Featured on AutoHunter, the online auction platform driven by ClassicCars.com, is this 1966 Chevolet Corvair Monza Convertible.
If a Corvette can go by the name ‘vette, can the Corvair go by the name ‘vair? Discuss amongst yourselves. Meanwhile, there are a few compelling things to share about this Monza ragtop up for grabs. Few people nowadays keep a car for more than just a few years, but the prior owner of this Ruby Red Corvair has hung onto it for an impressive three decades. It is now being offered by a selling dealer in Delran, New Jersey with an owner’s manual and a car cover.
The Corvair (sold between model years 1960 and 1969) took a unique approach to automotive engineering in many ways. Aside from a characteristic rear-mounted powertrain layout, it also came with a four-wheel independent suspension. The platform – dubbed the Z-body by General Motors – could be tweaked and reconfigured as a coupe, sedan, convertible, passenger van, commercial van, pickup, and a convertible. Basically, there was a Corvair for everyone – or at least that was part of the philosophy.
Power for this second-generation 1966 model comes from a 164cid air-cooled flat-six mated to a two-speed automatic transaxle. The odometer shows 63,113 miles, which the selling dealer states is an accurate reading. The dealer also says that service has been kept up to date, and there are no known mechanical needs at this time.
While specific notes about any prior paint or body work are not presented in the AutoHunter listing, the included photos show that the car has indeed been garage-kept, and its clean exterior look is completed with a set of period-correct wire wheel covers, knock-off center caps, and whitewall tires. The listing includes a very short video of the exterior.
Production of the Corvair would continue through the end of the 1960s, after which it was ultimately phased out. But today, the model still garners a strong enthusiast following including a nationwide Corvair Society of America (CORSA) and a regional chapter in the southwest called the Cactus Corvair Club. There is bound to be a community of Corvair people near you.
Here’s your chance to own a nicely-kept ‘vair to take to the next meet. Okay, that name doesn’t sound very good at all, so I’ll retract my contraction suggestion. But go look at the car either way.
The auction for this 1966 Chevrolet Corvair Monza Convertible ends
Friday, September 15, 2023, at 12:45 p.m. (PDT)
Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and photo gallery
Interested in that 1966 Chevrolet Corvair that’s posted
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My dad collected these when I was a kid in the 60’s. He had about 5 of them, and several extra engines in the garage. His favorite was the 6 cylinder Corsa. They were great cars, and Nader was so so wrong.
I own a 1965 corsa corvair it has the 140 hp 6 but it has 4 carbs .i dont understand how this one only has 2 carbs .Just wondering ?
I own a 1965 corsa corvair it has the 140 hp 6 but it has 4 carbs .i dont understand how this one only has 2 carbs .Just wondering ?my car is red and white convertible black interior and 89000 miles . They are car show pleasers .
2 carb is 95 of 110 hours 140 was 4 and 180 was turbocharged. I remember when I was 12 my dad bought a brand new ‘65 and I studied the brochures meticulously.
It spurred my interest in cars, I kept it detailed perfectly (even the engine compartment) I became a mechanic later and norms own a dealership.
The sticker on the air cleaner shows it as the 110 hp 164, not 140 hp. That’s how it only has 2 carbs.
I am fortunate to have a ’65 Corsa that is the turbocharged 180hp version. I love Corvairs, have owned several since my first car, a 1963 Spyder convertible. That was 45 years ago.
My first car was a 110 hp ‘65 with a 4 Speed manual. Thanks to auto shop enthusiasm in high school along with time, luck and several junk yards for parts, I stuck a 283 V8 with the old 2 speed automatic in that puppy. It was an engineering challenge sticking a radiator in the truck and running water lines to the engine.
That car didn’t handle worth a damn, but it was hell on wheels going straight. I was constantly challenged and constantly disappointed the challengers.
I now have yet another reason to be thankful that I’ve lived this long!