Chevrolet Corvair Monza

Click Here for Full Screen Image - Click Here to Download Image

The Chevrolet Corvair was a brave attempt by GM to break the mould, move away from big V8s, and borrow a piece of Porsche magic. After a bumpy start – and a trouncing from Ralph Nader - the car sold reasonably well and was popular with those Americans who liked their cars more sporty than stodgy. Then Ford produced the Mustang….

This Chevrolet Corvair Monza – the sports option - is a 1964 model boasting the 2,638cc, 110bhp flat six engine and the front anti-roll bar and improved rear suspension that the car always needed (and would have had, if the bean-counters hadn’t intervened).

The car was owned by Fred De Jong of Las Vegas who brought the car over with him when he moved to work at Upper Heyford air force base in 1970. Ownership transferred shortly afterwards, with the car going to R.A.F. engineer Lionel Malin, who kept the car for the next 42 years.

It is offered in original, unrestored condition and comes with an extensive history file and huge spares package, including a spare engine (details on file). The car also comes with an original owner’s guide, owner protection plan, UK buff logbook, a spare parts catalogue and related documents. It was also fitted with a/c from new.

The Corvair has not has much use in recent years and covered only 355 miles between 2006 and 2015, when it had its last MOT (at which time it passed with no advisories). It runs and drives, but will require some light recommissioning, although the car has been well stored in the intervening years and should be simple enough to get back on the road.

The notoriety of the Corvair has been exaggerated over the years and, in any event, this 1964 Monza is a much improved version of the original car. An interesting piece of motoring history in enticingly original condition - and not too big either...