1963 Chevrolet Corvair Monza Spyder 900

Price: - Item location: El Cerrito, California, United States
Description:

1963 Chevrolet Corvair Monza

This is a 1963 Corvair 900 Monza Spider black plate car, with the 2.4L turbocharged engine and the 4 speed transmission. The car was found in a garage under a Berkeley home, where it has sat unmolested since 1979. The story on the car is that the family who purchased the car from the original owner drove the car regularly until early 1979, when the rear window got broken out. It was placed in the garage with the intent of being repaired, but the father took sick and could no longer drive. It has sat, untouched, for the past 38 years. As the house has been sold, I was given the opportunity of moving the car. In a way, it's a time capsule, really.
The body is pretty straight. As the photos show, there was some light front end damage at some point that has been repaired. The hood mechanism has been replaced by a common handle. As stated above, the rear window is missing. All other windows look good, rolling up and down easily. The insignias and hubcaps are in really nice condition. I can't see anything else missing. Underneath is very solid. Other than a small rust area under the passenger seat, the car is rust-free.
The interior is very nice and original. There is a vertical tear on the driver seat back and a small hole on top of the rear seat back. Otherwise, the interior is really quite nice, and should need nothing more than a good cleaning. The pictures tell the story.From the dash pad to the instruments, from the immaculate steering wheel to the original factory radio, this car, from behind the wheel, is really quite something. The handles and other brightwork show nicely with only a cursory cleaning.
The front luggage compartment looks great in it's original scattershot paint, with only a few spots of corrosion.
The engine is complete and intact. It has not been started since 1979, when it was put away as a running vehicle. You would need to pull the gas tank and have it boiled out and clear the fuel lines, followed by a basic tuneup procedure before attempting to start her.
When I picked up the car, we put air in the bias ply tires, and she rolled easily. The brakes are non-functioning. The engine turned when rocked in gear. The 4 speed transmission shifts into all gears. The condition of the clutch is unknown.
It is my opinion that this is a great basis for a street quality restoration, or to simply get running and drive as is.
A few things to know. The ignition key is long missing. I have purchased a new replacement with keys that will come with the car.
The title is missing, and the car dropped out of the system here in California ages ago. As such, there will be no back fees, but you will have to get it physically inspected in order to title it. Car comes with a bill of sale only stating that fact.
Please look at the pictures, read the description and feel free to ask questions. I am not a Corvair buff, but will do my best to assist in any queries that you may have.
I can deliver this car within 50 miles of Berkeley CA free of charge upon completion of payment.
Link to additional pix available...