H-Body Holdout: 1980 Chevrolet Monza 2+2 Hatchback – SOLD!

November 29, 2021 Update – We confirmed the seller of this “Classifind” deleted their listing, so we’re now able to call this one “SOLD!” While this one got away, please reach out either by email or call us directly if you’d like to be informed when we come across something similar.

November 11, 2021 Update – We just confirmed the private seller of this 1980 Chevy Monza just lowered their asking price by three hundred dollars to $3,200.

While many enthusiasts know AMC’s Pacer was supposed to feature General Motors’ version of its upcoming Wankel rotary power plant,  not many realize GM designed its Vega-based “H” Body line-up to use the innovative engine as well. However, when GM pulled the plug on the rotary power development, engineers were left scrambling to design the cars with alternative powerplants. By the time GM launched the H Body cars for the 1975 model year, consumers could opt for either inline-four, V6, or even small-block Chevrolet power depending on the model.  The stylish two-door, rear-wheel-drive H Body compacts sold well over six model years. However, for the 1980 model year, GM kept the rapidly aging lineup in production for an extended period so that dealers would have enough subcompact-sized inventory until the company’s new front-wheel-drive “J” Body was ready for launch in the spring of 1981.

Thus, this 50K original mile, V6-powered, 1980 Chevrolet Monza 2+2 hatchback currently originally listed in November 2021 on Craigslist in Spokane, Washington is one of those stop-gap cars. Arguably, like many GM cars over the years, the last of the line is usually the most well sorted. The second owner is currently asking $3,500 for their Monza. While the Hagerty Insurance Online Valuation Tool does not consider this car worthy of valuation yet, a check of the Collector Car Market Review reveals the seller’s ask lands just above this guide’s #3 “Good” estimate of $3,475 before factoring in a five percent premium for the more desirable Buick-built 231 cubic inch V6 engine.

Chevrolet produced its version of GM’s “H” Body, the Monza, 1975–1980 model years. All “H” bodies shared the Chevrolet Vega’s wheelbase, width, and 140 cubic inch inline-four cylinder engine. The Monza 2+2 debuted as a single-model 2+2 hatchback. Four inches longer and weighing 180 pounds more than the Vega from which it is derived, General Motors’ John DeLorean nicknamed it the “Italian Vega”, citing styling with a strong resemblance to the Ferrari 365 GTC/4.  While Chevrolet originally envisioned fitting the 1975 Monza 2+2 with GM’s upcoming Wankel rotary engine, mediocre fuel economy, and emissions-compliance issues canceled that engine forcing Chevrolet to offer optional V6 and V8 power in the form of its Buick 231 cubic inch V6 and Chevrolet 305 cubic inch V8 engine options.

The 1980 model year lineup consisted of a base 2+2 hatchback, notchback, and 2+2 sport hatchback; the 151-cubic-inch (2.5-liter) four-cylinder engine remained standard and the only engine option was the 3.8 liter (231 CID) Buick V6. The wagon was discontinued as the Citation hatchbacks offered equal cubic cargo capacity with the rear seats down along with better rear-passenger accommodation. Chevrolet decided to discontinue the Monza at the end of the 1980 model year although production of 1980 models continued to the end of calendar 1980 with its “1982” Cavalier replacement debuting in early calendar 1981.

The Bionic Disco YouTube Channel features this 1980 Chevrolet Monza commercial:

We cringe every time a second owner touts the car they are selling as a “one owner.” Sorry, but if you paid money for the car to the original owner, you are now the second owner.  That nuance aside, aside from the broken passenger side tail light lens and some interior panels in need of a redye, this 1980 Chevrolet Monza 2+2 offers a great way way to participate in the collector car hobby for under five large. With the values of these cars likely never going anywhere in stock form, this Monza makes a great candidate for a V8-powered restomod build.

Here’s the seller’s description:

“1980 Chevrolet Monza 2+2 hatchback with 50k original miles this car sold brand new here in Spokane, WA. I’ve done a bunch of work to it including new carburetor new water pump new spark plugs new wires new car new rotor and new valve cover gaskets and new filters also did an oil change this Monza is equipped with the 3.8 V6 and the automatic transmission the original owner said that the miles are actual and I strongly believe they are interior is in great shape for its age these cars are super rare to find in stock condition usually they were cut up to make drag cars for. Any more info please call me.”

Show or go: what would you do with this 1980 Chevrolet Monza 2+2?  Comment below and let us know!