Buzz
Unlike other Chevy Monza models of the era, the 1962 Monza station wagon was often seen as less appealing. Explore more vintage car images.The peak of the Chevrolet Corvair Monza station wagon's success came in 1962. While future upgrades like increased power, chassis improvements, and a stylish redesign were on the horizon for GM's divisive compact, 1962 marked a year of thrilling new releases and improved performance. With 292,531 units produced, it became the most successful year in the decade-long history of Chevy's response to the Volkswagen Beetle.
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Introduced in 1961, the Chevrolet Corvair Monza station wagon joined the midrange 700 series. Known as the Lakewood, this six-seater provided 58 cubic feet of storage capacity, featuring a cargo floor stretching nearly 6.5 feet when the rear seats were folded.
A convenient single-piece liftgate allowed effortless entry to the storage area, though the floor was elevated above the bumper level to accommodate the Corvair's air-cooled, horizontally opposed six-cylinder engine with an aluminum block.
Bucket seats were an available upgrade for the Chevy Monza wagon.Priced at $2,569, the 1962 Chevrolet Corvair Monza station wagon mirrored the trim of other models in the lineup, with bucket seats—adding a sporty touch to other Monzas—offered as an optional feature.
The 145-cubic-inch engine delivered 80 horsepower when paired with the standard three-speed manual transmission, and 84 horsepower with the optional Powerglide automatic. Additional powertrain choices included a four-speed manual and a "Super Turbo-Air" engine, boosting output to 102 horsepower.
Optional upgrades could enhance the horsepower of the Monza station wagon.Despite the allure of the 1962 Chevrolet Monza, the station wagon version didn't share the same appeal. Only 2,362 units were produced in 1962, along with 3,716 in the 700 trim, before the body style was discontinued.
One of the few remaining 1962 Chevrolet Monza station wagons is Douglas Englin's Twilight Blue model showcased here. This 1962 Chevrolet Corvair Monza was in excellent, rust-free condition when he purchased it in 1992 in North Dakota.
This blue Chevrolet Corvair Monza station wagon is one of the rare 1962 models still in existence.Despite its condition, Englin, from North Aurora, Illinois, dedicated five years to its restoration, which included a fresh coat of paint, new trim, and reupholstered interiors. The vehicle is powered by the 102-horsepower Super Turbo-Air engine, paired with the Powerglide transmission.
Additional premium features on Englin's car include front bucket seats, a tissue dispenser, wire wheel covers, a roof rack, bumper guards, and side-window "ventshades."
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