1962 Chevrolet Corvair Series Convertible

The rear-engine Chevrolet Corvair, introduced in 1960, bristled with technical innovation. The flat-six aluminum engine was novel. So was the independent swing-axle rear suspension. Corvair was also General Motor's first production car to feature unitized body/frame construction. With the introduction of the Monza coupe in late 1960, the Corvair found its real niche as a sporty car.

Corvair came closer than ever to true sports-car status in mid-1962, when the Monza Convertible and turbocharged Monza Spyder (available as both coupe and convertible) were put into production. At the heart of the Spyder package was the 'Super Turbo-Air' turbocharged version of Corvair's 145 cubic-inch engine. Horsepower was 150, and a 3-speed manual or 4-speed manual was the only available transmission. The Spyder also included a specially tuned suspension with front stabilizer bar. A beautiful brushed aluminum dash with full instrumentation was the perfect finishing touch. Other interior appointments matched the standard Monza. The Monza Spyder was offered from 1962 through 1964. A total of 39,808 were built during this three-year period.

The current owner of this 1962 Monza Spyder convertible found the car around 2007. It was a painted shell, with all of the parts in boxes. It has since been restored to its current condition.