Long maligned, it looks like Chevy’s quirky Corvair is starting to get its due respect in the collector car market. Claimed to be a one-owner car in an ad that is otherwise light on details, this ’63 Corvair Monza coupe, offered here on eBay in San Antonio, Texas, looks like an appealing entry-level classic cruiser. There’s a reserve above the $4,000 starting bid, which must be a sign that values are picking up, because four grand sounds about right to me for the honest unrestored survivor that this car appears to be.
The Monza trim level, added to the Corvair line a few months after its late-1959 debut, was Chevy’s first admission that perhaps its unusual rear-engined compact could be more than just a Spartan Volkswagen fighter. Decked out with restrained chrome trim and full wheel covers on the outside, and deluxe carpet and separate front seats (too lacking in support to truly be called buckets) on the inside. The Monza was more luxurious than sporty, so this car’s Powerglide automatic transmission just adds to the easygoing vibe promised by its cheerful white over red color scheme.
While some discoloration is evident on the driver’s door card, overall the red interior looks remarkably unmolested. The original radio is present, although the ad doesn’t say whether it works, and there don’t appear to be any split seams or major blemishes on the seats. The rear seat looks like it’s never been used. It’s possible the seats have been reupholstered; one of the great things about Corvair ownership is that new and NOS parts are readily available and affordable. Mileage is undisclosed, so it’s tough to assess what may or may not have been freshened up. Don’t take the boilerplate list of standard equipment on the ad seriously, by the way; Corvairs never had most of those features (airbags, power windows, locks, and steering, tilt wheel, etc.) and they clearly haven’t been added to this one.
Everything looks pretty tidy in the engine bay, although the rubber gasket around the opening needs to be replaced. It’s impossible to tell whether this is the 84 or 102-hp flat six; either way, expect performance to be smooth but leisurely. Sportier drivers are advised to check out the revolutionary turbocharged Monza Spyder—and be prepared to pay a hefty premium. The dearth of detail in the ad means that prospective buyers should be prepared to do a close inspection of their own, but for anyone looking for an affordable, easy to own, driver-quality survivor, I’d say this Corvair merits the effort. What say you?
A friend just bought one with 28k and 2 owners.
Beautiful—a ’69 500, one of 2,762 built that year. ’69 owners like to compete to see whose car was built closest to the end of production (total output that year was 6,000 coupes and convertibles, all virtually hand-built); you should find out if your friend knows how late their car is!
Looks like a nice clean example of a ’63.
I prefer the later body style, but I’d consider this one.
However, since it is a dealer sale I suspect that the asking price will be somewhat inflated…. :-(
Then again, it does state that it has the ULTRA RARE options of air bags, power windows, power locks, AC, “tilt wheels”, cruise, and power steering!! I can honestly say that I’ve NEVER seen one equipped will all of those extras!! :-P
The 2nd gen Corvairs had appealing styling. The 1st gen was not so nice.
I’m a late-model guy myself—I have a ’65 Monza—but there’s no denying that the design of the early Corvair was more revolutionary (for better or worse) and more influential. I love the late model as a fully-realized driver’s car, and respect the early for its historical significance.
Nice starting point to get into the hobby. Won’t break your wallet and will get some looks at car shows.
Got to admit, I have come to appreciate a wide range of vehicles, but could never warm up to the Corvairs. Quirky to say the least. Falcon, Valiant and variants were pretty decent vehicles, especially the hotted up variants. Even the spartan Lark has merits. But the Corvair, what was GM thinking? It was a 60s version of a Crosley mated with a VW beetle.
“King Al” I have no experience with the Lark but it was known to be a good car.
If you had a chance to drive a Corvair I think that you would find that it was a well built with good power and one that I feel is more enjoyable to drive than either the Falcon or the Valiants and I have owned a ’60 Valiant.
GM was competing against the VW.
How do you figure Chrisley? It’s twice the size, much more solidly built, and it’ll keep up with highway traffic. The VW comparison is obvious; the project mandate was basically, “let’s build a VW, but–wait for it–it’s really a Chevy!”
Crosley, because they had a lot of body styles and also a very plain appearing dash.
Too bad it isn’t a ’63 Spyder. I had one I bought used in ’64. Was a great car.
Probably the best sentence describing the Corvair when first introduced, “After driving the Corvair, every other car, even the smaller ones, is like driving a dump truck”. Put anyone, even King Al, into a good running Corvair to drive, and instantly you’ll get a big smile on your face. The Corvair was that kind of car.
It’s kind of unfair to judge the first generation Corvair by the second generation’s standards. It’s like saying Audrey Hepburn wasn’t pretty because she wasn’t Liz Taylor. To my eyes, the ’65-69 Corvair, especially the 2 door, is the prettiest American car made since World War II. The first generation is still prettier than the Falcon, the Lark, the Chevy II, the American, or (shudder) the Valiant.
The early Corvairs didn’t have a seal around the engine compartment, it was left open to chanel water to the back of the car.
Why can’t I find the shifter?
On the dash.
Wow..thanks. Didn’t know it was there. I had a ’63 Spyder, but it was a 4 speed on the floor.
The Spider was stick only.
Like many others I have come to appreciate the Corvair for its historical significance but also for its general “gutsy” design at the time. I also appreciate the variety of models, 2 doors, 4 doors, station wagon, van, pick-up…what else?
I have read a lot about the demise of the Corvair and fail to understand why most people believe it was mainly due to dangerous handling….it was NOT.
I had a white 64 with red interior I was given by my aunt in 1974. Changed over to alternator. New push rod tube seals and a Vega clutch plate because it had springs in it ( a lot less chatter on take off. I bought all my parts from Clark’s Corvair . Sold the car in 1980. Wish I didn,t.