HomeMediaPick of the Day: 1966 Chevrolet Corvair Monza convertible

Pick of the Day: 1966 Chevrolet Corvair Monza convertible

A restored droptop

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Automotive historians have a love/hate relationship with one of General Motors’ compact cars from the 1960s, and today’s pick is a primo example of this unique design.

The Pick of the Day is a 1966 Chevrolet Corvair Monza convertible listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Asheville, North Carolina. (Click the link to view the listing)

“Restored and super clean,” the listing reads. “Power top, bucket seats, Corsa dash gauge with factory tach, temperature, and amp gauges.”

1965 Chevrolet Corvair Monza convertible
1965 Chevrolet Corvair Monza convertible

This Corvair looks well-preserved based on the photos accompanying the listing, and the seller itemizes some of the car’s options which include an AM radio, wire wheel covers, and whitewall tires.

The compact Corvair was launched in 1960 on the General Motors Z-body platform. The magic of the Corvair happens at its rear, where power is generated by an air-cooled 2.7-liter flat-six engine. Having the engine mounted in that configuration allowed design engineers to offer things like a flat floor in the cabin, a lower silhouette, and innovative packaging options. Power in this case is transferred to the pavement through a four-speed manual transaxle.

Air-cooled 2.7-liter flat-six engine
Air-cooled 2.7-liter flat-six engine

The marketplace initially received the Corvair warmly and over 1.8 million units were sold between 1960 and the end of the model’s second generation in 1969. There were some important changes made for the car’s second generation beginning in 1965 – one of which was the addition of a new fully-independent rear suspension which replaced the original swing axle. The Corvair’s suspension later proved controversial among some automotive journalists and consumer advocates who considered it unsafe.

Regardless, the Corvair was a clear demonstration of innovative automotive design, and its influence was carried through to subsequent General Motors models as well as other worldwide marques. Most importantly, it showed that a compact and fuel-efficient car could still provide practical utility and a rewarding driving experience. This 1966 Corvair could be one of the best-surviving examples that remain.

“Recently serviced. Super clean inside and out – ready to rock and roll,” the seller concludes. The asking price is $19,800 or best offer.

To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.

Tyson Hugie
Tyson Hugie
Tyson Hugie is a Phoenix-based automotive enthusiast who has been writing for The Journal since 2016. His favorite automotive niche is 1980s and 1990s Japanese cars, and he is a self-diagnosed “Acura addict” since he owns a collection of Honda and Acura cars from that era. Tyson can usually be found on weekends tinkering on restoration projects, attending car shows, or enjoying the open road. He publishes videos each week to his YouTube channel and is also a contributing author to Arizona Driver Magazine, KSLCars.com, NSX Driver Magazine, and other automotive publications. His pride and joy is a 1994 Acura Legend LS coupe with nearly 600,000 miles on the odometer, but he loves anything on four wheels and would someday like to own a 1950 Buick Special like his late grandfather’s.

2 COMMENTS

  1. Enjoyed the 1966 Corvair Monza article – my first car bought in 1964 was a 1962 Monza purchased from a private party. Loved the car, kept tire pressure correct & never had fishtailing or related problems. The car was unfairly treated.

  2. I have 3 Corvairs in my stable now. My aunt gave me my first one (a 1964 four door) 47 years ago and have always had at least 2 or 3.

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