For those old enough to remember, the Chevy Monza of the mid-seventies was a big deal. It was rushed into production to fend off Lee Iaccoca’s downsized Mustang II of 1974.
The 1975 Monza sported Ferrari-esque bodywork, an optional 262 cubic-inch V8 engine, and was one of the first GM cars to feature rectangular headlamps. Just as the Mustang II was based on the lowly Pinto chassis, the Monza was based on the Vega platform. The Monza lineup then grew to include a coupe and even a wagon.
The car was originally supposed to be introduced with a Wankel rotary engine, but the newfangled powerplant was stillborn, killed for durability issues and thirst.
The Monza sold well and was ubiquitous back in the Seventies, but it made quite a name for itself in racing. Modified Monzas racked up impressive wins in the IMSA Camel GT Challenge, beating snooty entries from both Porsche and BMW.
Chevy even offered a production version with decals and plastic fender flares – Photo GM
Because production versions were Vega-based, Monzas were prone to rust and few survive today. Almost 50 years later, the styling looks as good as it once did and these cars now easily lend themselves to restomods and race cars.
Speaking of race cars, a very nice modified Monza has popped up for sale on the interwebs. This particular example is a tribute to the iconic DeKon Monza Mirage, which has been fastidiously restored to its former glory.
Originally campaigned in the SCCA Trans-Am series, this Monza was driven by James Kersey, carrying the moniker, “Spirit of the Cherokee Nation.” Its distinctive black and white livery, a nod to its heritage, is instantly recognizable. Under the fiberglass skin, a stout tubular steel chassis provides a rock-solid foundation for this Vega in drag. The fiberglass bodywork, nicely restored, showcases iconic DeKon design cues such as the lift-off hood and flared fenders.
Powering this Monza is a potent 356 cubic-inch Chevy V8 engine, mated to a Jerico four-speed manual transmission. This sturdy combination delivers exhilarating performance, propelling the car forward with clarity. The engine’s power is harnessed by a nine-inch rear end with a Watts linkage, ensuring ample friction with the tarmac.
Inside the cockpit, a roll cage and Sparco racing seat provide a safe environment for the driver. A host of performance gauges, including an AiM MXL digital dash, keep the driver up to date. The car’s suspension and braking systems have been upgraded to meet the demands of modern vintage racing. JRZ coilovers and Wilwood brakes provide modern performance on the track.
This Monza’s restoration was a labor of love, undertaken to preserve a piece of motorsports history. The attention to detail is evident in every aspect of the car, from the meticulously refinished bodywork to the meticulously rebuilt engine.
As this restored Monza continues to grace the tracks of vintage racing events, it reminds us of the golden era of American muscle cars and the timeless appeal of classic race cars.
What is this thing worth? We think this old Monza racer is fantastic, and so do others. The highest bid on Bring A Trailer topped out at $52,500 as the auction sunset. Not too bad for a malaise-era Monza, but not enough to meet the auction’s reserve. If all this turns you on, be sure to check out the comments section of the auction. You can even take a warm-up lap in the car — via video — around Virginia International Raceway!
Photography – Bring A Trailer
