1961 Chevrolet Corvair

Monza 900 Sedan

6 - Cyl.

Automatic

109690125875

Gasoline

Presenting this one owner, 1961 Chevrolet Corvair Monza 900 In Outstanding Condition With NO RESERVE PRICE!!! Featuring: · One Original Owner · Original, California Black Plate Car · Lovingly Preserved both Mechanically & Cosmetically · Complete, 50-Year Service History · Original 1961 DMV Issued “Pink Slip” · Original Dealer Purchase Order · Lots of Valuable Spare Parts · Original Owner’s Manual & Books · Much More! If you allow time for all 95 detailed photos of this car to load, you'll take a virtual trip back in time to the 1960’s to enjoy viewing a brand new, Monza 900 Sedan. Go ahead…scroll down and see for yourself… With continued care, owning this car will make you feel that way every time you see and drive it. Designed by Edward N. Cole, the Chevrolet Corvair was a revolutionary new car. Powered by an air-cooled horizontal six-cylinder, the engine is mounted in the rear of the car, driving the rear wheels through a compact automatic transaxle. Suspension is independent at all four wheels. With no conventional frame, this was the first Unibody built by Fisher Body. The tires were an entirely new, "wide and low-profile" design. The styling was unconventional for Detroit, subtle and elegant, with no tailfins or chrome grille. Its engineering earned a flurry of patents, its styling was copied by many European makers, Time magazine put it on the cover, and Motor Trend named it the Car of the Year for 1960. Corvair owners around the world have been a dedicated and enthusiastic group from the time of its introduction to the present day. Fortunately, parts and services remain available and there is a busy calendar of shows, races, and convention events celebrating this unique automobile. The Corvair Preservation Foundation and its Corvair Museum keep the history alive. Now being over forty years since the last Corvair was built, finding a wonderfully preserved example is a rare occurrence indeed. With the average car's lifespan being about a dozen years and the attrition rate often accelerated by careless, second-hand, juvenile owners, it'd be a nice surprise to find an example of the species that, despite being 50 years old, still shines and sparkles like a late-model. The most likely place to unearth such a rare gem would be Southern California, with its mild climate and large number of collector-car enthusiasts. The wonderful 1961 Chevrolet Corvair Monza 900 presented here is a true survivor. It appears to have never suffered from neglect and is original as one could ever hope for. Purchased new on March 8, 1961 at Courtesy Chevrolet in Los Angeles, CA, this Corvair (model 969 PG 4-Dr Monza) in Almond Beige was delivered with the following standard equipment: · Powerglide Automatic Transmission · AM Radio · Padded Dash · Bucket Seats · EZI ALL Windows · 35 Amp Generator · WSW Tires · Crankcase Vent · 355-1 Rear Ratio Added Equipment Includes: · 700 Chrome Striping · Gas Heater This Monza has certainly led a charmed life as it was kept garaged and meticulously maintained by the original owner who never sold it or left the Golden State. The car was received last week from his estate and will be sold here for the first time on eBay Motors with No Reserve Price. Let's have a closer look now. Exterior: After a half century on the road, the immaculate body, undercarriage and sparkling chrome speak volumes about the loving care this Monza received and underscores the car's Southern California provenance. Still wearing most of its factory original in Almond Beige paint, the buttery finish oozes character. The mellow body has few minor cosmetic issues including some chips, dings and scratches (see detailed photos). Upon close inspection along the lower portion of the left quarter panel and rear door, the paint appears to have been re-touched and is thinning slightly. Some paint chips and scratches around the rear deck lid… …and gas door are typical for any 50-year-old car. On the right side, there is a small door ding and a slight crease that runs along the bottom of doors. These flaws are only visible if you position the car in such a way that the sun's angle casts a shadow. Otherwise, it's virtually un-detectable. The original weather stripping has dried or cracked but still functionally seals the car. There are no leaks or wind noises. Close-up photos are something rarely seen in eBay presentations. Most cars look great in photos from 10+ feet away. We are including many close-up shots here so you can inspect EVERY flaw in order to make an intelligent, informed and stress-free buying decision. Most importantly, body, sub-frame, sills and floorboards are SOLID, all the glass appears perfect and there is absolutely NO evidence of rust or collision repair that would cause the enthusiast sleepless nights. The original hub caps (5 included) are wonderfully preserved with factory correct Mastercraft Avenger G/T tires that appear to have at least 80% tread remaining. There's a tiny crease in the body panel next to the license plate (see photo above) and a few rock chips/scrapes in the paint around the fender wells (see photos below). Most importantly, the imperfections you see in the finish are not related to body corrosion. Surveying the car's coachwork today, we marvel at how well preserved it really is. In fact, with a little preparation, this fine example of the marque could be proudly displayed a local car show or Concours d'Elegance. Let’s take a look underneath: Equally pleasant to observe is the 900’s undercarriage. With only minor suface rust, all the sheet metal and sub-frame are dry and healthy, without any signs of cancer or rot anywhere. If you know just how rust-prone these completely unprotected Corvairs are, you will highly appreciate this marvelous specimen! New shocks and a dry oil pan can be seen here. We'll inspect the interior next, shall we? There is no substitute for originality, and this “900” proves the point. The bucket seats, door panels all look great; As does the original loop carpeting, padded dash, instrumentation and head liner. The seats were (at least partially) reupholstered in what appears to be original or factory correct material. A large amount of spare vinyl and cloth material is included for the future repairs. Here’s a close-up of the wonderful design in the pleated fabric. Looking at the original steering wheel, dash and instrument panel with its fascinating array of beautifully preserved chrome trim, one is transported back in time. The tactile pleasures are markedly increased by the knowledge that everything actually works… After a few seconds, the original AM radio warms-up and sounds great; even when traveling at speeds well above the double nickel. Here are the original Owner’s Manual, Owner Protection Book and a plethora of work orders nicely documenting the entire 50-year, meticulous service history. Let’s have a look in the trunk. The storage compartment (located in front) is surprisingly large and very clean. Spare wheel with tire and jacking equipment resides here. A nice option on this Monza is the gas heater located here. A typical weak spot would be the trunk floor. Out of sight and deeply recessed, it is usually the first place where corrosion develops. Things are different here! No rust is to be found; the coating inside is 100% factory original. A picture says more than a thousand words: this--all original--trunk is clean! Engine & Mechanical: With the exception of an electronic ignition amplifier mounted on the right side (where the spare tire usually resides) this Monza’s engine compartment is all original, factory-correct. You are NOT seeing rust here (or anywhere else for that matter).The brown areas on the deck lid and engine compartment walls are remnants of old, foam-insulation. Originality abounds. This is a numbers matching Monza, featuring its factory-installed engine and all the original ancillaries. The Corvair is powered by an air-cooled, flat-six engine that inhales through dual carburetors. It sounds crisp and runs smoothly, like a turbine, with superb oil pressure, cold or hot. It may come as a revelation to many, but nearly all you’ll ever need to keep this strong 6-banger going is a screw-driver, a hammer, a set of pliers, and maybe a little wire. For anybody who's paying his own bills, it surely provides peace of mind to know that; other than this little box, there are no modules, sensors, injectors or other fancy stuff that requires expensive, diagnostic equipment to maintain and repair. The Corvair is a minimalist car designed to deliver maximum fun! Beyond routine tune-ups & oil changes, thousands of dollars were invested into preventative maintenance, mainly to the engine, its ancillaries, suspension and braking systems: Over the recent years, belts brakes, bearings and bushings were changed, carburetors were tuned, plugs renewed and battery replaced. No wear item has been left unattended. Also included are a vast amount of valuable spare parts. Check out everything that’s included with the car. Any Chevy can be a very tough and reliable automobile with a bit of preventative maintenance and this Monza is as strong mechanically as it is cosmetically. Speaking of cosmetics, let us stress how immaculate the body is, how sparkling the chrome, how glossy the paint: if you wouldn't know differently, you'd think to be looking at a 5-year-old, not a 50-year-old car. This one is that clean! Drivability: Invigorating is the word that best describes this Corvair experience. This car begs to be driven! Set the choke, turn the key and the motor comes to life almost instantly. Select “D” on the dash lever and the you'll feel Powerglide transmission instantly go into gear, release the hand brake and off you go. Though 50 years old, this Monza still maneuvers comfortably in today's bustling traffic. The fun quotient is tremendous, to say the least! Dogs bark, kids point, and girls swoon wherever you go. A mellow drive in this sedan is not only a feast for all senses, but also instant relaxation for the mind. In any climate, the powerful 6-cylinder engine starts every time, idles, revs and pulls effortlessly without unusual noises or hesitation and accelerates strong and smooth leaving no smoke in your rear-view mirror. Warmed up, the oil pressure ranges from about 40 lbs. at idle to a reassuring 70 lbs. at speed. The Powerglide transmission shifts silky smooth and precise. The brakes anchor the car securely, in a straight line, and without any hint of fading. There is a normal amount of play in the steering wheel but with newer shocks and radial tires, handling and braking are simple and superb with no rattles, shakes, shimmies or pulls. All in all, this Corvair is a joy to drive! Everything works on this “900”, from the lights and switches to the heater. Despite its age, the car is definitely ready to be driven anywhere, even across the Country, if that's where you live. Pound for pound, the Corvair is simply the coolest, most unique 60’s sedan ever built. Being a highly collectible Classic with fantastic appreciation potential, this one can easily serve as a reliable daily driver. To make things even better, reasonably priced spares and affordable, classic car insurance are readily available. There's but one stumbling block on the way to Corvair heaven: Original, one owner, CA rust-free examples are very hard to find. All the more reason to watch this one closely; Presently, we have a clear, California Title. CA license and registration fees have been paid through November, 2011. Local sales tax and DMV transfer fees apply to residents in CA. All questions must be answered and all inspections must be completed PRIOR TO BIDDING. Proof of insurance will be required for a test drive. Because this is over a 50-year-old car, it is being sold in AS-IS CONDITION and comes with absolutely NO WARRANTIES EITHER EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED. The 41,716 miles displayed on this 5-digit odometer are in excess of its mechanical limits. The service history suggests the actual miles are 141,716. Only been around once! We are proud to have 100% POSITIVE FEEDBACK. Bid with confidence, knowing everything represented in this auction is accurate. BIDDERS WITH ZERO OR NEGETIVE FEEDBACK MUST EMAIL US FOR APPROVAL PRIOR TO BIDDING OR THEIR BID WILL BE CANCELED. So here it is: an original, one owner, rust-free, Southern California, Monza 900 in outstanding working order. Almost impossible to match in the sum of its traits, this motorcar also possesses something only few others can lay claim to: A Soul! An irreplaceable artifact straight out of the past, it is a reminder of the merry old days. It will put a smile on your face every time you look at it, make you a happier person every time you sit in it, and will fill you with joy every time you drive it. This Chevrolet Corvair’s present condition and buying terms have been described as accurately as possible. If you have ANY questions or want to bring a mechanic to inspect, please email us. You will receive a prompt response. This is certainly one of the finest Corvairs in the nation. Appreciating daily, the car is offered here with No Reserve. What a great opportunity to purchase a prime surviving example of the World's most acclaimed 60's Sedan, the immortal Monza 900 which is sure to remain an outstanding investment for the winning bidder and a joy to drive for many years to come. Thank you, good luck and HAPPY BIDDING!