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26/01/2026 6:52 pm
1963 Chevrolet Corvair Monza SS Concept.
This is my second Corvair Concept posted. This one I have not found a 1/43 model for so far. The Monza GT has the same nose but a different interior and rear. I will post that next week.
If anyone knows of a model of this version, please let us know.
The Chevrolet Corvair, introduced in 1960, was a unique American compact distinguished by its rear-mounted, air-cooled engine – a design philosophy more common in European vehicles of the time.
While the standard Corvair offered practicality and a distinctive driving experience, Chevrolet also explored its sporting potential through various concepts. The 1963 Chevrolet Corvair Monza SS Concept emerged as a striking vision of a high-performance roadster, building upon the sporty “Monza” trim level of the Corvair coupe. This concept car, designed in 1963, never reached production but remains a fascinating study in design and engineering, hinting at a different direction the Corvair lineup could have taken.
Photographs were taken at the Cobble Beach Concours-d’Elegance.
The 1963 Corvair Monza SS Concept was engineered with a focus on enhanced performance. It retained the Corvair’s signature rear-mounted, horizontally-opposed six-cylinder air-cooled engine. However, this experimental version was significantly upgraded with six carburetors and a modified exhaust system that exited through distinctive side outlets. This configuration was intended to deliver a substantial increase in power compared to the production Corvair engines of the time. While specific horsepower figures for this concept are not definitively documented, the multi-carburetor setup and free-flowing exhaust strongly suggest a performance-oriented tune aimed at providing a more thrilling driving experience in line with its sporty roadster aspirations. The concept utilized a stock four-speed manual Corvair transaxle, channeling the enhanced power to the rear wheels. The shortened wheelbase and lightweight fiberglass body would have further contributed to a more agile and responsive feel.
26/01/2026 9:35 pm
1970s so quality is pretty poor David. eBay item number:257205952400.
Could have sworn I've seen a kit too.
27/01/2026 6:51 am
This concept is COOL! My brother owned a Corvair for a couple years. I don't remember it all that well though.
David Green and Christopher Moroni reacted
27/01/2026 7:18 am
...obviously a lot of future Corvette in this one. 😏
David Green and Tony Perrone reacted
27/01/2026 11:09 am
@geoff-jowett That eBay item is a Joal knockoff of the Tekno (Denmark). Pilen did one too. They faked a Monza SS by just using the same castings and opening up the clear plastic roof! I have many examples of each!
Topic starter
27/01/2026 12:29 pm
Hi Karl and Geoff.,
It has been frustrating finding an accurate Monza SS version.The Tekno and Joal versions that I have, list it as a Monza GT, not SS. I note that it was sold with top open and top closed. THE GT was closed while the SS should be open. The back assembly on all issues that I have seen is the GT back. Here is the Joal. Note the window in the GT rear.
Aurora made a plastic 1/24 kit of the Monza SS but it is missing the spoiler shown on the actual car as well as the front headlights and assembly. Also the windscreen is incorrect.
There is what I think is a 3D urethane 1/24th version labelled SD currently on eBay. It also is missing the spoiler. 6 of these were evidently made.
27/01/2026 4:32 pm
great post gents. Such a beautifully designed car with an interesting provenance. Definitely needs a precision replica made!
Christopher Moroni and David Green reacted
28/01/2026 1:16 am
This one by Matrix looks far more interesting.
28/01/2026 9:09 am
