Being able to see the transformation of a car that you bought in neglected or poor condition is one of the most gratifying aspects of owning a barn find. Whether it’s the satisfaction that comes from getting a car running or simply bringing some shine back to the paint, those gradual improvements deliver feelings of satisfaction like no new car ever could. That’s why this Craigslist listing for a 1961 Chevy Corvair Monza coupe caught my eye, the seller bought this car out of the previous owner’s shed and has performed quite a transformation. Check it out here in North Carolina for $4,000 or best reasonable offer.

Called the “Poor man’s Porsche” by the automotive pundits of the day, the Corvair is oftentimes remembered as a key target in Ralph Nader’s efforts to change the course of automotive safety. This is a bit unfair, as the Corvair was a competent handler that offered solid performance and was later found to put passengers at no greater risk of an accident than other compact cars of the day. Although it wasn’t a hot seller at first, the arrival of the Monza with standard bucket seats and an optional 95-bhp motor helped turn consumers on to the idea of an affordable sports car that offered decent handling in an attractive package.

As someone who was born after the introduction of the Corvair, I’m fascinated by the level of technology integrated into what was by and large an economy car. An all-aluminum, air-cooled engine, mounted in the rear, a fully-independent suspension, and the inclusion of features that today are must-haves, like the folding rear seat. For a family just starting out, the Corvair made it possible to choose from a wagon, convertible, sedan or coupe configurations, with the option of stepping up to the turbocharged Corsa models if performance was your endgame. Imagine having that many options in an economy car lineup today, all with the baked-in handling benefits like only a rear-engine car can deliver.

The seller of this Monza notes that when he pulled it out of the previous owner’s shed, it had been parked since 1973 with only 48,000 miles. The transformation that has taken place since then, most notably with the resurgence of the original Roman Red paint, is incredible. He claims the car is largely as-delivered, down to the body panels and upholstery, which look to be in very serviceable condition in the photos. Whatever his formula was for bringing this car back from the brink, the before and after photos are amazing and should give us all hope when starting a new project. Is this Corvair right for you, or would you hold out for another model? Let us know in the comments below.