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Drop-Top Project: 1964 Chevrolet Corvair Monza

By 1960, most American car companies were getting into the compact car game. Chevrolet decided to go down the path less traveled with its Corvair. Not only was the engine in the rear, but it was also air-cooled, much like Volkswagen Beetle which helped push Detroit down the small car road. This 1964 Corvair is a Monza convertible that’s been out of commission for 20 years. It doesn’t run but appears to have good bones to base a restoration upon. Located in Columbus, Alabama, this drop-find is available here on craigslist for $4,000. Thanks for the “import fighter” tip, Chuck Foster!

The Corvair was the first of two compacts that Chevy would offer its customers in the 1960s. The Chevy II was added in 1962 with a conventional front-mounted, water-cooled engine format like the Ford Falcon, Plymouth Valiant, etc. While the latter Chevrolet would prove to be the bigger seller in the long haul, the Corvair was around through two generations that ended in 1969. More than 1.8 million of the little cars were built, but the majority of them were before the release of Ralph Nader’s 1965 book, Unsafe at Any Speed. Most of the handling issues that Nader had with the car were resolved with the 1964 models.

We’re not sure whether the seller is a long-time owner of this ‘Vair or if it was a more recent acquisition. Either way, we’re told it was parked in a garage for 20 years without having been started during that time. Since it doesn’t run now, there may have been a mechanical problem (the odometer turned over) or simply a lack of use. In 1964, the Corvair was treated to an upgrade in engine displacement from 140 to 164 cubic inches and this Monza also has a 4-speed manual transmission.

The body and paint on the Chevy appear decent after 58 years. The seller says there is no visible rust but doesn’t comment on whether there’s anywhere the sun doesn’t shine. This Monza is one of 31,000 convertibles built in 1964 and with survival rates being what they are, you don’t see many running around these days. This could be a great project for a Corvair fan, but beware as the seller says the car comes with a salvage title and we don’t know why.

Comments

  1. Avatar alphasud Member

    Car was originally painted Goldwood yellow and has the desert air cleaner option which added a oil bath pre cleaner. Top still looks decent and if rust is minimal underneath 4K will get you a nice classic.

    Like 4
  2. Avatar Vance

    The Corvair has grown on me, I used to just ignore them. But with the years going by too fast, I could drive one of these very easily. The price is right as long as the cancer hasn’t gotten hold of it. I like the late year Corvair’s much more then the early one’s, but where else can you find a convertible with some spirit in the engine and a 4 speed. I could see myself driving this on weekends and rowing through the gears, and truly enjoying it.

    Like 6
  3. Avatar sg

    A buddy loaned me a similar maroon corvair drop top on the day I proposed to my wife about 20 years ago.

    It was an older restoration and had so much flex at the cowl, a gap opened up between the went window frame and windshield pillar and nearly took off my little finger!

    Like 0
  4. Avatar George Birth

    Had a 64 and a 65 Corvair the 64 worked pretty good but the 65 had an oil leak that was murder to get rid of. Hated the 65.

    Like 0

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