1965 Chevrolet Corvair Monza Convertible

History

A truly unique automobile and a daring leap from more conventional designs for Chevrolet, the Corvair was quite successful and provided loyal American buyers with a technically sophisticated, nimble, roomier, and better-equipped alternative to the Volkswagens, Porsches and other small European cars imported in fast-growing numbers to North America during the late 1950s.

Launched for 1960, the Corvair was initially offered with a veritable multitude of body styles ranging from sedans, convertibles, wagons, and even van and pickup variants. The launch of the Monza Club Coupe in April 1960 was highly successful, and with its upscale features and bucket-seat interior, soon outsold every other Corvair model offered. Fun-to-drive and agile, and equipped with a four-speed manual transmission, the Corvair enjoyed success as an economical and sporty car. The Corvair Monza Convertible debuted for 1962. Interestingly, the Corvair and its early success spurred Ford Motor Company product planners to spearhead the compact Falcon-based Mustang, which arrived in 1964. Corvair styling was thoroughly revised for 1965 and continues to age very well among today’s collectors and enthusiasts seeking a less-common and more-affordable classic vehicle to show and drive.

This attractively presented and exceptionally original 1965 Chevrolet Corvair Monza convertible was under the loving care of the original owner from new until just about two years ago, when the current owner acquired it. At the time of writing, the odometer indicates 85,333 miles – or 1,551 miles annually on average over the past 56 years.