Affordable Classic: 1964 Chevrolet Corvair Monza Convertible
The owner of this 1964 Corvair Monza Convertible says that it is a barn find that runs like a top. It also seems to present quite nicely and would suit the person who is looking to secure a 1960s classic car on a budget. The Corvair is located in Chenango Bridge, New York, and is listed for sale here on Craigslist. The owner has set the price at what appears to be a quite reasonable $3,250 for the Corvair.
The owner doesn’t mention how long the Corvair has spent in a barn, and nor does he make any reference to rust issues. I get the impression that the Corvair was either a special order or that it has undergone a repaint in a new color at some point, as this particular shade of blue doesn’t appear on any Chevrolet color charts for that year. The Corvair has also had body moldings at some point because you can see evidence of these down both sides of the car. There are no visible signs of rust, but we don’t receive any information about the state of the floors. Having said that, the owner does say that the car really needs to be seen, which tends to suggest that it might be a fairly solid old classic.
This is as close as we get to a look at the interior, and while the front seats look like they will need new covers, the rest of the interior trim looks quite promising. The dash looks clean, and the factory radio is still present. The wheel looks like it is free of any cracks, and there is really no evidence that the interior has been the subject of any long-term exposure to UV rays.
The owner doesn’t provide any photos of the engine, but he does give us a bit of information. He does claim that the Corvair has covered a genuine 17,000 miles, but it isn’t clear whether he has any evidence to back this claim. He also says that the car is still home to its original 110hp engine and 4-speed manual transmission. While it doesn’t appear as though the car has seen the open road for a while, the owner does drive it around his property a bit to keep it fresh. He says that it runs and drives well and that it recently received some new hoses and a fresh set of tires. As stated previously, he says that the car runs like a top and that all it requires is a little TLC to return it to its best.
It appears that the owner of this 1964 Corvair Monza isn’t that keen to part with a car that he has owned for an extended period of time, and is only doing so because he is having to relocate. On the face of it, it would appear that his loss is going to be someone else’s gain. He seems pretty ready and willing to allow potential buyers to inspect the car, and that level of enthusiasm and willingness is almost always a pretty good sign. If the Corvair is as good as he seems to suggest, it sounds like it isn’t going to take much work before the car is ready to return to active duty. If this is really the case, then this might be a good investment for someone on the hunt for their first classic car.
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Comments
These cars are fun to drive. Decent power etc. and at this price, with minimal or no rust, would be a good buy.
It looks great, but a picture or 2 of the engine, and underneath would be nice.
If only it were a Spyder. Nevertheless this will make a fun little car to buzz around in. Who knows what a buff n shine might do for the paint. This could be a diamond in the rough.
God bless America
Again, I love Corvairs, but you must seal the engine properly with new modern seals. The 1964 had a rear trans-mount leaf spring to help correct oversteer. These can be great fun cars.
My friends mom had one of these and my eternal memory of it was when she pulled in the driveway and the brakes failed and she drove it through a chain link fence.
There are no photos with the top up. It appears that both front seats will need to be reupholstered. The wheel covers are missing. Etc. But then, for $3,250. you can’t expect pristine condition.
Good price but no higher, and I’d need to see the underside, as rainwater collects when the drains are plugged up, just like an old Volkswagen.
Looks like a solid Vair. These cars are effortless to drive and quite reliable. If the floors and wheelwells aren’t rusty, this a bargain. Clark’s has perfect repro interiors. I have same car with automatic and factory A/C.
What’s a Convertible doing in NY? I wonder how much to bubble rap it, and ship it to SoCal?
Fun little ride at a good price!! For the price you can’t beat shifting the gears and having a little fun!!!
These are fun cars to drive and if it runs drives and stops its worth it. Too bad its not the spyder with the turbo it would be a great street racer . Price is great for running convertible, its a good deal .
Much is made of the valuable Spyders, for obvious reasons–they have been on the top of the Vair heap since their introduction. I’d rather have this honest two carb Monza in its good blue finish and 4spd! Memories of buying one in red at an auction in the late 70s for $99. Fun car to knock around in. IIRC, the 110hp was not offered in 1964. It would have been a 95hp. Turbo boost would bring that up 40 more hp to 150 (1962-64 only). The late models were available with base 95, 110, four carb 140 and Corsa turbo 180.
Wrong. The engines went from 145 cu. in. in ’63, to 164 cu. in. in ’64. 110 HP engines were usually standard issue in Monzas of 1964. I own one.
Hey Joe, I’m on the line about buying one. I have looked at some and like them a lot, drove and worked on a 65 in high school. Any details on yours or buying advice? ……….my only must have is has to be a convertible.
Get under it. look for rusted through floorboards, at the lower corners of the windshield and the wheelwells. Compare the engine to a pic of a stock car. Look closely. Does the engine make clattering noises? Automatic transmissions are very durable. A clutch rattle in neutral with the pedal out would be loose rivets. Modified parts are universally available. Does it run smoothly and take the gas cleanly as you accelerate? If not, carbs could beed rebuilding or need a tune up. There is a huge online community of Corvair guys who can assist with advice – and there is usually help available in most areas. Facebook: Corvair Owners Group. Yahoo: Virtualvairs. National club: Corsa
Great advice, thank you. Details on yours? Any year preferences?
Joe, thanks for correcting my specs…done from memory. @On and on…if it is a convertible you must have you will find the early 62-64 tend to not have as much problem with rust in the convertible-specific areas. A 65-69 convertible will have a windshield which is “molded” onto the cowl (notorious rust area) and the side window seals deteriorate over time and start the leaking process. A early model convertible will have framed, flat side glass. On the other hand, I think the late model is a prettier car and can hold up again modern auto designs. Whatever car you choose, do as Joe suggests and get under the car and maybe even lift the bottom rear seat cushion….look for rust out where rainwater can side for years over the heater channels that begin at the forward edge of the rear seat and run up to the blower near the top well. Good luck to you.
What new bosses? It’s air cooled
still available?
Available?