Only minor trim changes were made to the 1979 Monte Carlo which included a restyled grille , revised parking lamp detail and new wrap-around taillamps . Mechanical changes included a new Chevrolet-built 200 CID V6 ( the ancestor of the Vortec 4300 ) as the standard engine for the base Monte Carlo in 49 states while the Buick 231 CID V6 remained standard on base models in California and all Landau models . A new 267 CID V8 became optional and the 305 CID V8 continued as an option but was joined by a 160 hp version with a four-barrel carburetor . The same transmissions were carried over from 1978 , including a standard three-speed manual and optional four-speed manual , or an optional three-speed Turbo Hydramatic automatic . This would be the last year that Chevrolet would offer manual transmissions on the Monte Carlo due to extremely low buyer interest . A black 1979 Monte Carlo was used by Michael Platt and William Matix during the 1986 FBI Miami shootout . A 1979 Monte Carlo modified to a lowrider , was also heavily featured in the 2001 movie '' Training Day '' . The car was driven by the main character Detective Alonzo Harris , played by actor Denzel Washington
1986 FBI Miami shootout
1986 FBI Miami shootout
Chevrolet Monte Carlo