1965 Chevrolet Corvair Monza Convertible
And now, a Corvair description that will not mention its biggest critic. We are well past those days and the Corvair enthusiasts' community is large, active, and fervent, despite what anyone thinks of the cars. That's because the rear engine cars are unique, fun, and in 2024, ultimately classic. When the second generation cars came out in 1965, Car and Driver called them "the most important new car of the 1965 models and the most beautiful car to appear in this country since before World War II.". Chevrolet also produced Corvair ramp side pickup trucks, station wagons, panel vans, and high performance models with the Yenko Stingers.
For consignment, a 1965 Chevrolet Corvair Monza convertible with lots of restoration work done to it including newer paint, a new convertible top, rebuilt carbs and much more. This is a fine example showing 69,305 non verifiable miles on the odometer as the title reads mileage exempt, so by all means, read on!
Exterior
Named for a tundra dwelling weasel, Ermine White is the color that covers the Corvair with clean uniformity. It causes the chrome and metal trim to have a frost effect where their own reflections are dusted in white. The distinctive headlight bezels, the bumpers, and windshield frame seem to blend with the white rather than countering it. The inner circles of the four taillights do the same, while the red rings pop off the rear panel. The same happens with the white lined tires, a great match for the paint, and the black of the tires provides contrast just as the black canvas top does, and it all works beautifully. Those tires are on 14" wheels with proper covers, and have an early 2023 date code. The metalwork is very nice on the car and the paint is overall in great condition. Imperfections noted include uneven body work, bubbling, paint run, random cracks and chips but not many.
Interior
Our interior is consignor stated new and it does look fresh starting with black vinyl door panels, nicely formed with horizontal stitched features that give it texture. The front bucket seats are equally nice with full foam and barely any signs of usage. In the back, the bench looks great and patina is noted on the armrests and ashtrays which show some oxidation that could use a repolish. The Corvair's large and slim steering wheel is nice and leads to a simple dashboard with three main ports and the fantastic dash mounted mini shifter. To the right, a Motorola AM radio looks right at home and the painted glove box has a few scratches while the dash pad is in good shape. On the flat floor, black loop carpet spans from kick panel to kick panel and completes the monochromatic black interior. The frunk is uncovered and uniformly painted gray and clean.
Drivetrain
In back, the 164ci flat 6 cylinder engine rated at 95 horsepower, fueled by twin 1-barrel carburetors, and driven by a Powerglide 2-speed automatic transmission. The power stays in the back where it meets 3.27 gears. The engine bay is very nice and we would not hesitate to pop the trunk for a car show. Meanwhile, drum brakes are supplied front and rear.
Undercarriage
Driver quality underneath with plenty of surface rust mixed with some very clean belly pans and since the car is rear engine, a majority of the underside is covered with flat surfaces. The driver's side floor pan has been replaced at some point. Knuckles and other components around the wheels are clean and free of grease and debris. Both ends have independent suspension with coil springs. The exhaust comes off the engine into one stock style muffler which begets a tailpipe that exits right.
Drive-Ability
I grew up in a '65 Corvair so this cabin is a familiar place and that tiny shifter brings it all back! The sound, the smell, and the ride are quintessential 1960's and this little convertible hits the test loop with the eagerness of an ermine chasing down its next meal. Sure, it's no Yenko Stinger with the 95 horsepower, but it provides plenty of forward momentum and feels faster than it is. It handles just fine, Ralph, and tracks straight. We note the wipers are not working but all other functions do. While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at the time of your purchase.
A nicely sorted and virtually rust free 1965 Corvair is just what the doctor ordered! The actor Gianni Russo, (The Godfather), once told me, "it doesn't matter what they say about you in the press, as long as they're talking about you.". Well, this car is more or less a legend thanks to the press it received historically, and today, there are clubs nationwide dedicated solely to the Corvair. You think Hell's Angels live dangerously? These enthusiasts eat danger for lunch! Are you ready to be initiated with this sweet Corvair?
105675W249747
1-Chevrolet
05-Corvair Monza
76-Convertible
5-1965
W-Willow Run, MI Assy Plant
249747-Sequential Unit Number
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8 acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person. There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee is not included in the advertised price.
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