While it shared the same underpinnings as the Vega, the Chevrolet Monza featured a different body style, including a coupe, a small wagon, and a sporty hatchback, such as this 1979 Monza Spyder here on Facebook Marketplace. Though many of these cars aren’t particularly memorable beyond just providing basic transportation for the era, one noteworthy feature was the availability of a V8 engine option. This one came from the factory equipped with a 305, and while the numbers-matching engine is included, there’s currently a 350 under the hood. This subcompact is located in Thornton, Colorado, just north of Denver, and comes with an asking price of $10,000.
Engine choices in ’79 ranged from the entry-level I-4, with the next step up being the 3.2-liter V6. Topping the chart was a 305 V8, with some good news here being that not only is that how this one left the factory, but the original engine comes with the sale and has just been returned from a visit to the machine shop. The seller says this block is ready to build, so if keeping this Spyder as original as possible is on your agenda, it’s probably time to pull the 350 and reinstall the 305. Another positive is that it also features a 4-speed manual transmission, while a negative is that the car has a salvage title.
Although it’s ventured north, the owner indicates that this Chevy came from Nevada, and reports that the sheet metal remains rust-free. He also calls it a barn find, but no other details are provided about the car’s past or where it’s been hibernating. The exterior condition is described as rough, with faded paint and decals, but structurally, most of the panels appear solid and are probably in decent condition to work with. I like the red color and feel that once the bodywork is completed, the exterior would look good repainted in this same color, with the cool spider decal put back on the hood as a finishing touch.
The interior could use a good refreshing, and it appears that the sound system has already been borrowed at some point in the past. There are plenty of tasks in many areas facing the buyer, but a V8-powered car this small is appealing, especially one equipped with a manual transmission. I’m seeing the potential for a hot little hatch here and am curious to hear whether our readers think the $10k asking price is in line with the promising future this one could have in store. What are your thoughts on this 1979 Chevrolet Monza Spyder?
That car has a salvage title? Most Vegas and Monzas should have had a salvage title right out of the factory. The only thing that saves this automotive gem is the 350 V8 4-speed drive train. It’s probably fun to drive as long as it goes where it’s pointed. Otherwise it’s definitely a project. On a side note, I knew someone who had a 350 transplanted in a Vega. I’m surprised its body panels didn’t fly off at speed.
I remember you had to loosen the passenger side motor mount to remove and replace the rear spark plug.
In addition to using two swivel ratchet adapters together. \o/
It was even in the shop manual.
We had one in the service bay that would barely run one winter after a tow in.
It had a block of ice in one of the two mufflers from frozen condensation.
This would be a tough sell at the $10,000 asking price without the salvage title. The factory V8 and 4spd are enticing, but it’s more of a curiosity than anything else. When it comes time for someone to reach into their wallet and put their money on the table the pool of people willing to do so is going to be small.
Steve R