Pick of the Day: 1966 Chevrolet Corvair Monza convertible

Automotive historians have a love/hate relationship with one of General Motors’ compact cars from the 1960s, and today’s pick is a primo example of this unique design.

The Pick of the Day is a 1966 Chevrolet Corvair Monza convertible listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Asheville, North Carolina. (Click the link to view the listing)

“Restored and super clean,” the listing reads. “Power top, bucket seats, Corsa dash gauge with factory tach, temperature, and amp gauges.”

This Corvair looks well-preserved based on the photos accompanying the listing, and the seller itemizes some of the car’s options which include an AM radio, wire wheel covers, and whitewall tires.

The compact Corvair was launched in 1960 on the General Motors Z-body platform. The magic of the Corvair happens at its rear, where power is generated by an air-cooled 2.7-liter flat-six engine. Having the engine mounted in that configuration allowed design engineers to offer things like a flat floor in the cabin, a lower silhouette, and innovative packaging options. Power in this case is transferred to the pavement through a four-speed manual transaxle.

The marketplace initially received the Corvair warmly and over 1.8 million units were sold between 1960 and the end of the model’s second generation in 1969. There were some important changes made for the car’s second generation beginning in 1965 – one of which was the addition of a new fully-independent rear suspension which replaced the original swing axle. The Corvair’s suspension later proved controversial among some automotive journalists and consumer advocates who considered it unsafe.

Regardless, the Corvair was a clear demonstration of innovative automotive design, and its influence was carried through to subsequent General Motors models as well as other worldwide marques. Most importantly, it showed that a compact and fuel-efficient car could still provide practical utility and a rewarding driving experience. This 1966 Corvair could be one of the best-surviving examples that remain.

“Recently serviced. Super clean inside and out – ready to rock and roll,” the seller concludes. The asking price is $19,800 or best offer.

To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.

Source: www.classiccars.com