Classifind Cut: 1965 Chevrolet Corvair Monza Convertible – Sold?
January 7th, 2021 Update – We just confirmed the Craigslist ad for this ride expired. With no replacement listing found, we’re assuming this car sold. This one may have got away, but if you have your heart set on something similar, email us the details of what you’re looking for or call Rudy directly at (908)295-7330.
For 1965, not only did Chevrolet improve the styling of the second generation Corvair, engineers replaced the troublesome swing-axle rear suspension with a fully-independent, coil-sprung setup that all but eliminated the potential for snap-oversteer. Despite all of the improvements, Starting in 1965 Ford swayed many potential Corvair buyers with its stylish-yet-traditional Mustang. Corvairs remain one of the better entry-level classic cars you can buy, and this 1965 Monza originally listed in December 2020 on Craigslist in Hartford, Connecticut is said to be a well-preserved, 52K original mile survivor with only one repaint and an asking price of $15,000. The Collector Car Market Review Online Tool confirms that ask is likely a bit too optimistic as it’s $500 above this guide’s current #1 “Excellent” appraisal of $14,500.
Here’s the seller’s description:
“1965 Corvair Monza Convertable. This is a unrestored car with 52000 origional miles.Has had a paint job about 30000 miles ago, paint is poor but the clear coat still shows well. This is a Red car with a black top and interior. Interior is excellant as is the top The car shows very well and has won many trophies at local shows.The car is a true survivor except for the paint. never rusted just maintained very well. The engine is a twin carb 110 hp which has been cleaned and re sealed to stop the usual oil leaks. I have done brakes at all four wheels with hoses and wheel cyls and all hardware replaced along with new front brake drums and wheel bearings. Also replaced front shocks with the proper hardware, also installed a set of quick steering arms to make the handleing a lot easier to drive and park. I have used nos parts when available and the car needs nothing at this time. You can just drive and enjoy the car as is. I will add some more pictures soon. Contact me with any questions. Dave K”
Show or go: what would you do with this Corvair survivor? Comment below and let us know!
Corvairs are increasingly hard to find in original, unmolested condition. Most have long since rusted away or been filled with bondo or bodged metal repairs. If the body of this car still has all the original metal, it makes it a rarity.
Back in the day I remember the engines in these cars being relatively short-lived. It seemed many of them were blue-cloud spewing oil burners by around 50-60k miles. Compression and leak-down tests would probably be a good idea on the motor.
For me, it’s too bad about the automatic transmission. It would be a 2-speed Powerglide, which for me would sap all the fun out of driving the car, and I think is ill-suited to the power and torque characteristics of the engine. But, for a Sunday cruiser to get ice cream, it would work fine.