1964 Chevrolet Corvair Monza Convertible
"Collector car experts suggest the Corvair is still a bargain, even though values have started to creep up over the last couple of years as part of the trend of renewed interest in collector cars, in general. In 2020, Hagerty noted that Corvair values were on the rise (due) to their improved reliability and safety, appealing styling and relative rarity compared to, say, a Mustang or Camaro." U.S. News, October 2022
For consignment, a 1964 Chevrolet Corvair Monza convertible with 15,000 since the engine was rebuilt and showing 78,003 miles on the odometer. This is a presentable and drivable car and needs a few things to fully sort it out, but it is mechanically sound and a ton topless fun.
Exterior
Single stage Palomar Red was GM's name for burgundy in 1964 and there's something about the authenticity of single state on 60's cars that just looks right. We have decent coverage here on this low, square edged car with flat horizontal panels and contoured eyebrows that being a body line detail that travels the shoulder line of the car and wraps the rear fascias and decklid, protruding slightly like a Tupperware cover on a casserole dish. The vertical rear houses the Corvette inspired tail lights, four circles with reverse lights in the inner lenses. Up front, dual headlights in a distinctive bezel with hourglass detail in the center can be mistaken for nothing else on a car this size, and straight chrome bumpers are quintessential '60's and look decent but not perfect. 13-inch wheels with Monza hubcaps wear tires marked with a late 2019 date code while the white canvas top looks good. Imperfections include some pitting in the emblems, some uneven seam work under the eyebrow and under a headlight, chips on the rear roll pan, a sizable scuff along the side, and some cracking on a horizontal surface.
Interior
Fawn Vinyl presents as a sort of off white, more off due to some patina. The door panels are intact and complete, the map pocket on both doors showing some age and the armrests look tired. The same with the front bucket seats, which have some tears or piping that's a bit loose, some compression and some discoloration. The back seats and side walls, particularly on upper surfaces, could also benefit from some restoration, if that's the route the new owner goes. As is, it's a driver. Patina is on the steering wheel as well, but it's not cracked and the horn ring is in place. The entire dash is contained in an oval metal case with a horizontal speedometer, some knobs, and the shifter lever, and that is essentially it. The Fawn dash pad looks good and cascades to the center where an AM radio is in place, bearing the Chevrolet bowtie. Brown loop style carpet covers the floor, loosely in places, while the frunk is uncoated and showing some surface rust on the bottom panel. This is the first place we confirm the consignor's statement that weatherstripping is needed on the car.
Drivetrain
Pop the trunk lid and we find a relatively clean 164ci flat 6 which was rebuilt in 2020 and bored .030 over. It's rated at 110 horsepower and fuels by dual 1-barrel carburetors, all backed by a Powerglide two speed automatic transmission, rebuilt in 2019 and keeping power in the back with 3.55 gears. Drum brakes are found front and back. The spare tire in the engine bay looks original.
Undercarriage
Thanks to the recent rebuild, the underside of the engine area is clean. Substantial surface rust exists on the usual components and belly pans and nearly every bushing we see looks dry and cracked. The dual exhaust flows a short distance to a stock style muffler before exiting out back. Both front and back also have independent suspension. Our consignor states the gas tank will need to be dropped to replace the filler tube and the correct fuel pump. At the moment, it has a temporary electric pump.
Drive-Ability
I love the handling characteristics of the Corvair and this low slung convertible rides along nicely with the 110 horsepower, more than enough for a spirited ride. When you're this close to the ground, it seems to pass a lot quicker than the speedometer would have you believe. This very basic interior passes the test for functionality and only the reverse lights and wiper switch do not work. Everything else does. 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.
We have had our fair share of Corvairs here at themall and many have found new homes. This really is one of the most common gateway "drugs" into the hobby car world. Not only are they small and easy to work on, but there's a large community of enthusiasts and aftermarket support to keep these American classics on the road for a long time to come. This is a nice example with good bones and a sorted drivetrain for your consideration.
40967W246117
4-1964
09-Corvair Monza 900
67-Convertible
W-Willow Run, MI Assy Plant
246117-Sequential Unit Number
TRIM TAG
STYLE 64 0967-1964 Corvair Monza 900 Convertible
BODY WR22099-Willow Run Body #
TRIM 758 3-Fawn Vinyl
PAINT 948 1-Palomar Red, White Top
W-Tinted Windshield
2M-Powerglide
P-Reverse Lights
3C-Padded Dash
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.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy listening. You can also watch on YouTube!
