The Chevrolet Corvair Monza GT was a middle-engined experimental prototype based totally on the early model Chevrolet Corvair series. Basically a concept auto, the Monza GT was destined never to enter production.

Design and Development

Under direction by Bill Mitchell, the Chevrolet Corvair Monza GT coupe was designed by Larry Shinoda and Tony Lapine in 1962, borrowing from the Bertone designed Testudo idea automobile. Like the earlier design, the GT doors swung upward and were basically a front hinged canopy that extended into the B section; the rear engine cover also hinged at the rear. The engine used was the standard Corvair 145 cu.in. 102 hp ( 76 kW ), flat 6 with a "two carb-layout." in contrast to the production Corvair, the GT engine was mounted before the transaxle, turned around 180 degrees and mounted as a "true" mid-engine layout. The framework was on a 92 in ( 2,337 mm ) wheelbase, sixteen inches ( 406 mm ) shorter than production automobiles. The general dimensions were in a similar way reduced with a length of 165 in ( 4191 mm), and a height of only 42 inches ( 1,067 mm ), making a small but fantastically proportioned sportscar. Besides its streamlined and "swoopy" appearance, the Monza GT was full of other leading edge features including magnesium-alloy wheels, 4-wheel disc brakes and fixed seats with adjustable pedals, features that wouldn't find their way into production autos for a long time. Some of the styling features of the GT, significantly the rear end, were the foundation for the late model production Corvair, introduced for the 1965 model year.

Operational History

Introduced to the general public in June 1962 at Elkhart Lake at an SCCA ( Sports Vehicle Club of America ) race for An and B production classes ( where in reality Chevrolet Corvettes won both events ), the Corvair Monza GT was a rapid hit with fans. Hacks then ( and now ) said that the automobile was "gorgeous." The Chevrolet Corvair Monza GT coupe toured together with its "sister ship" Monza SS ( Spyder ) in early 1963, making another public appearance at the Manhattan automobile Show. Though both cars were based primarily on the Corvair drive train, each represented a hi-tech development of the flexible Corvair design. In the SS convertible, the engine ( with a 4-carburettor setup ) was left in its stock location behind the transaxle, permitting a shorter ( 88 in ( 2,235 mm ) ) wheelbase. Though the SS came awfully close to series production, both vehicles ended up as ideas only tied to the fortunes of the embattled Corvair which was experiencing a beating by the hands of Ralph Nader. At the GM's Heritage Center in Detroit the Monza GT ended up.
One fascinating offshoot was that Disneyland featured a whole world of tomorrow automobile ride attraction that made use of the Corvair Monza GT as the base for the ride. Today, the Corvair Monza GT idea vehicle is one of the more than seven hundred cars found in the GM Heritage Collection of traditionally major cars that date back to the early 1900s.