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One Family Owner: 1965 Chevrolet Corvair Monza

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Is there a better driver-quality Corvair Monza out there? I’m not sure, but I’m willing to bet this 1965 example here on eBay could give many other cars a run for their money. Said to be in long-time single family ownership, this Monza is sharp in green, a nice departure from the usual reds and whites. With a 4-speed and minimal rust, this looks like a fantastic survivor that could do duty as a fair-weather daily driver or a prime candidate for restoration. 

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The second generation Monza debuted in 1965 and featured a new, fully independent suspension. Packing 140 b.h.p. into an entertaining chassis made the Corvair a fun handler that even today can be found at local autocross events whipping around cones. The ’65 model year also featured a host of changes and upgrades, including an improved heating system, larger brakes and a stiffer chassis. In the case of this particular example, the seller does note the seats could use new foam to ensure greater comfort on long-distance trips.

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The Corvair has been tended to professionally by Maplewood Motors in Maine, operated by a gentleman by the name of Ron Moller who is a go-to Corvair expert in New England. It’s always a good sign (to me, anyhow) that a recognized expert has laid his hands on the vehicle in question. Recent maintenance includes a new fuel tank and sender, new valve guides, rebuilt carbs and new tires, among other upgrades and fixes. Mileage is low at 73,500.

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The seller does mention the presence of rust, primarily at the door corners and the four “T” sections where the front and rear glass meets the body. Otherwise, it’s a solid runner with a tight engine and zero leaks. That last part always speaks to me, as I love looking over a vintage engine that appears bone dry in all the right places. This Corvair Monza is ready to roll into long-time stewardship with its next set of owners, but you’ll have to part with $8,790 on eBay in order to Buy-It-Now. A best offer function is also available.

Comments

  1. Avatar Matt Tritt

    I’ve always loved these cars. SO much better than the 1st generation in every aspect and I agree about the color. Kinda pricey but could be worth it.

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  2. Avatar boxdin

    These cars look so good even the 4 doors are gorgeous.

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  3. Avatar Andy Frobig

    Probably the prettiest design of the postwar era, right up to today. But no way am I parking it in Manhattan.

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  4. Avatar John K

    Great car, but for that price you can probably find a rust-free example if you are patient.

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  5. Avatar Ryan

    I was at a cars and Cofee in Morrisville, and saw this beautiful example. Unfortunately, this is the only picture I got of the car.

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    • Avatar Ryan

      Somehow I managed to forget the picture!

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  6. Avatar Alan (Michigan )

    The reason for difficulty engaging reverse gear can 90% of the time be attributed to wear on one easily replaced, inexpensive part.

    There is a pin which connects the clevis at the rear end of the shift rod to the shift shaft which protrudes from the front of the transmission. When that pin wears, reverse is increasingly difficult to engage. Buy a real one, use a hardware store substitute, or make one from mild steel rod.
    Problem solved. Rarely does the trans shifter shaft hole become worn, occasionally the clevis might be the culprit.
    Love Corvairs.

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  7. Avatar AMCSTEVE

    Nice example but I’m sorry that color is hideous. That’s why there weren’t that many produced in that shade of ugly. Richard Rawlings would love it though.

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    • Avatar Rando

      I kinda like the color. Goodwood Green or something like that?

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  8. Avatar Dean

    Way too expensive especially with rust evident. Probably a $6,000 car.

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  9. Avatar Bob S

    I am deep into the rust issues that effect my otherwise clean 66 500. Once stripped out the rust in the windshield and dashboard is quite extensive and goes deep into the car. the door pillars tend to rust out too. Bottom of my doors are clean, and I would say my car is quite a bit cleaner than this one overall….but the rust under my windshield is horrendous. Just sealed the deal yesterday to have the whole dash and A pillars stripped out of an Arizona Corvair carcass. Thanks God they exist….for now.

    Other than that, it only makes economic sense (for now) to buy a Rust free Corvair when you price competent body work rather than bondo patches. I can’t see how now is not the time to buy a Corvair though. Where else are you going to get a light, reliable, 4 speed, independent suspended classic with an air cooled, aluminum flat six?

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  10. Avatar Peter R

    I once owned a ’65 4 speed 140 HP convertible – wish I still had it today – great cars and cheap today in comparison to others of that era – BTW I like the dark green

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  11. Avatar Dave

    I own a 65 Monza 4 speed (in our family since 1979) and a 66 convert 4 speed. This example sounds OK but I would say that a fair price is 1/2 of what is asked. There are plenty of good examples on eBay

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  12. Avatar drr

    “T” section rust means you will spend a fortune or hours of your own labor chasing the rust, as this is where they all begin to rust if left to the elements. A good $3-4K car at best.

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    • Avatar Alan (Michigan)

      I read that as a typo, accidental capital letter.

      “Rust spots (not perforations) at 4 places aT sides of front and rear windshields. ”

      Rust spots (not perforations) at 4 places at sides of front and rear windshields.

      Take off the trim, pull out the glass if absolutely necessary. Fix the rusty spots where the trim aligns with the window pillars, paint, and go.

      The talk of reinforcing the front crossmember worries me more than other spots on this car which can be seen. Certainly it could use some remediation. But the usual death knell spots on these cars are the front door frame areas.

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  13. Avatar pperros

    Agreeing with the comments about this being a high water mark in American auto design — looks just as pure and lovely now as it did then. Too bad about the rust on this one. I had a ’66 Monza, 110 hp variety, about 45 years ago. A delight to drive, nimble with light manual steering, powerful enough to chirp the tires on the 1-2 shift. It was my poor man’s Porsche.

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  14. Avatar kenzo

    @ $8600 I expect a lot more. Yes chase the rust is good game with these.
    Somewhere between 2500 and 4000 absolute max and closer to the 2500 – 3000 mark.

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  15. Avatar Skip

    I ditto what Matt up at the top says. I love the Corvairs and always have. Just wish I’d kept the one I had. I liked the style of the ’65s better than the originals.

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