Chevrolet is one of the most successful automakers of all time, but even it has experienced short-lived and relatively unsuccessful vehicles. One example is the Chevrolet Monza. The Monza entered the market in 1975, but Chevrolet discontinued the car after the 1980 model year. Though the car had decent sales initially, the number of people willing to buy the vehicle had dwindled significantly in the later years of its short time on the market.
So, what exactly was the Chevrolet Monza? In a nutshell, it is a high-performance car the automaker intended to be an answer to Ford’s Mustang II. The vehicle had all the makings of a successful entry into the car market. It was fast and powerful, had a look people genuinely loved, and the public largely considered the vehicle a great car. However, most people agree that timing was the cause of the car’s demise. Still, the Monza is a vehicle gearheads adore still today.
The Chevrolet Monza has a long history behind it despite its short run on the market. It’s a vehicle that was actually a worthy competitor to the Mustang, which means it has a great deal to offer but couldn't necessarily compete due to an overcrowded market and changing standards at the time.
Here’s what you need to know before buying a Chevrolet Monza.
Chevrolet Monza Engine And Performance
The story of the engine used in the now classic Chevrolet Monza started before the car even entered the market. Initially, the automaker planned to use a GM-Wankel rotary engine. However, this changed due to low fuel economy and failure to meet emissions standards. So instead, the automaker went with a 4.3-liter OHV 16-valve V8 engine. The car has a maximum output of 110 horsepower at 3,600 rpm and a torque of 195 lb-ft at 2,000 rpm. This is a rear-wheel drive vehicle with a three-speed automatic transmission.
Regarding speed, the 1976 Chevrolet Monza was decently fast for its time. According to reports, the car accelerates from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 13.4 seconds. It goes a quarter-mile in only 18.5 seconds. It has a top speed of 115 miles per hour. For the sake of comparison, the 1975 Ford Mustang accelerates from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 12.2 seconds. Clearly, this car from Chevrolet competed with some of the best. However, there were far too many iconic rides on the market at the time for it to truly shine. Luckily, there is a place for it today on the used car market.
The Exterior Of The Chevrolet Monza Is One Of The Classics
The Chevrolet Monza has an unmistakably classic exterior. The car is quite stylish, with much of what gives it character coming from the front. The lights are among the most defining characteristics. On most models, the car features recessed double headlights. It also has a fairly simple front grille that adds a degree of simplicity to the vehicle and helps provide balance. Of course, the Monza is a hatchback, which also means that much of the attention goes to the rear. It has a reasonably large trunk that helps make the Monza look like the decade it originates from. Not only this, but this section of the car adds a great deal of space for storage.
In most ways, this car had a look that should have been a success. It has the same appearance and overall shape as other muscle cars of the time, such as the Chevelle and the Mustang. However, the fact that it’s a hatchback makes it a bit different from the rest. Even today, the classic Chevrolet Monza is a car that stands on its own regarding its appearance.
Today's Price Of The Chevrolet Monza Makes It A Perfect Buy
The Chevrolet Monza is a car that has a nice stable price on the used car market. It’s not the most expensive option out there, but it commands a price high enough to show its value. According to the auction site Classic, the Monza has an average price of $12,725. The lowest-priced option went for $9,075, and the highest sold for $16,500. These figures derive from five sales. This price makes all-year models of the Chevrolet Monza perfect for gearheads in search of a quality classic vehicle. Though it’s terrific on its own, the Monza is also ripe for modifications and upgrades.
The Chevrolet Monza may never have become as popular as the primary car the automaker intended it to compete with, but it still has a strong reputation. It’s a powerful car that has a dynamic look people generally respect. As is the case with many classic cars, the Monza name has appeared on several other vehicles. The most recent is a Chinese sedan that hit the market in 2019. Despite these other cars, the classic version is still the most well-known.
Sources: Classic