Vehicle Description
4-speed Monza convertible with incredibly rare factory A/C. Nice
older restoration still in great condition. Also features power
convertible top and real chrome wire wheels. Runs and drives great,
very solid and clean, an unusual Corvair ready to enjoy!We're fans
of the unusual and seeing that giant brick of an A/C condenser on
top of the engine in this 1963 Chevrolet Corvair Monza convertible
certainly qualifies. When was the last time you saw A/C in a
Corvair, never mind a ragtop? The restoration was finished perhaps
15 years ago, so it has some use and mileage on it, but it still
presents quite well in its original code 948 Palomar Red. The dark
red paint gives the Corvair a grown-up look and makes it seem more
substantial than many of its siblings. Bodywork is nicely done and
we see no signs of shoddy workmanship, just a few minor signs of
use like a small ding in the driver's door. Panel fit is very good,
including the doors, which suggests that the structure underneath
is sound-especially critical in a Corvair convertible. There's nice
chrome and trim, too, including the bumpers, stainless headlight
surrounds, and fluted rocker trim that's unique to the '63s.
Accessory twin deck-mounted antennas are a familiar Chevy detail
and the glass is in excellent shape all around.The black vinyl
interior is in excellent condition and shows almost no wear. Bucket
seats were standard equipment in the Monza convertible and the
woodgrained wheel helps add a sporting touch that was part of the
Corvair's mission. Standard gauges cover speed and fuel level, with
controls for the heat and A/C to the left of the steering column.
And you'll note that the center-mounted A/C unit has a built-in
hand throttle to improve airflow over the condenser using the
engine fan. Crisply rendered door panels help with the upscale
image and a cue ball shifter knob is always cool. Adding to this
Corvair's long list of features is a white power convertible top,
which stows itself neatly and the car includes a matching black
vinyl boot to make it look finished. The forward-mounted trunk
includes correct gray spatter paint, a matching full-sized spare
(no room for it in the engine bay due to the A/C, so the forward
mount is correct for this car), a jack with knock-off hammer, and
even a bottle of washer solvent on the inner fender. Nice!The
engine is the same 110-horsepower 164 cubic inch flat-6 that's
common to most Corvairs, and it's a good one. Fed by dual
carburetors, it's surprisingly torquey and digs out of corners with
enthusiasm when paired with the 4-speed manual gearbox. If you can
see underneath the condenser, you'll find a nicely detailed engine
bay with correct components and finishes, from the generator to the
twin Rochester carburetors, to the unique air filter housing for
the A/C car. And, of course, there's a familiar Frigidaire A6
compressor, which was used through the GM lineup. The engine starts
easily, idles nicely, and zips around down with a great 6-cylinder
whoosh from the engine bay, making the Corvair a lot of fun to
drive. Clutch action is reasonable and even though the transmission
is way back there, it's easy to find the gears even when you're
hustling. Underneath, you'll find that the floors are in great
condition with only a light dusting of undercoating to seal things
up. The suspension is surprisingly supple yet quite competent, and
with the engine in the back, there's no need for power steering.
Brakes are adequate for the car's performance and weight and those
chrome wire wheels look awesome wearing 185/80/13 whitewall radials
for a period perfect look.Documentation includes an owner's manual,
warranty booklet, and convertible top instruction book.We like
Corvairs a lot and this one appeals to us more than most. The
4-speed and color combination would have won us over, but the A/C
and power top are just icing on the cake. It runs and drives quite
well, doesn't have any rust issues, and shows nicely. If you're
looking for an affordable, yet unusual, hobby car, this Corvair
deserves a closer look. Call today!Harwood Motors always recommends
and welcomes personal or professional inspections of any vehicle in
our inventory prior to purchase.
