrysler corporation for most of its 1990's model run, there were a few General Motors vehicles, and since Brookfield also contributed to some NASCAR race cars it was only obvious that the model selection would reflect pace cars and support trucks.  This is where the Chevrolet Monte Carlo comes in, and yes you can get one in non-pace car forum like this red one in the sporty Z34 trim.

The Chevrolet Monte Carlo was the luxury sports coupe in the Chevrolet line when it was introduced in 1970 and over the years it encountered some downturns in the auto industry, yet never gave up on what it does best: grand touring.  The 1980's saw the Monte Carlo get smaller and sleeker in response to NASCAR and also revived the SS nameplate, yet that was not enough to stop slow sales and the Monte Carlo and relative platform mates were discontinued in 1987 for the new front-wheel drive coupes where the Lumina coupe replaced the Monte Carlo.  Feeling backlash for dropping the name Chevrolet got to work on the next-generation Lumina coupe that would have a bit of sport in the styling as well as the name plate return of Monte Carlo.  After a preview with a 1992 show car the new Monte Carlo was ready in 1995.  Based on the updated Lumina sedan the Monte Carlo has a sleeker look that is also aerodynamic and monochromatic just like the last SS Monte Carlo's, an interior with a sportier dashboard layout than the Lumina, and a cool Z34 package to enhance the look with more power: A 3.4L DOHC V6 that produces 215 horsepower to the front wheels through a 4-speed automatic transmission.  The styling proved popular with sales and even more popular as a winner on the NASCAR cup circuit, then Chevrolet messed up the styling in the next-generation in 2000 that contributed to lower sales and once again the demise of the Monte Carlo in 2006.

This is not a particularly popular model as it is light on details, weight, and seems a but small for a premium model, but this model does have its hightlights.  The front has smooth flush headlights with a slim center grille that houses a red bowtie logo, while the lower bumper has a large lower scoop and no foglights.  The sleek look continues to the sides with body-color exterior mirrors, Monte Carlo decals behind the front doors, and smooth 5-spoke wheels on rubber tires.  As a nod to the original Monte Carlo the C-pillar straightens up near the rear quarter windows for a nearly straight-up pillar profile.  At the rear the spoiler-less trunk lid has a large taillight bar with brake lights at the ends and in the middle is a blacked-out panel where the reverse lamps are located, but barely there so I added some silver to make them stand out.  The finishing touch is dual exhaust tips that stick out below the rounded rear bumper.

The familiar W-body chassis is visible underneath with the detailed engine and transmission and associated hoses behind the subframe, with an exhaust system that leads past the independent rear suspension and ends in quad tips.  The interior has a somewhat sporty look with front seats that have the proper design if it lacks bolstering.  The rear seat looks a bit flat on details.  The door panels have detailed grab handles and wood trim color, but the red body panels tend to show from behind the grab handle.  The center console is similar to the one found in the 4th generation Camaro's and has the T-shaped transmission shifter, while the dashboard has detailed radio controls with HVAC controls mounted above the air vents.  The gauges are detailed, though the 4-spoke steering wheel sits too low, and there's a bit of wood trim color on the passenger-side dash.

Not a very exciting design, but I love the simple look in a spory red color and as an added bonus it is not a NASCAR stock car, bringing in more uniqueness to this model.