Vehicle Description
1978 Chevrolet Monza Station Wagon
"The brash, spirited Monza is here to prove you can have a
practical compact wagon that doesn't have "dull" written all over
it. Sure, it's eager for day to day tasks. But it also has the kind
of classy good looks and breezy, sporty performance you'd expect
from a wagon named Monza." From the 1978 Chevrolet wagon brochure
which highlights all of the brand's wagons available. In fact, the
Monza wagon does not appear in the 1978 Monza brochure.
For consignment, a 1978 Chevrolet Monza Station wagon with a title
verified 76,913 actual miles. There's conflicting information on
how many wagons were produced in '78, but the consensus is that
they were left over from 1977 and there weren't many. Regardless of
final numbers, when was the last time you saw one on the road or
car show?
Due to modifications of the emissions control devices installed by
the manufacturer, please check your local, state, and federal laws
to determine if this vehicle is applicable for use on public
highways in your area.*
Exterior
This Lordstown, Ohio GM plant native is now bathed in a two stage
coat of Saffron, a period appropriate shade of brown on this two
door wagon. A thin B-pillar opens up the greenhouse while the
straight shoulder line runs from the A-pillar back to the hatch.
Distinctive tail lights are shared with cousin Vega, and rear
louvered vents support GM's aversion to "dull". Up front, single
headlights with inset black bezels flank a modest black grille over
the marker lights and both chrome bumpers are rimmed with black
rubber trim. 15-inch Superior chrome wheels carry staggered tires
with a mid 2024 date code and the car sits with a slight rake. The
paint is in nice shape with imperfections that include a touched up
chip by the rocker panel, some damage at a wheel opening, and some
uneven filler near another.
Interior
It all comes flashing back when we open the door. That classic GM
simplicity begins with the plastic formed door panels in beige with
a few scratches here and there but otherwise clean. Tall backed
vinyl bucket seats live up front and are smoothly cushioned,
showing some patina but fully intact, while the back 2+2 seating
offers varied textures and shades of tan, separated by the center
hump. A four spoke steering wheel wears an aftermarket cover and
leads to a faux woodgrain paneled dash with a series of gauges
along with switchgear on a black plastic mid dash panel where we
also find an AM/FM radio. A Hurst shifter comes off the hump, bold
and aggressive for the proverbial grocery getter, but more on that
soon. The tan carpet is in great shape all the way back to the
cargo area, and the perforated headliner is impressively clean.
Drivetrain
Under the hood which wears a slight bulge, is a 355ci V8 with a
4-barrel carburetor and mated to a rebuilt Muncie M21 4-speed
manual transmission with a billet aluminum flywheel. Power gets
sent to the 10 bolt rear axle and power brakes keep things legal
with discs fronts and drums rears. The bay exhibits a clean and an
engine that's a little showy with Edelbrock valve covers, yellow
ignition wires, and a chrome air element.
Undercarriage
Relatively clean underneath where things are uniformly black,
including the dual exhaust, except for the FlowMaster mufflers
which retain their unpainted metal color. We note the absence of a
catalytic converter. Fluted tailpipes extend past each rear wheel.
Suspension consists of coil spring up front and coil springs in the
back with a torque that travels from the pumpkin to a cross beam in
front. We've got some oil showing, starting with a few drops on the
pan, transmission and then onto that crossbeam and torque arm. The
rear differential is dry.
Drive-Ability
Our consignor states that with slicks, this car can lift the front
end! Well, we're not wearing slicks and we're not prone to do
wheelies with customer cars, but it's clear there is some power
underfoot as we row the Muncie through its gears. This despite some
obvious missing in the engine and rough running. Other than that,
and the horn that's not working, all other functions operate as
they should. While Classic Auto Mall represents that these
functions were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot
guarantee these functions will be working at the time of your
purchase.
If you built plastic models in the 70's, chances are the drag Vega
was on your shelf! Well, this is about as close as you'll get with
the real thing, Vega's sportier brother, the Monza! It seems like
the coupes and hatchbacks were everywhere back in the day, a
compact car introduced during the oil embargo, and many have been
modified for track over the decades. Here's one that's relatively
stock appearing and will be a sure hit at your local car shows as a
three dimensional reminder of a bygone era that doesn't seem so
long ago!
1M15V8U206561
1-Chevrolet
M-Monza
15-2 Door 2 Seat Station Wagon
V-151ci 2bbl 4 Cylinder
8-1978
U-Lordstown, OH Assy Plant
206561-Sequential Unit Number
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and
collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate
controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8
acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic
and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the
I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit
www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us
anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.
There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee
is not included in the advertised price.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and
we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host
Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends
in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and
automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune
in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy
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