1963 Chevrolet Corvair Monza 900 Convertible

Description

Rumor had it Porsche designed the Chevrolet Corvair, a car completely different from any other American automobile before or since. Ed Cole — then head of Chevrolet Engineering — confirmed that the Corvair’s concept was inspired by the VW Beetle, but clarified that Porsche wasn’t involved in its design. Yet in 1957, Chevrolet Engineering purchased a Porsche 1600 coupe, and later that year, with the Corvair’s engine and suspension ready for testing but no prototype body available, engineers installed the new setup into the Porsche. “I drove this car at the GM Technical Center and Milford Proving Grounds and at Pikes Peak, Colorado, in early 1958,” Ed Cole reported. “I knew that we had a winner.” 

The Corvair was introduced in 1960, and the Monza trim quickly became the most popular version due to its upscale interior and sporty appeal. It featured sleek lines, bucket seats, and two-speed automatic or four-speed manual transmissions, appealing to a younger, more style-conscious demographic. Then there was the 84 hp air-cooled engine in back and four-wheel independent suspension delivering excellent handling. As Classic Motorsports magazine reported, “For dollar-conscious enthusiasts seeking a sporty ’60s car with many of the Porsche’s attributes at a fraction of the cost, the Corvair offers an appealing alternative.” 

Highlights 

• America’s unique rear-engine compact showing 38,159 miles believed original 

• Finished in Ermine White (986) with a black folding soft top 

• Medium Red Imitation Leather (781) vinyl bucket seat interior  

• Powered by an 84 hp 145 cu-in “Turbo-Air” rear-mounted air-cooled six-cylinder engine 

• Two-speed Powerglide automatic transmission 

• The chassis number (30967W28315) decodes as:  

  • 3 – Model year 1963 

  • 09 – Series Corvair Monza 900 

  • 67 – Body style two-door convertible 

  • W – Willow Run, Michigan, final assembly plant 

  • 28315 – Sequential Production Number 

Features 

• New carburetors 

• Aftermarket stereo 

• New plastic back window 

• All service up to date 

Known Imperfections 

• Power convertible top non-functioning, now manual 

• One small dent in rear bumper 

• One small rust bubble on driver’s door near rearview mirror 

Included 

• Convertible top boot 

• Framed original advertisement for the 1963 Corvair 

 Ownership History 

This 1963 Corvair Monza Convertible has 38,159 miles the consignor states is original and has been “always garaged, and that it “runs excellent” and there are “no squeaks or rattles.” They have owned it since 2024.