Chevrolet’s compact Corvair entered the scene in 1960 with a lot of fanfare and optimism. Nearly a decade later, it retreated into history with barely an honorable mention. The seller’s 1969 Monza Sport Coupe is one of only 2,717 produced that year out of a total pool of a mere 6,000 Corvairs altogether. It needs some cosmetic work, but it has the potent quad-carburetor setup producing 140 horsepower. Located under a carport in Tillamook, Oregon, the rare Chevy is available here on craigslist for $6,500 (as a tip brought to us by Rocco B.).
The Chevy Corvair was treated to its one-and-only redesign in 1965. Gone by then were many of the well-publicized safety issues Ralph Nader had with the car. But the car’s reputation had already been tarnished, and sales declined year after year. That was enough for Chevrolet to decide to cease further development of the automobile after 1967 or so. Still available in 1969 was the 164 cubic inch air-cooled flat-6, which had four single-barrel Rochester carburetors. That arrangement is in the seller’s car, though we don’t know if it’s original.
This Corvair may have once belonged to Corvair Underground’s Lon Wall and was offered by his grandson. Besides the rare 140 hp engine, this Monza has a 4-speed manual transmission with a 3.55 posi-traction rear end. Though in storage for many years, the car is said to run well due to a rebuild that’s seen just 4,000 miles. New parts and/or servicing comprise key fluids and brakes.
Cosmetically, the interior is partially newer, and the paint was redone years ago, but it is ready to be worked over again. There are rust bubbles in a few places that will get worse if left unattended. Several boxes of parts will go with the sale and include goodies like rings, seals, and gaskets. This would be a cool Corvair to restore, as it may be one of the last to be built before Chevrolet threw in the towel.
My older brother bought one new in 63. It was convertible. It was a 4 speed Monza. I was 13 and learned to drive a standard in it. I thought it was cool.
Terrific.
It seems odd to me that a rare car like this, with a provenance like this, winds up on Craigslist. You’d think ads would be targeted to Corvair enthusiast markets.
It is/has been listed on a few Corvair-specific sites.
My Dad bought a 1960 model and then later bought a later 1960 model. One thing is certain about them: you put a set of Snow tires on them, and they’d run through the snow.I also learned how to drive with that 1960. Sitting on my Dad’s lap….lol
The last edition Corvairs were/are great cars! Handle like it’s on rails and good power for the weight. A turbo one of these spanked my butt at a hill climb once. And I have lusted for one of these ever since. I would really love to have this car. But currently situation says no.
This should be a good solid car – given that Lon Wall owned it.
Basically, parked outside in Tillmook, it probably has moss growing on it somewhere.
Seems to be reasonably priced considering the market these days. I think people are just scared of these for various reasons. I mean, just look at the drive belt arrangement for example. Pretty janky-looking, but it worked just fine. Enough of an oddball car to create a very narrow market. This is one of the last that were very well built, and best looking inside and out.
I really like the ones that someone has installed a big block Chevy in the back!