When I was a kid, my grandfather had a black early Corvair behind his house. I never quite understood it then…there were Chevrolet bow-ties visible, but the word “Chevrolet” wasn’t anywhere on it. It didn’t sound powerful, it didn’t look like much, and he never drove it. I didn’t understand or fully appreciate Corvairs until I saw a ’67 Monza Spyder, at which point I started learning about the history behind them. Light, rear engined and air-cooled, they were meant to be little economy cars…at least, by early 1960’s standards. Unfortunately, performance really wasn’t an option for the Corvair, unless you were friends with Don Yenko.

This particular 1961 Monza 900 doesn’t have that problem, as it has been treated to a mild Pro Street build. A full tube frame has appeared under the car, and the air-cooled engine has disappeared for a 383 Chevy with a Weiand 6-71 on top of it. Power goes through a modified Powerglide out to a Moser-filled Dana 60 filled with 4.30 gears.

The seller is looking at a new build, something with a backseat, and has decided to let this one go. As of writing, the car is sitting at about $15,000, or can be bought now for $18,ooo. Given that the engine, trans and rear end could come close to those figures in value, it’s a decent enough buy. Light, powerful, and ready to go, this Corvair is sure to find a good home in short order.

CLICK HERE to see the eBay listing for this 1961 Corvair while it is still active