1963 Chevrolet Corvair Monza

Description

This 1963 Chevrolet Corvair Monza convertible represents more top-down fun for your dollar than just about anything else in our inventory. Where else are you going to find a car with an air-cooled flat-six, manual transmission, independent suspension, and room for four without it costing three times as much?

Code 914 Monaco Blue is this car's original color, and it never looked better than it does here. The color is rich and sophisticated, and the use of modern urethane technology gives it an incredible shine that's hard to beat. It's not quite show quality, but for a $16,000 Corvair, it really looks good. The early Corvairs have a charm of their own, a unique style that didn't need to be anything other than what it was, and as a result, these cars stand out everywhere they go. The detailing is quite good, from the neat crease that encircles the entire body to the highly sculpted hood, to the louvered deck lid, there's something interesting everywhere you look. There are no body modifications, but the car somehow has an updated, more modern look that makes it seem more contemporary and disguises the economy car that lives inside. And even as a convertible, the doors fit well, panel alignment is good all around, and the car has a general look of having been loved.

The handsome tan interior isn't what this one carried originally (it was blue-on-blue), but you can't argue with the look. The seats and door panels use authentic-looking patterns and materials and the combination has a timeless look that will never look dated. Almost everything inside the car is recent, and the darker brown carpets add an elegant look that really works well. There's also a wood-rimmed steering wheel that's a little fatter than the original might have been, along with a chrome knob for the 4-speed manual gearbox. The instrument panel is from a Spyder and includes an accessory tachometer and aftermarket oil pressure gauge, all neatly situated in a silver gauge panel. A Pioneer AM/FM/CD stereo head unit is neatly installed under the dash so no cutting was required and the seats have extenders so the car is comfortable for longer-legged drivers. For weather protection, there's a recent black convertible top that stows under a matching tan boot for a clean look.

The list of new equipment under the skin is extensive and starts with a 1965-vintage Corsa engine with four carburetors. The engine bay is incredibly sanitary with the engine down low and bright chrome air cleaner up high, and there's a fresh alternator to keep things charged up. A Crane Fireball ignition system lights the fires and there's a custom accelerator linkage to make it feel lively on the road. The 4-speed shifts well and really lets this engine work at its best, and it's linked to the engine by a new clutch and pressure plate. Things like the suspension and U-joints are critical on Corvairs, so many of the components are new, ensuring that this one drives well and handles safely. There's a new gas tank up front and a recent exhaust system out back, plus those great-looking Superlite wheels and 195/60/15 Goodyear radials.

Corvairs represent huge bang for the buck and someone invested a lot of time and effort in this one to make it fun to drive yet still economical to own. Call today!